Eldgjá
About Eldgjá
Eldgjá is a volcanic fissure in the southern Highlands that split open in the 10th century and poured out one of the largest lava floods in recorded history. The Eldgjá canyon you walk into today is about 8 km long, 600 m wide and 150 m deep, and the Nyrðri-Ófæra river drops into it at Ófærufoss, a two-tier waterfall in the middle of the gorge.
The eruption is dated to around 939 CE, and the whole fissure system runs for about 40 km toward Mýrdalsjökull. A natural stone arch once spanned the lower falls of Ófærufoss until it collapsed in the early 1990s. The northern part of Eldgjá, including the falls, belongs to Vatnajökull National Park, and park rangers are based at the site during the day in summer.
Getting to Eldgjá in Iceland takes a 4x4 and good timing. From the Ring Road west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Road 208 leads north to F208, a mountain road open only in summer, and the gorge is roughly 65 km from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Coming from Landmannalaugar on F208 is shorter but crosses several unbridged rivers, so check road.is for the current status before you set out.
From the parking lot, the park's E1 trail follows the gorge floor for about 2.5 km to Ófærufoss. Fitter hikers can take the E2 route, a 7 km, three to four hour loop that climbs the eastern rim to Gjátindur (943 m) for a view down the length of the fissure. Allow at least half a day once you arrive, and bring food, since there are no shops on this stretch of F208.
Good to know
Where is Eldgjá in Iceland?
Eldgjá is in the southern Highlands on the Fjallabak route, north of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and east of Landmannalaugar. You reach it on the mountain road F208.
Do you need a 4x4 to get to Eldgjá?
Yes. F208 is an F-road where only 4x4 vehicles are allowed, and the route has river crossings, especially on the northern section from Landmannalaugar.
When did Eldgjá erupt?
The great Eldgjá eruption is dated to around 939 CE and may have continued for several years. Its lava covered roughly 780 square kilometers, which makes it one of the largest lava eruptions in recorded history.
How long is the hike to Ófærufoss?
The national park's E1 trail runs about 2.5 km along the floor of the Eldgjá canyon from the parking lot to the waterfall. The longer E2 route to Gjátindur is 7 km and takes three to four hours.
When can you visit Eldgjá?
Only in summer, while F208 is open. Highland roads open when snow and mud allow, so check road.is before planning your visit.
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