Markarfljótsgljúfur is a canyon located in the southern part of Iceland, west of Hvolsvöllur. It is described by many as the absolute most beautiful canyon of the island, but it is visited rarely, because it is de facto impossible to get here – you have to come on your feet, and the nearest parking lot is not only distant, but difficult to reach by car.
The canyon itself reaches a depth of about 200 meters, and its most accessible area stretches for about 4 km. The history of Markarfljótsgljúfur began with the eruption of the infamous Katla volcano, some 2,000 years ago. Today we can admire its vertical and often very close walls, decorated with beautiful green mosses, but also colored with the full palette of volcanic colors – from deep black, to vivid metallic red….
The canyon is part of a popular and certainly the most beautiful hiking route in Iceland – the Laugavegur Trail – connecting Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork
How to get to Markarfljótsgljúfur
You’ll have to walk to Markarfljótsgljúfur, but the closest starting point for the hike is the Emstrur-Botnar Hut, run by the Ferdafelag Islands Society (Ferðafélag Íslands – Icelandic Tourist Association). The canyon starts not far from the hostel – even only about 500 meters away – but its most beautiful parts are a little further south, about 3 km from the hostel.
The Emstrur-Botnar Hut can be reached by road F261 (mountain road – for 4×4 vehicles only) from the vicinity of Landmannalaugar or – on the other hand – from Hvolsvöllur. Starting from Hvolsvöllur after about 55 km, when the road from the northern direction turns east again, turn south on the (even) smaller access road to the hostel.
The hostel also offers camping, so you can stay here overnight to have a full day to hike to beautiful Markarfljótsgljúfur.
The hostel is usually open from late June to mid-September.
Phone number for the Emstrur-Botnar Hut: +354 490 0137
