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 breathtaking and leave memories that last.
Where are Iceland’s best canyons – map
The most beautiful and interesting canyons of Iceland are hard to rank against one another. However, they can be grouped into three distinct categories. Roughly speaking, these are the canyons you have to see, the ones worth seeing, and the ones you can see if it works out. Inside each of these categories, we present canyons in alphabetical order and they are all equal.
Map: Top 10 Canyons of Iceland – click to open the interactive map.
Read the descriptions of the three categories mentioned above:
- The Gold category – must see
In this group we placed 3 top canyons that you simply must see. If you skip one of them, you’ll have to go back to Iceland… These places just have to “fit” in your itinerary, especially as they are relatively easy to access.We also included a bonus in this Gold category. It is described as a separate item on the list because it is not necessarily a canyon. Still, it is an absolute must-see!
- The Silver category – definitely worth seeing
The Silver category includes places that are special and worthwhile, albeit with more difficult access. All of them are located in the interior, which means you can see them only in summer – and only with a 4×4 vehicle and a longer detour into the highlands built into your plan.However, if you possibly can, take some time to go to these canyons, especially as each of them is surrounded by other attractions.
- The Bronze category – see them if you can
In this third category we placed canyons that are undoubtedly beautiful, interesting and worth seeing, but not so much as to warrant changes in your itinerary just so you can visit them.If you happen to be in the area, by all means drive up there and see these places. But if it does not suit you or you don’t have a “spare” hour, you’ll be fine without them.
The Gold category – must see
Asbyrgi
Asbyrgi is a really special point on the map of Iceland. It belongs (as an exclave) to the Vatnajökull National Park. Located in the north-east, this horseshoe-shaped canyon is 3.5 km (2.2 mi) long and over 1 km (0.6 mi) wide.
It is a spectacular place, remarkable not only for its beauty but also for its startling history of enormous floods many thousands of years ago. Naturally, the place also has its legend…
Interestingly, it is one of the few areas on the island that is quite heavily forested! Asbyrgi is even more charming for the presence of Eyjan – a huge rock formation cutting it in half – and a small but exceptionally picturesque lake called Botnstjörn at its southern end.
Read about everything that you’ll see in Asbyrgi, how to get there, and what hiking trails you can choose from in this article Asbyrgi – a picturesque, horseshoe-shaped canyon.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Around 100 m (330 ft) deep and almost 2 km (1.2 mi) long, Fjadrargljufur is a strikingly picturesque canyon in southern Iceland.
At its base you can see the delightfully blue Fjaðrá river snaking its way along. Diverse rock formations adorning the top of the canyon combine the black of basalt rocks with the green of the moss that grows on them. All this adds up to a striking sight that attracts the eyes and camera lenses of thousands of visitors every year.
This place owes much of its immense popularity to a singer who shot one of his music videos here. Read all you need to know about this unbelievable place here Fjadrargljufur – the Justin Bieber canyon.
Hafrahvammagljúfur
Hafrahvammagljufur
Over 200 m (660 ft) deep and stretching for 15 km (9 mi), it is a splendid example of raw, striking Icelandic nature. An interesting, albeit man-made, element of the canyon is the nearly 200 m (660 ft) tall dam, along with the remarkable hydropower plant nearby that it feeds.
This canyon is a bit further off Route 1 and it sits right on the border of the interior. Still, you can get here on a paved road and you don’t need a 4×4. Go to this article to learn more about the canyon and the impressive hydropower plant: Hafrahvammagljúfur – powerful and beautiful canyon in the east of Iceland.
The Silver category – definitely worth seeing
Drekagil
Drekagil canyon
Despite its modest size, it attracts tourists with the peculiar rock formations that richly adorn it. Both Drekagil itself and its fascinating surroundings are great attractions during the long hike to the top of the Askja volcano. Lava fields around, basalt rocks scattered here and there, volcanic sand, dust under your feet… It is a truly “lunar” experience that reveals the stark and unique beauty of this magical island.
Drekagil is situated just behind the Dreki campsite, which is a good base to set off to Askja and the enchanting Viti lake – arguably the only place in the world where you can bathe in the warm waters inside the crater of a dormant volcano… For more information about the canyon and other interesting things to see around Askja (including a map of the area) go here: Askja – a volcano you can bathe in.
