Hike Distance
~4 km round trip
Approximately 1.5-2 hours for the full exploration
Stakkholtsgjá Gorge in Þórsmörk
A narrow gorge deep in Þórsmörk, with tall moss-draped walls and a waterfall tucked away at the far end.
Location
Þórsmörk
South Iceland Highlands
Quick Answer
Stakkholtsgjá is a narrow moss-walled gorge in Þórsmörk with a waterfall at its far end. Reaching it involves glacial river crossings by modified 4WD or summer bus.
Stakkholtsgjá is a narrow gorge in the Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) valley of South Iceland. The gorge cuts deep into the mountainside, and its walls close in as you walk further inside. The walls are blanketed in thick, bright green moss, and a shallow stream runs along the floor. At the very end of the gorge, a waterfall cascades from the rocks above into a small pool. The walls are sometimes just a few meters apart and rise dozens of meters overhead. Reaching Þórsmörk requires glacial river crossings, so you need a modified 4WD vehicle or the highland bus.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
River crossings required to reach Þórsmörk. Do not attempt in a regular car. Waterproof boots essential for the gorge hike.
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Official sources to check
Access
4WD / Bus Only
Glacial river crossings required to reach Þórsmörk
Season
June – September
Confirm seasonal operator access
What to Expect
Narrow Moss Walls
Tall canyon walls blanketed in thick green moss, sometimes only meters apart
Hidden Waterfall
A waterfall at the deepest point of the gorge, falling into a small pool
Stream Walking
The path follows and sometimes crosses a shallow stream along the canyon floor
Þórsmörk Setting
The surrounding valley is ringed by glaciers and mountains
Inside the Gorge
Sound echoes between the green walls, and light filters down from the narrow opening above
Adventure Access
Getting to Þórsmörk means fording glacial rivers by modified 4WD or highland bus
Getting There
Stakkholtsgjá is approached from the Þórsmörk road corridor. Arrange transport that specifically includes the gorge, and confirm the drop-off point, walk and return collection. A ticket to Húsadalur or Básar does not automatically include Stakkholtsgjá. Do not assume you must cross Krossá to reach every destination in the area; Volcano Huts’ directions to its own Húsadalur base explicitly warn visitors not to drive across that river.
Best Time to Visit
Choose a date when an operator can confirm both transport to Stakkholtsgjá and conditions for the gorge walk. Summer bus service in the wider Þórsmörk area does not guarantee a stop here. Water on the canyon floor can prevent continuing to the waterfall; do not use a fixed number of dry days as permission to enter. In winter, ask specifically about a guided Stakkholtsgjá visit rather than assuming a general Þórsmörk tour includes it.
Read Volcano Huts’ destination-specific directions before choosing a pickup or walking connection. Its Krossá footbridge is mobile and can be removed during severe flooding. A confirmed transport booking to the right valley is more useful than assuming that a car park and footbridge will provide access.
Planning help
Stakkholtsgjá Gorge FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Do I need to cross a river to reach Stakkholtsgjá?
Yes, reaching the Þórsmörk area where Stakkholtsgjá is located requires crossing glacial rivers, which typically requires a modified 4WD vehicle or a bus service such as the Þórsmörk buses that operate in summer. Regular rental cars cannot make the river crossings.
How long is the hike through the gorge?
The hike into Stakkholtsgjá gorge is approximately 2 km each way (4 km round trip). The walk through the narrow canyon takes about 1.5-2 hours round trip, depending on how far you go and how much time you spend exploring.
Is the hike difficult?
The hike is moderate. The path involves uneven rocks and water on the gorge floor. Waterproof boots do not make a crossing safe. Turn back if the route requires a crossing you cannot assess; reaching the waterfall is not essential to the visit.
Can I visit Stakkholtsgjá in winter?
Do not plan an independent winter drive from a summer route description. Volcano Huts offers winter superjeep travel in the wider Þórsmörk area, but that does not confirm a Stakkholtsgjá stop or a walk inside the gorge. Ask a local operator about this exact destination and current conditions.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.