24 Jan Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Viewpoint and Hike in Iceland

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is one of the most beautiful locations in Iceland. Once you arrive, you will think you entered into the world of a Disney movie, for example Tangled. The canyon formed thousands of years ago as glaciers melted and formed glacial rivers. The rivers then ran through Iceland and eventually dug into the ground to form the canyon as you see it today. While visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, you can choose to hike down into the canyon or along the canyon’s edge to the final viewpoint with Mögárfoss waterfall.

Why not plan a road trip around the entire country with this nine-day Iceland road trip itinerary? If you cannot visit all of the locations in the itinerary, I highly recommend you make time for Stuðlagil Canyon, as it was my favorite stop on my road trip.

Contents:

1) Location of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon + Viewpoint

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Hiking Options

7) Recommended Items to Bring

8) Nearby Attractions 

1) Location of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon + Viewpoint

When you arrive at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, you will think you just stepped into a fairytale. Its natural beauty is absolutely stunning. The canyon is located in southeastern Iceland. For reference, it is about one hour east of Vík and three and a half hours east of Reykavík. Fortunately it is only located about 10 minutes off of the Ring Road, so it is in a pretty convenient location. 

Some of the best nearby attractions include Laufskalavarda (an area full of stone cairns) and Yoda Cave (a cave that actually looks like Yoda).

Parking

Turn onto 206 Holtsvegur and follow the road until it ends in a parking lot. The lot should be right before a bridge, and there are also some bathrooms available. The 206 road is a gravel road, but even if you have a smaller car you should be fine if you drive a little slower. 

Furthermore, there are no fees to visit or to park in the lot.

Nearby Lodging

For nearby lodging, consider The Barn in the town of Vík. We stayed here in a shared room, so it was similar to a hostel-type accommodation. However, I saw something here that I have not seen before in any hostel I have stayed at previously. They had curtains for every bed. Therefore, you could easily close the curtain once you got in bed to let people know you are trying to sleep. 

On the other hand, you can book a room at one of the most romantic hotels in Iceland if you want some intimate time with your partner.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon looking like an animated Disney movie

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

I love when I can provide a bit of good news. First, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is open to visitors all day, every day. There are no restrictions in terms of visiting hours or holidays. However, I would take extra care if you visit while it is dark outside simply due to the fact it is a steep drop into the canyon.

Second, there is no parking or entrance fee. The canyon is thus free to visit. However, let us each do our part to respect and protect this beautiful attraction by leaving no trace of our visit. For example, be sure to pick up after yourself and stay on marked trails.

3) The Best Time to Visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon + Viewpoint

To avoid crowds, plan to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in the morning or evening. Peak crowds tend to happen in the afternoon hours. For additional tips on visiting the canyon, check out this article: Tips on Visiting the Most Popular Canyon in Iceland.

Best Season to Visit

Let me start off by saying that Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon will look beautiful no matter in which season you visit. However, it will be more accessible in the summer season compared to the winter season. First, it is likely there will be ice and/or snow along the trail in the winter, which means you will need to take extra care and possibly use crampons if you decide to continue on the trail to the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon viewpoint. Second, hiking down into the canyon is not safe in the wintertime when there are hazardous conditions. Third, the 206 road to the parking lot is sometimes closed in the winter during periods of heavy snowfall. The website www.road.is has current information on road conditions.

On a personal note, I think that the canyon looks even more beautiful in the summertime. The green canyon walls contrast with the blue river running through them. I have said this before and I will say it again – the canyon looks like it belongs in an animated Disney movie. Maybe you do not want to take just my word for it. Well, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is hailed as one of the best things to do in Iceland in summer, specifically because that is when the green color of the canyon walls pops out the most. 

Estimated Visit Time

I would recommend that you plan at least an hour and a half to visit. The out and back trail to the final viewpoint of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is two miles (~3.2 kilometers) long round trip and takes an average of one hour to complete. Additionally, you will want to stop at the various viewpoints to take some pictures and stare in awe at the scenery. 

However, I would add another hour and a half on top of that if you also want to hike down into the canyon. 

4) Quick Facts

1. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is located in southeastern Iceland, approximately one hour east of the town of Vík.

2. There is a two mile (~3.2 kilometer) trail along the canyon rim that leads to the final viewpoint of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, which includes views of Mögárfoss waterfall. 

