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 canyon gets its name – in Icelandic it means “roof canyon” – from the high, moss-covered rock walls that protect it from the elements. Its distinctive feature is the beautiful light green vegetation, which looks like an oasis in the dark volcanic landscape. The finest spot in Þakgil is the crystal-clear waterfall hidden deep inside it.
Thakgil campsite
Water from the waterfall flows straight into the Thakgil campsite, which lies at the foot of the canyon. It is open from June 1 to September 30, and the owners will stretch the season at both ends by arrangement. You can pitch a tent or rent one of the cabins.
A night in a cabin costs 34,000 ISK (about $280), a tent site 3,000 ISK (about $25) per person aged 12 and over. A cabin is sleeping-bag accommodation for four, with a kitchen corner – two gas burners, a sink, a fridge and basic cookware – and a WC where only cold water runs from the taps; showers and toilets are at the campsite (source: thakgil.is, prices September 2026).
The route from the campsite to the top of the canyon is just over 1 km (0.6 miles), and several more marked trails of different difficulty start right by the cabins.
How to get to Thakgil
To get to Thakgil, turn off road 1 to the north about 5 km (3 miles) east of Vik and Myrdal, onto road 214 (Kerlingardalsvegur). This is not a mountain road, but a gravel road, and although it is sometimes in poor condition, even the smallest cars can handle it. The canyon is located just behind the campsite, at the end of this road.
From Vik and Myrdal the distance to the parking lot at Thakgil Canyon is only about 20 km (12 miles), but it is worth reserving up to an hour to cover it.
