Feature
Waterfall Canyon
Multiple cascades visible from the bridge above
Kolugljúfur: Waterfall Canyon of the Giantess Kola
A waterfall canyon named after the giantess Kola of Icelandic folklore, where the Víðidalsá river drops through a series of cascades visible from the bridge above.
Location
North Iceland
Víðidalur valley, Route 715
Kolugljúfur is a canyon in northwest Iceland where the Víðidalsá river has carved a deep gorge and drops through a series of waterfalls. The canyon is named after a giantess called Kola, who according to folklore lived in the canyon and caught salmon from the river with her bare hands. A bridge crosses the canyon, and its viewing platforms look down into the gorge at the waterfalls, the eroded rock walls, and the river below. The site is an easy roadside stop that requires no hiking.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Stay behind railings on the bridge viewing platforms. Canyon edges can be slippery. Take care in wet or icy conditions.
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Official sources to check
Access
Roadside Stop
No hiking required; views from the bridge
Legend
Giantess Kola
Named after a troll woman from Icelandic folklore
What to Expect
Bridge Viewing Platforms
Purpose-built platforms on the bridge look straight down into the canyon and waterfalls
Kolufossar Waterfalls
A series of powerful cascades where the Víðidalsá river plunges into the narrow gorge
Folklore & Legend
Local folklore says the giantess Kola lived here and fished salmon from the river
No Hiking Required
Park and walk to the bridge; the main viewpoints are a few steps away
Sculpted Rock Walls
Thousands of years of water erosion have shaped the patterns in the canyon walls
Quick Stop Friendly
A 20-40 minute stop on a drive through North Iceland or toward the Westfjords
Getting There
Kolugljúfur is located in the Víðidalur valley in northwest Iceland, along Route 715 where the road crosses the canyon via a bridge. From Blönduós on Route 1, drive south on Route 721, which becomes Route 715, for approximately 25 km. From Reykjavík, the drive takes roughly 3 hours north along Route 1 (270 km). Free parking is available right next to the bridge on both sides, with space for about 15-20 cars. There are no restroom facilities at the site. The nearest town, Blönduós, has fuel, a supermarket, and accommodation. The canyon makes a natural stop when traveling between Reykjavík and Akureyri on Route 1, or as a detour on the way to the Westfjords. The road is paved to Route 715, which is a well-maintained gravel road accessible by 2WD year-round.
Best Time to Visit
Kolugljúfur can be visited year-round since it is a roadside attraction requiring no hiking. June through August has the longest daylight (up to 21 hours) and the most comfortable conditions with temperatures around 10-14°C. May and June bring the highest river flow from spring snowmelt, so the Kolufossar waterfalls carry the most water then. September and October bring autumn colors to the surrounding valley. December through February, the canyon and waterfalls can partially freeze, though the bridge and viewing platforms may be icy and require extreme caution. The site is uncrowded in all seasons, rarely seeing more than a handful of visitors at any time. As a 20-40 minute stop, Kolugljúfur fits easily into any North Iceland itinerary.
Planning help
Kolugljúfur Canyon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.