Is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon open year-round?

The canyon can be closed seasonally to allow vegetation recovery, particularly in spring and early summer. Check SafeTravel.is or the Environment Agency of Iceland website before visiting to confirm access.

How long is the walking path along the rim?

The walking path along the canyon rim is approximately 2 km round trip. It follows the edge with several viewing platforms overlooking the canyon and the Fjaðrá river below.

Is the hike difficult?

The trail is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels. The path is well-maintained with stairs in steeper sections. However, it can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Can I swim in the river at the bottom?

Swimming in the Fjaðrá river is not recommended. The water is very cold, currents can be strong, and access to the canyon floor is restricted to protect the fragile vegetation and moss-covered walls.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

A 100-meter deep canyon carved over millennia by the Fjaðrá river, with green moss-covered walls, winding curves, and a walking path along the rim.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel TeamEditorial policy

Location

South Iceland

Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur on Route 1

Fjaðrárgljúfur is one of Iceland's most photogenic canyons, a serpentine gorge carved into palagonite rock approximately 9,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. The canyon stretches about 2 km in length and plunges up to 100 meters deep, with the Fjaðrá river flowing along its floor. The walls are draped in thick green moss during summer, in sharp contrast with the dark rock. A well-maintained footpath along the eastern rim has viewpoints at every turn.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

The canyon may be closed for vegetation recovery; check access status before visiting. Stay on marked trails and behind fences.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Depth

~100 m

Sheer walls carved through palagonite rock

Length

~2 km

Walking path follows the canyon rim

Age

~9,000 years

Formed at the end of the last Ice Age

What to Expect

Rim Walking Path

A well-maintained 2 km trail along the canyon edge with viewing platforms at key points

Moss-Covered Walls

Thick green moss blankets the canyon walls in summer

Winding River Views

Look down at the Fjaðrá river snaking through the narrow gorge far below

Photography

S-curves and layered rock formations photograph well from most points on the rim

Easy Accessibility

Short detour from the Ring Road with a parking area right at the trailhead

Seasonal Closures

The canyon may be temporarily closed to protect vegetation, so check before visiting

Getting There

Fjaðrárgljúfur is located just off Route 1 (Ring Road) in South Iceland, about 5 km west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. From Reykjavík, drive Route 1 east for approximately 260 km (about 3.5 hours) through Vík and along the Mýrdalssandur and Skeiðarársandur black sand flats. Turn north onto the signed gravel road (Route 206) from Route 1 and follow it about 2 km to the free parking area with restroom facilities. The nearest town, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, has fuel, a supermarket, and accommodation options. The canyon is an easy stop on a South Coast or Ring Road trip, between Vík (70 km west) and Skaftafell (70 km east). The access road is manageable for 2WD vehicles in summer but may be closed in winter or early spring due to snow.

Best Time to Visit

June through August is the main visiting season, when the moss on the walls is at its greenest and daylight stretches to 20+ hours. July has the warmest temperatures (10-15°C) and the lushest vegetation. May and early June may see seasonal closures to protect vegetation recovering from winter foot traffic; check the Environment Agency of Iceland (ust.is) or SafeTravel.is for current access status. September brings autumn colors and fewer crowds. From October through April, the canyon can be icy and the rim path may be impassable or dangerously slippery; winter closures are common. If the canyon is closed during your visit, the nearby Foss á Síðu waterfall and Dverghamrar basalt columns (both on Route 1 near Kirkjubæjarklaustur) are good alternatives.

Planning help

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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