3. Visitors can also hike down into the canyon, though they should be prepared to wade through the river. 

4. The canyon is approximately 1.24 miles (~two kilometers) long and 328 feet (~100 meters) deep. 

Mögárfoss waterfall at the last viewpoint at Fjadrargljufur Canyon

5) Background – Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon + Viewpoint

The river running through the canyon is the Fjaðrá River. It starts from the Geirlandshraun lava field, runs through the canyon, and then later merges with the Skaftá river. Additionally, the canyon is 1.24 miles (~2 kilometers) long and has a depth of 328 feet (~100 meters).

Origin Story

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon formed many, many years ago during the last ice age. This is believed to have been around 10,000 years ago. The ice melted and as a result formed glacial rivers. One of those rivers over time cut through the ground and thus formed the canyon as you now see it today.

Everywhere you turn in Iceland there is another attraction created from glaciers. For example, Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach on the east coast is a nearby attraction formed by the melting of a glacier.  

Fun Fact

For Justin Bieber fans, this canyon appears in his music video for “I’ll Show You.” However, many of the areas on which Justin walked are now closed to visitors. Please respect the signs and do not go off the marked paths. 

Justin Bieber also filmed a portion of that same music video at Seljalandsfoss waterfall in southern Iceland. 

Be Respectful of Nature 

Unfortunately this area has been damaged due to increased traffic and visitors straying off marked paths. These conditions are then made worse when all of the snow and ice in the area begin to melt. As a result, the canyon was closed for a couple of months from spring to summer in 2019 to help restore the area’s vegetation. 

Therefore, it is important visitors obey all posted signs and only walk along the designated trails. If there are signs denoting the canyon’s closure, do not ignore them. You need to respect the restoration of the area and plan a trip back for another time. 

If we all do our part to help protect Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and its vegetation, it will be around for many, many more years to come and its vegetation will continue to thrive. 

View of the canyon from a viewpoint along the path

6) Hiking Options – Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon + Viewpoint

While visiting the canyon, you have a couple of options in terms of how you want to mold your experience. You can hike down into Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and/or hike to the final viewpoint along the canyon’s rim.  However, no matter which you choose, be sure to follow the marked paths and consider safety first. 

For additional hiking trails in Iceland, check out Svartifoss Waterfall near Skaftafell as well as Fimmvorduhals Pass behind Skógafoss Waterfall.

Down Into the Canyon

If you have some more time while visiting, you can hike down into the canyon. The hike down begins just to the left of the parking lot. The Fjaðrá River is normally pretty shallow, and thus visitors can easily hike around the inside of the canyon without many difficulties. However, you should still prepare to get a little bit wet. There will be some points where you have to wade through the river. It is recommended to bring some waterproof shoes for your journey. 

When hiking in a canyon and through water, be sure you have the necessary supplies. For example, you might want to pack (adorable) yellow rain boots, collapsible trekking poles, and waterproof backpack rain covers (just in case you trip and decide to take a bath). 

How far you hike around in the canyon once you are down there is totally up to you. You can walk around just for a couple of minutes if you are tight on time. Otherwise, you can plan to spend a whole half day exploring the canyon. We unfortunately did not hike down into the canyon due to time limitations, but it will be on our list for next time. 

As a side note, you should not pursue the hike down into the canyon in the wintertime when there are hazardous conditions. Safety first! 

Fjaðrárgljúfur (aka the most popular) canyon in Iceland

Viewpoints Above the Canyon

If you do not want to commit to venturing down inside the canyon, you can instead walk along the trail past the parking lot that leads to a viewpoint of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon as well as of Mögárfoss waterfall.

There are a couple of viewpoints along the trail, and you can stop and turn around at any time. However, I highly recommend you walk all the way to the last one. It hangs over the edge of the canyon, allowing you to see Fjaðrárgljúfur in all its beauty. Additionally, at the last viewpoint for Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon you will see Mögárfoss waterfall, which flows down into the canyon. 

The trail from the parking lot to the last viewpoint for Fjaðrárgljúfur is approximately one mile (~1.6 kilometers) long. The round trip trail is thus approximately two miles (~3.2 kilometers) long. Furthermore, the round trip trail has around 280 feet of elevation gain and takes an average hiker around one hour to complete. 

The trail is easy to follow, as it follows along the edge of the canyon. Additionally, there are a few trail markers as well as posted signs directing you on the correct trail.

