Valley Length
~80 km
One of Iceland's longest inhabited valleys
Jokuldalur (Jökuldalur): Glacial Valley & Stuðlagil Canyon
Jökuldalur (Glacial Valley)
Iceland's longest inhabited valley, stretching about 80 km into the eastern interior. Home to Stuðlagil Canyon with its famous basalt columns and the setting of Hrafnkels saga.
Region
East Iceland
Best time: June – September
The glacial river Jökulsá á Dal flows through Jökuldalur, carrying enormous amounts of silt from the Vatnajökull ice cap. The valley is best known for Stuðlagil Canyon, where basalt columns line the riverbed; it has become one of Iceland's most photographed sites. This is also the setting of Hrafnkels saga, one of Iceland's best-known medieval sagas.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
River levels in Jökuldalur vary with glacial melt. Check conditions before visiting Stuðlagil Canyon, as high water can obscure the basalt columns.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Key Attraction
Stuðlagil Canyon
Famous basalt column canyon
Best Season
Jun–Sep
Warmest weather and lowest river levels
Region
East Iceland
Between Egilsstaðir and Mývatn
Canyon
Stuðlagil
Basalt column canyon, one of Iceland's most photographed formations
Farming
Agricultural
Active farming community along Iceland's longest inhabited valley floor
Key Highlights
Stuðlagil Canyon
Basalt columns line the riverbed of one of Iceland's most photographed canyons
Jökulsá á Dal River
Powerful glacial river carrying silt from Vatnajökull through the valley
Hrafnkels Saga Sites
The farm Aðalból and other locations from the medieval saga
Remote Eastern Interior
80 km of quiet farmland reaching into Iceland's interior
How to Get There
- Route 923 leads to Stuðlagil Canyon, the valley's main attraction, from Route 1 near Egilsstaðir
- Egilsstaðir is about 40 km (45 minutes) north of the canyon access road
- Two access points for Stuðlagil: the east bank (easier walk) and west bank (requires fording)
- The east bank approach via Klaustursel farm has a shorter, easier hiking trail
- Domestic flights from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir connect to the valley area
Best Time to Visit
- July-August: Best for Stuðlagil Canyon; the river at its lowest flow reveals the basalt columns
- June: Canyon may still have high water, so the columns are less visible
- September: Autumn colors frame the canyon, fewer visitors, still accessible
- October-May: Canyon accessible but cold, short daylight, roads may be icy
- Late July: Best window for canyon photography, with the lowest water and long daylight
Planning help
Jokuldalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.