Column Height
Up to 25+ m
Some of Iceland's tallest and most regular hexagonal basalt columns line the canyon walls.
Stuðlagil: Basalt Column Canyon in East Iceland
Tall hexagonal basalt columns and turquoise glacial water in an East Iceland canyon
Location
East Iceland
Jökuldalur valley, off Route 923
Stuðlagil Canyon is a relatively recent discovery for visitors. In the Jökuldalur valley of East Iceland, the canyon's walls are lined with thousands of regular hexagonal basalt columns, some over 25 meters tall. The columns were largely concealed until 2009, when the Kárahnjúkar hydropower project diverted much of the Jökla river's flow. Water levels fell and the basalt beneath was exposed. The turquoise pools against the dark geometric stone have made Stuðlagil one of Iceland's most photographed geological formations.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
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Official sources to check
Access Trails
2 routes
West bank (2 km, overlook) and east bank (3.5 km, river-level access) trails.
Distance from Egilsstaðir
~75 km
About a 1-hour drive from East Iceland's largest town via Route 1 and Route 923.
What to Expect
Hexagonal Basalt Walls
The canyon walls feature thousands of tightly packed hexagonal basalt columns, some of the tallest and most geometrically regular in Iceland.
Turquoise Glacial Water
The Jökla river's glacial rock flour gives the water a vivid turquoise color that stands out against the dark basalt, especially in late summer.
West Bank Overlook Trail
The shorter west bank trail leads to a viewpoint above the canyon with views down into the columnar gorge.
East Bank River-Level Access
The longer east bank trail descends to the riverbank, where you can walk among the columns and see their scale up close.
Recently Revealed Formation
Most of the columns were hidden underwater until 2009, when the Kárahnjúkar dam project lowered the river.
Remote East Iceland Setting
The canyon is remote by Icelandic standards and draws fewer crowds than South Iceland attractions.
Getting There
Stuðlagil Canyon is located in the Jökuldalur valley of East Iceland. From Egilsstaðir, drive west on Route 1 and turn south onto Route 923 toward Jökuldalur. For the west bank trail, continue to the Gljúfrastofa parking area. For the east bank trail, follow a gravel farm road branching off Route 923 to a separate parking area. The west bank approach is shorter and easier, while the east bank offers river-level access. A standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient for the west bank parking, though the east bank farm road can be rough. Always check road conditions at road.is before visiting.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal window for visiting Stuðlagil is mid-July through September. During this period water levels are lower, more of the basalt columns are exposed, and the glacial turquoise color is most intense. Earlier in summer, snowmelt can raise water levels and partially obscure the columns. The east bank trail is typically only accessible from June to October. An overcast day can enhance the blue water color in photographs. Morning light hits the canyon walls best from the east bank. Weekday visits avoid the worst of the weekend crowds, which have grown with the canyon's popularity.
Planning help
Stuðlagil Canyon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.