Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Close to the town Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the south of Iceland is the spectacular canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur. The canyon is about 100 meters deep and 2 km long with steep palagonite walls that are about two million years old from the Ice Age. It is believed that Fjaðrárgljúfur was formed about nine thousand years ago from melted glacier water, flowing through the rocks, over a long period.
From the mountain Geirlandshraun, the river Fjaðrá runs through the canyon into Skaftá river. Even though the river runs through the canyon the water level in the river is rather low so it is possible to hike inside the canyon. Deep inside the canyon are waterfalls and to get all the way there wading is necessary at some places which makes the hike bit more adventures. It is also possible to walk along the canyon up on the canyon’s edge but the views from there are amazing.
Directions
From Reykjavik it is about 3 hour drive to the town Kirkjubæjarklaustur on Ring Road nr. 1. Before the town turn left on road nr. 206 and drive for about 3 km to the parking lot at Fjaðrárgljúfur.
Read more about Driving in Iceland.
Fjadrargljufur canyon during summer in Iceland
Sheep checking out the view over Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Fjadrargljufur Canyon during winter in Iceland
Amazing Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Fjadrargljufur Canyon on a rainy day