How long is the Markarfljót river?

Markarfljót stretches approximately 100 km from its glacial sources at Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull to the sea on Iceland's south coast. It is one of the longer rivers in the region.

What is the sandur plain along Markarfljót?

The sandur is a broad outwash plain of black volcanic sand and gravel deposited by glacial floods over millennia. Markarfljót braids across this flat expanse in multiple channels that shift position over time.

Can I cross the Markarfljót by vehicle?

Some sections of Markarfljót can be forded, but only in modified 4x4 vehicles with experienced drivers. Water depth and flow change rapidly. Most visitors access Þórsmörk and surrounding areas via highland buses or guided super jeep tours.

Which glaciers feed the Markarfljót?

Markarfljót is primarily fed by meltwater from two glaciers: Mýrdalsjökull (which covers the Katla volcano) and Eyjafjallajökull. Both contribute glacial sediment that gives the river its distinctive grey color.

Are there hiking trails along Markarfljót?

Yes, several hiking trails follow the Markarfljót canyon, with views into the deep gorge carved through volcanic rock. The Fimmvörðuháls trail between Skógafoss and Þórsmörk crosses near the river's upper reaches.

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.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

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

Best for

Sandur plain scenery

Braided channels across black volcanic sand, with glacier views.

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.

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