Best for
Sandur plain scenery
Braided channels across black volcanic sand, with glacier views.
Markarfljót River in 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
Lowland floodplain and a separate highland canyon.
Quick Answer
Markarfljót is a roughly 100 km glacial river in South Iceland, fed by Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull before reaching the coast. It cuts through a volcanic canyon and then divides into braided channels across a black-sand plain near Þórsmörk. River crossings are hazardous and require current local guidance.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
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.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Length
~100 km
From glacial sources to the south coast through deep canyons.
Pro tip
Hike the canyon rim
Choose a named approach and check its road and walking conditions before travelling.
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
- Markarfljótsgljúfur is a highland destination; do not follow the river name as a roadside viewpoint pin
- 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
- Highland access depends on current road conditions; summer is not a guarantee of low water
- Check the specific canyon approach and local trail advice for your date
- The sandur plain is viewable from Route 1 year-round
- Do not use time of day as a rule for deciding whether a river is safe to cross
- Fewer visitors in autumn
The canyon and the floodplain are different stops
Katla Geopark describes Markarfljótsgljúfur as roughly 10 km long and up to 200 m deep. Successive outburst floods cut different sections of the gorge; it was not carved in one event. Downstream, the river spreads out across Markarfljótsaurar, the braided floodplain visible on the south-coast journey.
The lowland river crossing does not put you at the canyon rim. Treat a canyon visit as a separate highland excursion with a named access route. The Geopark also records a practical part of the river’s history: a roughly 700 m defense wall begun at Seljalandsmúli in 1910, followed by further defenses, and the present bridge inaugurated in 1992 after the earlier 1934 crossing near Litla-Dímon.
Planning help
Markarfljót River FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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. A visit to Markarfljótsgljúfur needs its own approach plan; the Fimmvörðuháls route is not a substitute for canyon directions.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.