Length
40 km
A long volcanic fissure.
Eldgjá: Volcanic Canyon and Ófærufoss
A long volcanic canyon and fissure created by the tenth-century eruption, one of the most powerful in recorded history, with the Ófærufoss waterfall within.
Region
Highlands
F-road access. Summer only.
Quick Answer
Eldgjá ("Fire Canyon") is a volcanic fissure that stretches 40 km across the highlands, carved by an eruption in the tenth century that ranks among the largest in human history. The eruption produced enough lava to cover about 780 square km and released sulfur that cooled the Northern Hemisphere's climate for years. Within the canyon is the Ófærufoss waterfall.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Highland F-roads can close without notice. Check road.is and carry emergency supplies.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Historic eruption
tenth-century
One of the largest eruptions in recorded history.
Access
4x4 via F208
Highland road. Open late June–September.
What to Expect at Eldgjá
- Volcanic fissure/canyon classification: 40 km long, up to 600 m wide and 150 m deep
- tenth-century eruption: one of the largest in recorded history; ~18 km³ of lava covering 780 km²; sulfur caused Northern Hemisphere cooling
- Part of the Katla volcanic system: the fissure extends from Katla's caldera northeastward into the highlands
- Ofaerufoss waterfall: two-tiered cascade within the canyon; natural stone bridge collapsed in 1993
- 4 km round-trip hike from parking area to Ofaerufoss on marked trail across highland terrain
- Visible geological features: columnar basalt walls, tephra layers from the tenth-century eruption, and moss-covered lava flows
- Check the current facilities before travelling; bring your own food and supplies
Nearby Attractions
- Landmannalaugar colorful mountains
- Laki crater row
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur village
- Fjallabak Nature Reserve trails
- Lakagígar volcanic craters
- Skaftá river gorge and bridges
How to Get There
- Access via F208 highland road from either the Landmannalaugar direction or from Route 1 near Kirkjubaejarklaustur
- 4WD vehicle with high clearance required; F208 includes rough terrain and river fords whose depth must not be assumed
- From Kirkjubaejarklaustur: ~70 km on F208 to the Eldgja parking area (allow 2+ hours)
- Parking area has a signed trailhead for the 2 km walk to Ofaerufoss waterfall
- Guided tours available from Kirkjubaejarklaustur and as part of multi-day highland itineraries
- No public transport or fuel on F208; carry spare fuel, food, and emergency supplies
Best Time to Visit
- Late June to September: F208 highland road typically open only during this window
- July and August: most reliable road conditions and warmest highland weather for hiking
- F208 opening depends on snowmelt, so check road.is daily before departure
- September: road may close early with first snowfall; conditions deteriorate quickly in autumn
- Combine with Landmannalaugar if approaching from the north on F208 for a full highland day trip
- Winter access is a specialist undertaking; ordinary road-trip plans require open roads
Why older guides give a different eruption date
A 2025 study by Fuglestvedt and colleagues models Eldgjá’s emissions over approximately 937–940 CE. It combines volcanic deposits with Greenland ice-core evidence and distinguishes earlier activity from the strong 939–940 atmospheric signal.
This is a reconstruction with stated assumptions, not an eyewitness calendar. It explains why treating “934” as a settled single eruption date is misleading. The canyon, lava and distant climate effects are parts of a prolonged tenth-century event.
Planning help
Eldgjá FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How did Eldgjá form?
Eldgjá is a long volcanic fissure formed during a major tenth-century eruption. Recent research reconstructs a sequence of emissions around 937–940 CE rather than a single settled 934 date.
How significant was the tenth-century eruption?
The tenth-century Eldgjá eruption was one of the largest volcanic events in recorded history. It produced approximately 18 cubic km of lava and released enough sulfur dioxide to cause measurable climate cooling across the Northern Hemisphere.
How do you get to Eldgjá?
Eldgjá is accessed via highland F-roads (F208), requiring a 4x4 vehicle. The roads are typically open from late June to September. A popular hiking trail leads from the parking area to the Ófærufoss waterfall within the canyon.
What is Ófærufoss?
Ófærufoss is a two-tiered waterfall within the Eldgjá canyon. A natural stone bridge that once spanned the upper falls collapsed in 1993. The waterfall is reached via a moderate 4 km round-trip hike from the parking area.
When is the best time to visit Eldgjá?
July and August are best, when highland roads are open and weather is most favorable. The F208 typically closes with the first autumn snow. Check road.is for current conditions before driving.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.