29 Oct Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil Canyon

This is it: the article about my FAVORITE activity in Iceland. Others might say their favorite was the Glacier Lagoon, black sand beaches, or Blue Lagoon. My boyfriend’s favorite was hiking an erupting volcano. I agree those are all incredible experiences, but they do not reach my number one spot. What activity then managed to make it to the top of my list? My number one, top of the list, favorite activity in Iceland was visiting Stuðlagil Canyon: hiking to the canyon and jumping in the glacial river. Why? Keep reading to find out! 

For more of my favorite attractions in Iceland, check out my Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland.

Contents:

1) Location of Stuðlagil Canyon

2) Parking: West vs. East

3) Quick Facts

4) History 

5) Trail Directions

6) Difficulty and Length of Hike

7) Optional: Prepare for Swimming 

8) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Location of Stuðlagil Canyon

• Region: Northern Iceland
• Location

Stuðlagil Canyon is located in northern Iceland. For reference, it is about one hour west from Egilsstaðir or four and a half hours north from the Glacier Lagoon. There are two main ways to experience the canyon: (1) from a viewpoint (2) hiking down into the canyon.

Iceland has many more beautiful canyons in addition to Stuðlagil. For instance, Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon looks like you stepped inside a fairytale.

Up-close view of the basalt rock columns in the canyon

Driving Directions

Stuðlagil is located just a bit off Route 1, which is the main road that loops around Iceland. You will need to exit Route 1 onto Route 923, also known as Jökuldalsvegur. Then you will need to turn off Route 923 and take the smaller side road to continue. It is a bit confusing at this point because the side road is also named Jökuldalsvegur. Continue for a good couple of miles on this road until you come to a fork.

At this point, where you go depends on whether you plan to visit the viewpoint or hike down into the canyon. To visit the viewpoint, continue straight until you reach a small turn off for the parking lot.

Otherwise, to hike down into the canyon, turn right onto Stuðlagil Canyon Road. You can then park at the lot before the bridge or continue driving to the next parking lot. We continued driving in order to cut down on our hiking time. Drive across the bridge and continue along the road until you reach the end, at which point there will be another small parking lot. 

Lodging

For lodging, we stayed the previous night at Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms. Then we stayed the next night at Akureyri H.I. Hostel. If you need lodging accommodations in northern Iceland, I would recommend booking either (or both) of these.

Additionally, check out the most romantic hotels in Iceland if you want to make your trip a bit more intimate.

View of the canyon and west side viewpoint area

2) Parking: West vs. East

• Parking for viewpoint on west side: Stuðlagil Canyon Parking
• Parking for hiking down on east side: East Side Parking or Parkplatz Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil

As mentioned previously, be sure to park on the west side of the canyon for the viewpoint and on the east side to hike down into the canyon. 

West Side of Stuðlagil Canyon

To visit only the viewpoint, head to Stuðlagil Canyon Parking. There is a short trail from the parking lot to the viewpoint. The viewpoint boasts views of the entire canyon as well as of the people hiking down. However, there is no trail or feasible way to hike down into the canyon from this location. Once on the west side at the viewpoint, you are stuck there. Well, unless you get back in your car and drive to the east side. 

East Side of Stuðlagil Canyon

To hike down into the canyon, head to East Side Parking. The lot is fairly small, as it can fit about 10 cars. It also has a restroom. It is possible to park here and start the trek by crossing the bridge and following along the road. However, there is another parking lot across the bridge at the end of the road to cut down on hiking time. This lot is called Parkplatz Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil.

