The mysterious, jagged canyon of the Fjaðra River invites you to take a short detour on Iceland's Ring Road 1. The steep canyon walls, up to 100 metres high, plunge into the depths rather unobtrusively amidst a lush green undulating landscape.

The river meanders wildly along the canyon floor and the jagged rocks look almost eerie. At 2km long, the canyon is one of the longest in eastern Iceland.

A hiking trail with several viewing platforms winds along the entire eastern edge. However, the canyon floor is inaccessible.

How to get there?

Fjaðrárgljúfur is about 3.5 km from the main road 1, from which a well-maintained road passable for all kinds of cars leads to the parking lot at the canyon's edge.

The nearest village is Kirkjubæjarklaustur, 7 km away, where you can stay in several guesthouses.

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The parking fee is 1000 isk and can be paid via the Parka.app.

The canyon then lies between the tourist areas of Skaftafell and Iceland's southernmost village , Vík í Mýrdal.