Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/highlands/sigoldugljufur Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Sigoldugljufur: Iceland's Valley of Tears A little-known canyon where 50+ waterfalls stream down moss-covered cliffs into turquoise water Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Waterfalls 50+ Southern Highlands. ~24 km north of Landmannalaugar. Canyon Length ~2 km Season Late Jun - Sep Access Check northern approach Walk to Viewpoint 15-20 min (easy) ## Quick Answer The name means "Sigalda's Canyon," but travelers and locals have given it a more poetic nickname: the Valley of Tears. The reason is immediately obvious. Dozens of thin waterfalls -- fifty or more, depending on the season and recent rainfall -- stream down the moss-covered eastern wall of the canyon, cascading into turquoise water below. The effect looks like the cliff itself is weeping. What makes this even more remarkable is that these waterfalls were hidden for decades. When the Sigalda Hydroelectric Power Station was built in the 1970s, it diverted water and lowered river levels in the area, revealing the spring-fed cascades that had been submerged. In a sense, human engineering accidentally uncovered one of Iceland's most beautiful natural features. Sigoldugljufur gained international attention through social media and drone photography in the 2010s, and visitor numbers have grown steadily since. A new access road built in 2021 improved 4WD access, so it is now one of the more reachable highland destinations. But it still requires an F-road-capable vehicle and a drive into the interior, enough of a barrier to keep it far less crowded than the south coast waterfalls. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Stay on the marked path to the viewpoint. Do not descend into the canyon -- the walls are steep and unstable, and descending damages fragile vegetation. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Road conditions (road.is)]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() ## What to See and Do ### Walk to the Canyon Rim Viewpoint From the parking area, an easy 15-20 minute walk (about 1 km) leads to the canyon edge. The viewpoint overlooks the entire eastern wall with its dozens of cascading waterfalls. No scrambling or climbing required; manageable for anyone who can walk on uneven ground. ### Photograph from Multiple Angles The canyon is most photogenic from the eastern rim, where you look across at the waterfall wall. Morning light illuminates the eastern wall directly, while overcast days saturate the green moss colors. The turquoise water color is most vivid on calm, bright days. ### Do Not Descend into the Canyon The canyon walls are steep and unstable. There is no safe trail down, and descending damages the fragile vegetation. View from the rim only. ### Combine with Landmannalaugar Sigoldugljufur sits along the F208 approach to Landmannalaugar, a natural stop on the same trip. The canyon is roughly 24 km before Landmannalaugar; stop on the way in or out. It adds about 45 minutes to your day. ## How to Get There ### Self-drive via F208 North 1.5-2 hours from Ring Road Approach via the Hrauneyjar and Sigalda area after checking the current road map and vehicle permission. Stay on the approved road and use the designated visitor parking rather than power-station service tracks. ### As Part of a Landmannalaugar Trip Natural stop on the same route Most highland buses to Landmannalaugar pass nearby, though they do not typically stop. Super jeep tours to Landmannalaugar often include Sigoldugljufur as a stop. The canyon is a natural addition to any Landmannalaugar itinerary. ## Best Time to Visit July and August for the fullest waterfalls and greenest moss. The number and force of the cascades depends on recent rainfall and snowmelt; a wet period produces the strongest flow. Early morning tends to have fewer visitors, especially in August when the site has become more popular. Late June and September are possible but waterfalls may be less dramatic and weather less reliable. ## What You Should Know ### Growing Popularity Means Growing Care What was a little-known spot a decade ago now receives thousands of visitors in peak season. Stay on the marked path, do not create new trails to the canyon edge, and do not try to descend. ### No Facilities at the Site No toilets, water, or bins. Pack out everything you bring in. The only infrastructure is a parking area. ### One Stop on a Longer Highland Route Sigoldugljufur alone does not justify renting a 4WD and driving into the highlands. But as part of a Landmannalaugar trip, it is an unmissable addition that adds maybe 45 minutes to your day. ## Nearby Destinations [### Landmannalaugar]() 24 km further south on F208 -- colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and the Laugavegur trailhead. ### Ljotipollur A vivid red crater lake accessible from the Landmannalaugar area -- one of the most striking volcanic features in the highlands. [### Hekla Volcano]() Visible from the F208 approach -- Iceland's most famous active volcano, 1,491 m high. ### Hjalparfoss A beautiful twin waterfall off Route 32, accessible from the lowland approach to the highlands. ## 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 ## Sigoldugljufur FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is Sigoldugljufur?** Sigoldugljufur, nicknamed the Valley of Tears, is a roughly 2 km canyon in Iceland's southern highlands where 50+ thin waterfalls cascade down moss-covered cliffs into turquoise water below. The waterfalls were revealed when the Sigalda Hydroelectric Power Station diverted water in the 1970s, lowering river levels and exposing spring-fed cascades that had been submerged. **How do I get to Sigoldugljufur?** Plan the northern approach via the Hrauneyjar and Sigalda area using the current road map. Confirm the exact route and vehicle permission with your supplier. Do not assume that a road number or a 4WD badge settles surface conditions, insurance or access to an unsigned track. **How difficult is the walk to the viewpoint?** Easy. From the parking area, a 15-20 minute walk (about 1 km) leads to the canyon edge viewpoint. No scrambling or climbing required; manageable for anyone who can walk on uneven ground. **Can I go down into the canyon?** No. The canyon walls are steep and unstable. There is no safe trail down, and descending damages the fragile vegetation. View from the rim only. **Are there any facilities at Sigoldugljufur?** Only a parking area. No toilets, water, bins, or any other services. Pack out everything you bring in. **Should I combine Sigoldugljufur with Landmannalaugar?** Yes. Sigoldugljufur sits along the F208 approach to Landmannalaugar, roughly 24 km before it. The canyon alone does not justify renting a 4WD and driving into the highlands, but as part of a Landmannalaugar trip it is an easy addition that adds about 45 minutes to your day. **When are the waterfalls most dramatic?** July and August for the fullest waterfalls and greenest moss. The number and force of the cascades depends on recent rainfall and snowmelt; a wet period produces the strongest flow. Early morning tends to have fewer visitors. [Back to Highlands]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().