Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, south east Iceland

GPS POINTS N63° 46′ 16.026″ W18° 10′ 19.506″

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, south east Iceland

Location: South east Iceland
Directions from Reykjavík to Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon on Google maps.
Duration: Cirka 3,5 hours drive from Reykjavík to Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

The panoramic views of the 100 meters deep and somewhat narrow canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur will leave you speechless. This amazing sight stretches its history all the way to the Ice Age, as the bedrock of the canyon is thought to be about two million years old. The river that runs through the canyon is named Fjadra and has a rather soft stream as it consists of relatively low water. Therefore, hikers and visitors alike can walk by the river. More ofter though, travelers make use of the walking path up on the canyon’s edge, while simultaneously enjoying the view above the canyon.

The canyon has sheer walls, and is somewhat serpentine and narrow. The river Fjaðrá has its source in the mountain Geirlandshraun and falls off the heath edge in this stunning canyon until it makes it down into Skaftá river. Fjaðrá has changed a lot in the course of time. Today Fjaðrá is often rather low in water and therefore hikers can safely choose to walk inside the canyon.

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is easily accessible from Reykjavík, but driving (non-stop) will take you about 3,5 hours. With all the unique attractions along the way, you definitely will want to make several stops. If you are heading to Fjaðrárgljúfur from Reykjavík, follow route one east for 256 KM. You will pass through the towns of Selfoss, Hella, Hvolsvollur, Vik, and Kirkjubæjarklaustur before arriving. All those places have gas stations, shops, and other necessary services for your travels.