Markarfljótsgljúfur
Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon (Thorsmork)
The Markarfljotsgljufur canyon is 200 m (660 ft) deep and several kilometers long. It shimmers with all the volcanic shades, ranging from deep basalt black to metallic red. With shades of green thrown into the mix thanks to the moss creeping up its walls, this powerful canyon is painted in astonishing Icelandic hues.
You can reach it on foot from the central part of Thorsmork, however, the hike is rather long. It is best to drive out of Thorsmork and take the F261 north, then turn south toward the Emstrur-Botnar Hut. From that point it is only a few hundred meters to the beginning of the canyon and about 3 km (2 mi) to its most impressive sections. The Emstrur-Botnar Hut is a great starting point for hikes – short and long – along the canyon.
Stakkholtsgjá
Stakkholtsgja (Thorsmork)
Down below, amid black rocks and stones, a small creek with crystalline water shyly snakes its way along, adding to the mysterious vibe of the Stakkholtsgjá canyon. It also brings some charm and a bit of softness to this enormous and powerful structure. This place, not often frequented by tourists, is definitely one of Iceland’s exceptional attractions. Walking here is always soothing, pleasant and does not require much effort.
See how to get there and what awaits you: Stakkholtsgja – a picturesque canyon in Thorsmork.
Studlagil
Basalt columns in Studlagil
These gigantic hexagonal rock columns look like scaffolding left on some unfinished construction site. In reality, as is often the case in Iceland, they were formed by congealed lava after a volcanic eruption.
If you want to get to the bottom of the canyon, you need to reach its south-eastern side, which means a rather long hike. But the pictures you can take along the way will surely be breathtaking… See more here: Studlagil Canyon – one of Iceland’s hidden treasures.
The Bronze category – see them if you can
Eldgjá
Eldgja and Ofaerufoss
Eldgja is located in the Icelandic Highlands, making it rather hard to reach and getting there depends on whether mountain roads are open. However, if you are driving to or from Landmannalaugar on the F208 from the south, you just mustn’t skip it. See more here: Eldgja and Ofaerufoss – the Fire Canyon and Impassable Waterfall.
Kolugljúfur
Kolugljúfur is a canyon in the north-western part of Iceland, merely 6 km (4 mi) off Route 1, the Icelandic Ring Road. Thanks to its convenient location it is a great place to rest and relax on your way.
Kolugljúfur may not impress you with its enormous size, but with the Víðidalsá river flowing along its bottom and small waterfalls dropping from its walls here and there, it creates a truly picturesque show of nature. So if you happen to be driving along the northern part of Route 1 and visiting Hvitserkur, Borgarvirki or Kattarauga, it really makes sense to also see Kolugljufur – gorge of the giantess Kola.
Thakgil
Þakgil is a canyon unlike any other. It resembles a green valley flanked by tall slopes. As so often in Iceland, wild, unspoiled nature sits just around the corner from civilization. Although Thakgil is barely an hour from the immensely popular town of Vik i Myrdal, it can safely be called a hidden treasure.
Seen from above, the valley with the shimmering river flowing along it, framed in moss-covered irregular rock formations, looks truly delightful. This natural oasis is well worth your time.
If you are planning to stay the night somewhere around Vik but don’t fancy the town itself, turn north off Route 1 and spend it at the Thakgil campsite. That way you can hike into the canyon and grab a bite in the wonderfully improbable canteen set up inside a huge natural cave… Thakgil – a canyon hidden among glaciers.
Golden extra – Rauðfeldsgjá
This bonus attraction, which should definitely be listed in the first category alongside all the greatest canyons, is Rauðfeldsgjá. We are mentioning it as a separate item purely because it is so narrow that it can hardly be called a canyon. It is more of a long and deep crevice on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
You can drive right up to Raudfeldsgja and walk in very easily (for more details go to this article: Raudfeldsgja – amazing rock crevice). However, for some reason many tourists miss this great place.
A walk along a gorge barely wide enough for you to stretch your arms, between its tall and dark walls, is something special. The soft light coming from the top adds to this otherworldly experience.
