• Polski
  • English
  • Icelandic canyons

    One of the elements that contribute to Iceland’s interesting terrain is its numerous canyons and gorges. These were formed by water or erupting volcanoes.

    One of the most difficult to reach, but hailed as Iceland’s most beautiful canyon, is Markarfljótsgljúfur in the south of the island, in the Thorsmork (interior) region.

    However, if you don’t have a 4-wheel drive car, you should be interested in a trip to the beautiful and extremely narrow Rauðfeldsgjá. Fjaðrárgljúfur, or Hafrahvammagljufur should certainly not be missed either.

    Be sure to read the following articles, which will help you learn about all of Iceland’s major attractions and their interesting history.

    Top canyons and fissures in Iceland

    Hafrahvammagljúfur – a Massive and Beautiful Canyon in the East of Iceland

    Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon in the eastern part of Iceland is one of the most impressive canyons on the island. It is more than 200 meters (660 ft) deep and…

    Gjain – a Hidden Gem of Icelandic Nature

    Gjáin (Gjain) is a picturesque green hollow in the Þjórsárdalur valley in South Iceland. It is also home to one of Iceland's smaller but more charming waterfalls. Gjáin…

    Eldgja and Ofaerufoss – Fire Canyon and Impassable Waterfall

    Eldgjá, also known as the Fire Canyon, is a massive eruptive fissure of the Katla volcanic system. Its slopes are also home to the beautiful Ófaerufoss waterfall. Eldgjá…

    Asbyrgi – a Scenic Horseshoe-Shaped Canyon

    Ásbyrgi is an impressive horseshoe-shaped canyon located about 30 km north of Iceland's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. There are several reasons to see this canyon. The unusual origins…

    How Has Iceland Formed – Its Geology in a Nutshell

    Iceland owes its beautiful landscapes to unusual volcanic (and glacial) activity. But why exactly here are there so many active volcanoes? And why exactly here - in the…

    Thakgil – a Canyon Between Glaciers

    Thakgil (Þakgil) is a hidden canyon located 20 km (12 miles) northeast of the town of Vik, between the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the black sands of Mýrdalssandur. The…

    Studlagil Canyon – Iceland’s Hidden Treasure

    Studlagil (Stuðlagil) Canyon is located in northeastern Iceland in the Jökuldalur glacial valley. In good weather its basalt columns of rock, cut through by a beautiful wild river,…

    Stakkholtsgja – a Picturesque Canyon in Thorsmork

    Stakkholtsgjá (also called Stakkholts) is a massive and fabulously beautiful canyon in the Thorsmork (Þórsmörk) area of the Icelandic Highlands. It is about 100 m (330 ft) deep…

    Raudfeldsgja Gorge – a Beautiful Rock Crevice

    Raudfeldsgja Gorge (Rauðfeldsgjá) is the narrowest and, at the same time, the largest rock crevice in Iceland that you can explore from the inside. See where to find…

    Markarfljotsgljufur – a Beautiful Canyon in the Mountains

    Markarfljótsgljúfur is a canyon in the southern part of Iceland, east of Hvolsvöllur. Many consider it the most beautiful canyon on the island, yet it sees few visitors,…

    Top 10 Most Beautiful Canyons of Iceland [+ extra]

    Tourists don’t see canyons and gorges as the most representative or best attractions in Iceland. But it is a mistake! These amazing formations, chiseled by nature, are often…

    Kolugljufur – the Canyon of the Kola Giantess

    Kolugljúfur (Kolugljufur, Icelandic for Kola's Canyon) is a canyon on the Víðidalsá River - one of Iceland's most important salmon rivers, flowing through the Víðidalur valley (up to…