Best for
Sandur plain scenery
Braided channels across black volcanic sand, with glacier views.
Markarfljot (Markarfljót) River, South Iceland
A 100 km glacial river fed by Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, braiding across a black sandur plain near Þórsmörk, with a deep canyon upstream.
Region
South Iceland
Broad sandur plain. Ford crossings require 4x4.
Markarfljót is a major glacial river in South Iceland. Stretching 100 km from the ice caps of Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull to the coast, it carves a deep canyon through volcanic rock before spreading across a broad sandur plain of black sand and gravel. The braided channels shift constantly, and the river plain forms the natural approach to Þórsmörk.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Ford crossings of Markarfljót are dangerous and should only be attempted in modified vehicles with experienced drivers. Check SafeTravel and road.is for current conditions.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Length
~100 km
From glacial sources to the south coast through deep canyons.
Pro tip
Hike the canyon rim
Canyon viewpoints can be reached without any river crossing.
What to Expect at Markarfljót
- Broad braided river channels across black volcanic sandur
- Deep canyon with volcanic rock walls
- Glacier views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull
- Channels that shift position from year to year
- Hiking trails along the canyon rim
- Views of both Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers from the broad river plain
Nearby Attractions
- Þórsmörk nature reserve
- Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
- Eyjafjallajökull visitor center
- Hvolsvöllur and Saga Centre for Viking history
- Fimmvörðuháls volcanic craters from the 2010 eruption
How to Get to Markarfljót
- The sandur plain is visible from Route 1 near Hvolsvöllur
- Canyon viewpoints accessible via side roads south of Hvolsvöllur
- About 2 hours from Reykjavik via Route 1
- 4x4 required for ford crossings and highland access
- Highland buses serve the Þórsmörk area in summer
Best Time to Visit Markarfljót
- Summer (June–August): Best access and lowest water levels
- Canyon rim hikes accessible May through October
- The sandur plain is viewable from Route 1 year-round
- Afternoon glacial melt raises water levels; mornings are calmer
- Fewer visitors in autumn
Planning help
Markarfljót River FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.