Hike Distance
~3-4 km round trip
Short but steep; approximately 1-1.5 hours total
Múlagljúfur Canyon
A moss-draped canyon in South Iceland with cascading waterfalls, below the Öræfajökull glacier.
Location
South Iceland
Near Öræfajökull, off Route 1
Quick Answer
Múlagljúfur is a moss-draped canyon with cascading waterfalls below Öræfajökull in South Iceland. The trail in is short but steep, about 1.5-2 km each way.
Múlagljúfur is a moss-covered canyon just off the Ring Road in southeast Iceland. The canyon is fed by glacial meltwater from the Öræfajökull ice cap, with multiple waterfalls cascading down its green walls. A short but steep hike leads to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon, where a double waterfall drops into the gorge below. Despite its proximity to the Ring Road, Múlagljúfur remained little known until recent years, and it is now growing in popularity among hikers and photographers.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The trail is steep and can be slippery when wet. Wear proper hiking boots. Stay on the trail to protect fragile moss vegetation.
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Official sources to check
Feature
Moss & Waterfalls
Lush green canyon walls with cascading glacial waterfalls
Glacier
Öræfajökull
Fed by meltwater from Iceland's tallest volcano
What to Expect
Moss-Covered Walls
The canyon's walls are blanketed in green moss for most of the summer
Double Waterfall
The main viewpoint looks onto a double waterfall dropping into the canyon
Glacier Views
The nearby Öræfajökull glacier forms the backdrop to the canyon
Steep But Short Hike
A steep climb of 1.5-2 km each way leads to the main viewpoint over the canyon
Growing Popularity
Less visited than the big Ring Road stops, though visitor numbers are rising
Ring Road Accessible
Just off Route 1, so it fits into a South Coast or Ring Road itinerary
Getting There
Múlagljúfur is located in southeast Iceland, just off Route 1 between Skaftafell and Höfn, near the Hnappavellir area. Look for a small gravel turnoff on the north side of Route 1, roughly 330 km from Reykjavík (about 4.5 hours' drive). The unmarked gravel track leads about 1 km to the paid parking area. The trailhead starts from the parking lot. From Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park visitor center), the drive is approximately 30-40 minutes east (40 km). From Höfn, it is about 50 minutes west (65 km). A regular 2WD car can reach the parking area in summer, though the short gravel access road may be rough. There are no facilities at the trailhead; the nearest restrooms are at Skaftafell or fuel stations along Route 1.
Best Time to Visit
June through September is the best time to visit, when the moss is at its greenest and the trail is most manageable. July has the lushest vegetation and warmest temperatures (10-14°C). August and early September often bring the best balance of good weather and fewer visitors. The waterfalls are fed by glacial melt from Öræfajökull, so they flow most strongly in July and August during warmer weather. The trail can be very muddy and slippery after rain, so check the forecast and pick a drier day if possible. May sees the canyon emerging from winter but moss may not yet be green. From October through April, the steep trail becomes icy and potentially dangerous, and limited daylight makes the hike impractical. Morning visits tend to have the best light for photographing the double waterfall at the viewpoint.
Parking is paid, with a four-hour period
Parka’s Múlagljúfur page, checked September 10, 2026, uses number-plate recognition and requires payment for stays exceeding ten minutes. The fee lasts four hours; online payment remains available for 24 hours after leaving. Select the category matching the vehicle’s registered seats.
Confirm the displayed tariff before paying. A parking payment does not confirm that the upper canyon path is open, or that your vehicle can manage the approach in today’s conditions. Follow signs at the site and leave room in the day for a turnaround.
Planning help
Múlagljúfur Canyon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How difficult is the hike to Múlagljúfur?
The hike is short (about 1.5-2 km each way) but steep, especially at the beginning. You will gain significant elevation quickly. Good hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. The trail can be muddy and slippery, particularly after rain.
Is Múlagljúfur Canyon well-marked?
Use the signed current parking and trail entrance. Parka lists a paid Múlagljúfur parking area, site 7203, with four-hour fee validity. Online payment is available up to 24 hours after departure. The payment page does not establish the current upper trail’s condition or difficulty.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to get there?
No, the parking area is accessible from Route 1 (Ring Road) via a short gravel road. A regular 2WD car can reach the trailhead in summer. However, the gravel road may be rough, so drive carefully.
What waterfalls are in the canyon?
The canyon features multiple waterfalls cascading down its moss-covered walls, with the largest being the double waterfall visible from the main viewpoint at the end of the trail. These are fed by meltwater from the nearby Öræfajökull glacier.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.