Access
F-road Only
4WD vehicle required to reach the area
Sigöldugljúfur: the Valley of Tears
The "Valley of Tears": a Highland canyon where dozens of waterfalls pour down moss-covered walls into a turquoise river.
Location
Highlands
Near Landmannalaugar / F-road access
Quick Answer
Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, is a Highland canyon where dozens of waterfalls pour down mossy walls into a turquoise river. 4WD-only F-road access.
Sigöldugljúfur, known as the "Valley of Tears," lies in the Highlands near the Sigalda power station. Dozens of waterfalls pour simultaneously from both canyon walls into the glacial Tungnaá river below. The waterfalls emerge from underground springs that seep through the porous lava rock; in summer, green moss covers the walls above the turquoise glacial water. Because it requires Highland F-road access, the canyon sees far fewer visitors than Iceland's more accessible attractions.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Highland F-road access required. 4WD vehicle mandatory. Check road conditions before departure. No facilities at the site.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Waterfalls
Dozens
Cascading simultaneously from both canyon walls
Season
Mid-Jun to Sep
Highland roads closed in winter
What to Expect
Dozens of Waterfalls
Underground springs emerge through porous lava and fall as waterfalls from both canyon walls
Turquoise Glacial Water
The Tungnaá river flows through the canyon with blue-green glacial water
Moss-Covered Walls
Thick green moss carpets the canyon walls in summer months
Remote Highland Setting
Few visitors, surrounded by open Highland terrain and volcanic ground
Short Hike to Viewpoint
Just 15-20 minutes of walking from the parking area to the canyon rim viewpoint
Near Landmannalaugar
Can be combined with a visit to the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar
Getting There
Sigöldugljúfur is located in the Icelandic Highlands near the Sigalda hydropower station. From Reykjavík, drive Route 1 east to Selfoss (60 km), then take Route 30 north to Route 32, continuing east past Þjórsárdalur. Follow the Highland road (Route 26) past Hrauneyjar Highland Center, then turn south toward the Sigalda dam area. The canyon viewpoint is a short walk from a parking area near the dam. The total drive from Reykjavík is approximately 250 km and takes 3-4 hours depending on road conditions. A 4WD vehicle is mandatory for all Highland F-roads and the final approach. Note that standard rental car insurance does not cover F-road driving. There are no services, facilities, or mobile phone reception at the site, so bring all food, water, and supplies. The nearest fuel and services are at Hrauneyjar Highland Center, about 20 km north on Route 26.
Best Time to Visit
Highland roads typically open between mid-June and early July (depending on snow conditions) and close in September or October. July is often the first month with reliable access, with temperatures around 8-12°C and the moss beginning to green. August has the lushest moss, the most reliable road conditions, and comfortable highland temperatures. Early September brings autumn colors, but roads may close unexpectedly with early snowfall. Always check road.is for current Highland road status before departing; conditions can change rapidly. Mornings tend to have fewer visitors and softer light for photography. The site can be combined with a visit to Landmannalaugar (about 30 km south on F-roads), the colorful rhyolite mountains, and a dip in the natural hot spring there. From October through mid-June, the area is completely inaccessible.
The power-station landscape
Landsvirkjun’s account of Sigalda dates the station’s operation to 1978. It explains that the dam impounds Tungnaá to form Krókslón and channels water to a powerhouse north of the old riverbed. This is an engineered river system, not an untouched flow regime.
The station’s presence also matters for access: a visible service track is not automatically a visitor road. Use the signed approach and current road information for the canyon rather than following industrial infrastructure towards the water.
Planning help
Sigöldugljúfur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Do I need a 4x4 to reach Sigöldugljúfur?
Confirm your exact approach with the current road map and your rental supplier. The northern approach near Sigalda must not be confused with every section of the southern highland route. Use a permitted vehicle suited to the conditions; a blanket claim about all F-road insurance is not reliable.
When are the Highland roads open?
Highland F-roads typically open between mid-June and early July, depending on weather and snow conditions, and close again in September or October. Check road.is for current road conditions before setting out.
How long is the hike to the viewpoint?
The hike from the parking area to the main canyon viewpoint is relatively short, approximately 15-20 minutes each way. The terrain is uneven and can be muddy, so hiking boots are recommended.
Why is it called the Valley of Tears?
The canyon earned the nickname 'Valley of Tears' because dozens of waterfalls cascade simultaneously down its walls, which looks like tears streaming down the rock face. The waterfalls are fed by underground streams that emerge through the porous lava rock.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.