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
Quick Answer
Jökuldalur, Iceland's longest inhabited valley, runs 80 km into the eastern interior, with the basalt columns of Stuðlagil Canyon and Hrafnkels saga country.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
River levels in Jökuldalur vary with glacial melt. Check conditions before visiting Stuðlagil Canyon, as high water can obscure the basalt columns.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
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
- Use the exact chosen parking lot as your destination from Egilsstaðir
- Choose Grund’s observation platforms or the Klaustursel walking approach; never ford the river
- At Klaustursel, the bridge and Stuðlafoss parking lots give different walking distances
- 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
Pick the Stuðlagil approach before driving
Visit Austurland separates Grund’s observation platforms from the Klaustursel hike. For Klaustursel it lists about 10 km return from the bridge parking and about 5 km return from the Stuðlafoss parking. Parking choice changes the walk substantially. Neither option requires fording Jökla; entering the river is prohibited.
The same guide notes that Hálslón overflow commonly affects river color from August into October, though it can happen at other times. Check Landsvirkjun’s reservoir information for context and allow for changing conditions, rather than booking around a promise of turquoise water.
Planning help
Jokuldalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do I visit Stuðlagil Canyon in Jokuldalur?
Choose the Grund observation platforms or the Klaustursel walking approach before setting off. The walking distance depends on the parking lot. Do not enter or ford Jökla to change banks.
What is Hrafnkels saga and its connection to Jokuldalur?
Hrafnkels saga is one of Iceland's most famous medieval sagas, set in Jökuldalur. It tells the story of Hrafnkell, a chieftain and priest of the god Freyr, and his conflicts over a prized horse. Several saga sites can still be visited in the valley, including the farm Aðalból.
When is the best time to visit Jokuldalur?
Summer offers longer daylight, but water level and color vary. Reservoir overflow can change the river, including during August. Check current road conditions and choose a viewpoint suitable for the conditions.
How do I get to Jokuldalur?
Jökuldalur is reached via Route 923 from the Ring Road (Route 1) in East Iceland. The turnoff is between Egilsstaðir and Mývatn. The valley road is paved for much of its length but becomes gravel further inland. A regular car is fine for the main attractions.
How long is Jokuldalur valley?
Jökuldalur stretches about 80 km into Iceland's eastern interior, one of the longest inhabited valleys in the country. The glacial river Jökulsá á Dal runs the entire length, carrying silt from Vatnajökull glacier.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.