Depth
~100 m
Sheer walls carved through palagonite rock
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.
Location
South Iceland
Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur on Route 1
Quick Answer
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a 100 m deep, roughly 1.5 km long moss-walled canyon in South Iceland with a walking path along the rim. Sometimes closed in spring so vegetation can.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The canyon may be closed for vegetation recovery; check access status before visiting. Stay on marked trails and behind fences.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
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 across Mýrdalssandur. Turn north onto the signed gravel road (Route 206) from Route 1 and follow the signed approach to the visitor parking area. 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.
What the protected area covers
Part of Fjaðrárgljúfur became a natural monument on May 11, 2024. The official designation record covers about 0.15 square kilometres and describes an east-side footpath and an upper viewing platform. Its roughly 1.5-kilometre canyon length is a geological measurement, not the distance of your return walk.
The gravel terraces above the gorge help explain the view: they indicate a lake in front of a retreating glacier. Sediment-laden glacial rivers later cut into the underlying móberg rock. The smaller Fjaðrá continues that erosion today, so the canyon is still changing rather than being a finished Ice Age landform. Use the designated viewpoints to see it; do not copy photographs taken beyond barriers.
Planning help
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.