By the river’s edge at Stuðlagil Canyon

3) Quick Facts

1. Park on the west side of the canyon if you only want to visit the viewpoint.

2. Park on the east side of the canyon if you want to hike down into the canyon by the river’s edge. 

3. The canyon and thus the river was not accessible up until 2009, at which point Iceland built a hydroelectric plant. 

4. Stuðlagil Canyon is a basalt rock column canyon with a turquoise glacial river running through it. 

5. Stuðlagil Canyon wins the award for the greatest quantity of basalt rock columns in all of Iceland. 

6. There is no entrance fee nor are there restricted hours for visiting.

Testing the water by dipping in his toes

4) History of Stuðlagil Canyon

• River flowing through the canyon has three names 
• Became a tourist destination in 2009
• Canyon walls are basalt rock columns

The beauty of the world never ceases to amaze me, and Stuðlagil Canyon is a perfect example of why. Pictures do not do it justice, for it is even more beautiful in person. 

Glacier River

The river within ​​Stuðlagil is known by a couple of different names: (1) Jökla (2) Jökulsá á Brú (3) Jökulsá á Dal. It has three names due to its strength, for it made its own path across Iceland and created the canyon. Additionally, it is a glacial river due to the fact it flows from Vatnojökull glacier. The river remained fairly powerful until 2009, so much so that the entire area was dangerous. People were not able to visit the canyon, and they definitely were not able to swim in the river.

Stuðlagil Canyon in Iceland

Construction of Hydroelectric Plant

Iceland constructed a hydroelectric plant in 2009, which drastically decreased the river’s flow. Since then, ​​​​people discovered the absolute beauty of this basalt rock canyon with a turquoise glacial river. It has become quite a popular tourist destination, and swimming is much safer. However, always be cautious of the water level and the current. 

Basalt Rock Columns at Stuðlagil Canyon

In relation to the canyon walls, they are basalt rock columns. ​​Stuðlagil actually has the greatest quantity of basalt columns in the entire country. Basalt rock columns form through columnar jointing. This process occurs when lava flows, slowly cools, shrinks, and then breaks into different shapes. When it breaks, it often creates a hexagonal shape. 

Basalt rock columns exist in a couple of other places in Iceland, for instance Reynisfjara Beach and Svartifoss Waterfall. 

View from the path to Stuðlagil Canyon

5) Trail Directions

• Begin the trail at the Parkplatz parking lot
• Walk along the canyon’s rim
• Start hiking down after you see the viewpoint on the other side

From the Parkplatz lot, follow the trail that begins there. While there are no markers, the trail is fairly noticeable as Stuðlagil Canyon is a popular tourist destination. For instance, you can tell the path on which people walked previously since it is mainly dirt while the rest of the area is grass. Additionally, you will be heading in the right direction if you just follow along the canyon’s rim. 

Along the trail is one gate to pass through. There is no lock, but instead it can simply be pushed open. I am pretty sure (though not 100% certain) the gate is for the sheep. Some sheep might be grazing on the hillside or even right on the trail. We saw a few friends as we were hiking along, though I swear one of them was giving me the side eye when we walked past. 

Keep following along the trail, and then the viewpoint on the other side of the canyon will appear. The viewpoint is the signal to shortly begin climbing down. Again, there is no marked trail for the descent into the canyon, though we made our own way down along the rocks fairly easily. Be careful, however, for the rocks can be loose or slippery when wet.

Hike from the East Side Parking Lot

If you decide to park at the lot before the bridge, then your directions will be a bit different at first. All you need to do is hike along the road until you arrive at the next lot, which will be the Parkplatz lot. At that point, follow the directions above. 

Looking for more places where you can hike in Iceland? Then head to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Skógafoss Waterfall on the south coast.

Turquoise glacial river surrounded by basalt rock columns

6) Difficulty and Length of Hike to Stuðlagil Canyon

• Difficulty: easy
• Hiking time: 1 hour round trip
• Trail length: 2.2 miles (~3.5 kilometers) round trip

Follow the trail along the edge of the canyon from the Parkplatz parking lot. Then begin to climb down into the canyon shortly after the viewpoint on the west side appears in sight.

