Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a dramatic 100-metre deep canyon carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years. A walking path along the rim offers stunning views into the winding gorge with its moss-covered walls and turquoise river below.
Two Kilometres of Sculpted Stone
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon that looks like it was designed for photographs. Its walls curve and twist for two kilometres, dropping 100 metres to the turquoise Fjaðrá river below. Every surface is covered in thick green moss. The water has carved overhangs, pillars, and narrow passages into the palagonite rock, creating a landscape that feels both ancient and impossibly beautiful.
The canyon was formed about 9,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, when retreating glaciers released enormous volumes of meltwater. The river cut through the soft volcanic rock with remarkable efficiency, creating the deep, sinuous gorge that exists today. The process continues — the river still works at the canyon floor, slowly deepening and widening its path.
Walking the Rim
A well-maintained gravel path follows the eastern rim of the canyon from the car park to several viewpoints. The walk is mostly flat and suitable for visitors of all fitness levels. Viewing platforms at strategic points along the rim provide safe vantage points to look straight down into the gorge.
Each viewpoint reveals a different character of the canyon. Near the start, the walls are broad and the river visible far below. Further along, the canyon narrows and deepens, and you can see where the rock has been undercut by the water. The furthest viewpoint looks back along the full length of the gorge — the best perspective for understanding the scale.
The path has no barriers in some sections, and the edges can be slippery when wet. Keep a safe distance from the unfenced rim, particularly with children.
A Canyon Under Pressure
Fjaðrárgljúfur gained international attention after appearing in a Justin Bieber music video in 2015. Visitor numbers surged dramatically, and the fragile moss and vegetation along the rim suffered damage from foot traffic off the marked paths. Icelandic authorities implemented seasonal closures to allow the landscape to recover.
These closures are a reminder that Iceland's natural beauty is not indestructible. The moss that gives the canyon its distinctive green appearance grows incredibly slowly — just a centimetre per year. Footprints in the moss can take decades to heal. Stay on the marked trail and respect any closure signs.
Getting There
The canyon is signed off Route 1, about 6 kilometres west of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. A paved road leads to a parking area with toilets and an information board. From Reykjavik, the drive is approximately 250 kilometres (3 hours). From Vik, it is about 70 kilometres east. The site is easily combined with other South Coast destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the walking trail?
- The trail along the canyon rim is approximately 2 kilometres one way, from the car park to the furthest viewpoint. The round trip takes most visitors 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each viewpoint.
- Is the trail difficult?
- The path is mostly flat and well maintained with gravel surface. Some sections near the canyon edge can be muddy or uneven. There are viewing platforms at key points. It is accessible for most fitness levels, though the canyon rim is unfenced in some areas.
- When is the trail open?
- The canyon has been subject to seasonal closures to protect vegetation and prevent erosion, particularly after it gained popularity from Justin Bieber's music video. Check with the local authorities or information signs at the parking area for current access. The trail is typically open from June through September.
- Is there an entry fee?
- No, there is no entry fee. There is a parking area with a small parking fee (pay machine at the site).
- Can I hike into the canyon?
- No, the official trail runs along the rim only. Descending into the canyon is not permitted to protect the fragile vegetation on the canyon walls and to ensure visitor safety.
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