Safety Considerations – Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon + Viewpoint

First, do not venture off of the marked paths for safety and environmental considerations. The marked paths are for your benefit, showing you the safest and easiest way to see the canyon. Additionally, the paths protect the vegetation in the area from the stomping of people’s boots. The Icelandic Environmental Agency has actually closed the canyon multiple times due to environmental harm. Do not be the reason the vegetation is harmed, the canyon is closed, and others cannot enjoy it. 

Second, be sure to check the water levels before your visit if you plan to hike down into the canyon. Lower water levels make the hike even easier, and you will most likely just need some waterproof shoes. Higher water levels can pose significant dangers. You will have to wade through the river to a greater extent, and the water will be moving at a quicker pace. It is recommended to not hike into the canyon when water levels are high. 

Third, do not hike down into the canyon in winter. I am sure the view is stunning, and it probably looks like a winter wonderland. Nevertheless, ice can make the path slippery and dangerous. There can also be a thin layer of ice on the river within the canyon, which makes it more difficult to determine the water’s depth. 

Fourth, check out the road conditions if you are visiting in winter. If there is heavy snowfall, it is possible the F206 road will be closed. You can look on www.road.is for updated information. 

Mögárfoss waterfall at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

7) Recommended Items to Bring

If you need some additional help while packing, check out my list of Iceland hiking essentials as well as my Iceland road trip packing list.

1. Water bottle: Please be sure to bring water with you while visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Even though Iceland has cooler temperatures, you can still become dehydrated. I carried around my Yeti water bottle with me everywhere in Iceland.

Clothing – Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon + Viewpoint

2. Rain boots: If you decide to hike down into the canyon, you will need to wade through portions of the river. This might be a good time to change out of your normal hiking shoes and into your waterproof shoes. 

3. Waterproof jacket: Iceland’s weather can be pretty unpredictable, so be prepared for a random shower. 

Hiking items

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will come in handy as you walk along the trail to the upper viewpoint of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Additionally, they will be even more useful if you hike down into the canyon. 

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles provide a little extra support, which can go a long way.

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

8) Nearby Attractions to Fjaðrárgljúfur Viewpoint

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon might just take your breath away, but some of the below attractions will do so as well. Be sure to check them out either before or after you visit the canyon. 

Svartifoss Waterfall

To reach Svartifoss you have to hike about 30 to 45 minutes, though it is well worth the time and effort. Svartifoss is unlike any other waterfall we saw in Iceland, for it is surrounded by basalt rock columns. The columns formed through lava flowing over the cliff, cooling, solidifying, and then breaking into the hexagonal shape you see today. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy once you reach the falls, for you can sit on some rocks by the stream. Although, do be sure to pick up after yourself when you are finished.

Svartifoss is located only one hour and five minutes northeast of Fjaðrárgljúfur. If you need lodging in the area, check out Laekjarhus Farm Holidays.

For more information: Visiting Svartifoss in Iceland.

Svartifoss waterfall surrounded by basalt rock columns

Yoda Cave 

Visit the Yoda Cave you must or disappointed in you Yoda would be. I recommend taking a couple of minutes to stop here, for it is conveniently located just off of the Ring Road. Once you enter the cave and look at it from the inside, you will then see the resemblance to Yoda is undeniable. Don’t believe me? Well, Star Wars: Rogue One even filmed a scene at the cave. 

The Yoda Cave is located only 50 minutes southwest of Fjaðrárgljúfur. If you need lodging in the area, check out The Barn.

For more information: The Yoda Cave in Iceland.

Making a rock levitate at the Yoda Cave

DC-3 Plane Wreck 

A U.S. Navy DC-3 plane crashed in the early 1970s along the black sand beach. The plane was traveling from Höfn when the crash occurred, and thankfully there were no injuries. The hike is approximately 40 minutes to 1.5 hours one way, depending on your pace, to see the plane wreckage. While some pieces of the plane have been taken by people or have deteriorated over time, the majority of the wreckage remains on the beach today.

The DC-3 Plane Wreck is located one hour and 10 minutes southwest of Fjaðrárgljúfur. If you need lodging in the area, check out The Barn.

For more information: DC-3 Plane Wreck in Iceland.

DC-3 Plane Wreck on the black sand beach

PIN IT to save it for later!

Check out some waterfalls in Iceland: The 4 Best Waterfalls in Iceland.

And do not forget about the hidden gems: The Best Hidden Gems in Iceland.