The hike to Stuðlagil is 2.2 miles round trip and will take an average hiker around one hour total. For example, we needed about 30 minutes to hike each way. Although, be sure to add in extra time to your itinerary so you can explore the canyon and possibly even jump in the water. In terms of difficulty, I would rate the hike as easy. It is generally a flat walk until you have to climb down into the canyon. While this is slightly more difficult, there are a lot of rocks to act as stepping stones. Check out my list of Iceland hiking essentials so you are prepared for any and all conditions.

Once down in the canyon, feel free to walk around. A lot of people stopped in the main, open space, but we kept exploring. We climbed along the basalt rock columns on the left of the river as far as we could, and we had some space all to ourselves. It was the perfect opportunity to take pictures with no one in the background!

Hike from the East Side Parking Lot

If you park at the lot before the bridge, the hike will be a bit longer. For an estimate, you will need to hike approximately 5.7 miles (~9.2 kilometers) round trip. An average hiker can complete the round trip hike in just over two hours. However, be sure to add in extra time to explore the canyon once you arrive (and to jump in the water if you so choose). 

View of Stuðlagil Canyon after walking for a bit along the basalt rock columns

7) Optional: Prepare for Swimming 

• Bring a swimsuit
• Prepare for the glacial waters

Okay, so I know I listed this as optional, BUT you should definitely jump in the river (as long as it is safe). Yes, yes I know it will be cold. 

I did a bunch of research on hiking to Stuðlagil Canyon before our trip, yet I never saw an article that mentioned swimming. We had no idea swimming was even an option until we saw another person jump in the river. At first we simply thought they were looking for an adrenaline rush. However, we then saw another person jump in…and another…and another. Eventually entire groups were jumping in the river. 

Maybe you are undecided at this point – totally fair! However, it is still a good idea to be prepared for swimming. Bring either a bathing suit or an extra change of clothes. 

Stuðlagil was not the only location where we took a dip in Iceland – check out my list of the Best Places to Swim in Iceland. Hint – the list includes Seljavallalaug Pool. 

View of a small waterfall at the beginning of Stuðlagil Canyon

My Experience

We had a “I’ll do it if you do it” moment, and about 10 minutes later we were preparing ourselves to jump in some of the coldest water we had ever experienced. As soon as I hit the water, all of the air left my lungs. It was COLD, which makes sense since the river flows from a glacier. As soon as we resurfaced, we headed for the side. While I loved the experience, I did not want to wade around in waters with such a low temperature. 

Jumping in the river is what made ​​Stuðlagil my favorite activity in Iceland. It was an unplanned adventure that provided an adrenaline rush. Who knows when I will next have the opportunity to jump in a turquoise glacial river within a basalt rock column canyon. 

Maybe glacial rivers are not your preference. Do not worry, Iceland has a lot of geothermal pools as well. Check out the Blue Lagoon and/or Myvatn Nature Baths.

Swimming in the glacial river at Stuðlagil Canyon

8) Recommended Items to Bring

Need additional packing recommendations for Iceland? Check out my Iceland summer road trip packing list and international travel essentials.

1. Water bottle: Be sure to bring water with you while visiting. Do not leave it in the car, but bring it along for the hike. Even though Iceland has cooler temperatures, you still need to drink water to stay hydrated. For example, I brought my Yeti water bottle everywhere in Iceland.

Clothing

2. Swimsuit: If you plan to jump into the glacial river, then be sure to pack a swimsuit. It will not be enjoyable to jump in your underwear or clothes because you will then have to keep wearing the wet clothes as you trek back to the car. 

3. Towel: A towel and the warmth it provides will be greatly appreciated after you scramble out of the cold water. Amazon has a variety of travel towels, including the green Rainleaf microfiber towel. Travel towels are specifically designed to conserve space and dry quickly for greater convenience while traveling.

Hiking Items

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes and the extra traction they provide will come in handy as you trek along the trail and climb down into the canyon. 

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity for this trail, but bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

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

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Check out a detailed itinerary of our trip to Iceland: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.

Check out my favorite things in Iceland: Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland.