A shallow, stony river runs out of a narrow canyon walled by green moss-topped cliffs under heavy grey cloud.

Canyons

Fjaðrárgljúfur

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About Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a narrow, winding canyon in South Iceland, a few kilometres off Route 1 about 6 km west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It is roughly 2 km long and up to about 100 metres deep, cut into soft palagonite rock by the small Fjaðrá river and by glacial meltwater at the end of the last Ice Age, around 9,000 years ago.

The canyon is seen from above. A marked path climbs gently along the western rim to a series of viewing platforms, looking down on moss-covered walls, rock pinnacles and the river snaking below, with the thin waterfall Mögárfoss dropping in from the opposite side near the top. Allow 1 to 2 hours to walk up to the upper platform and back; the gain in height is modest and the path suits most walkers.

Fjaðrárgljúfur became famous after appearing in a 2015 music video, and the surge in visitors that followed damaged the vegetation along the edge. The area was declared a protected nature reserve in 2024. Stay on the marked path and platforms, keep behind the ropes, and do not walk the canyon floor. Drones need a permit from the Environment Agency.

The path is usually open all year, but it can be closed temporarily in spring and autumn when snowmelt and rain make the ground too soft; check SafeTravel before you go. Summer and early autumn give the greenest moss, and early morning or evening is quieter than midday.

To get there, turn off Route 1 onto Route 206 and follow it a short way to the car park. The road is gravel and normally fine for ordinary cars in summer, but can be slippery in winter or heavy rain. Recent reports say parking is charged at 1,000 ISK per car through the Parka app, so check the signs on arrival.

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Good to know

Where is Fjaðrárgljúfur?

It is in South Iceland, a short drive up Route 206 from Route 1, about 6 km west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

How long is the Fjaðrárgljúfur walk?

Allow 1 to 2 hours to walk the rim path up to the top viewing platform and back; the climb is gentle.

Is there a parking fee at Fjaðrárgljúfur?

Recent reports say parking costs 1,000 ISK per car, paid through the Parka app; check the signs on arrival.

Is Fjaðrárgljúfur open in winter?

It is usually open all year, but can close temporarily in spring and autumn when the ground is soft, so check SafeTravel first.

Can you walk inside Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon?

No, visitors should stay on the marked rim path and platforms; the canyon has been a protected nature reserve since 2024.

Why is Fjaðrárgljúfur famous?

It featured in a 2015 music video, which brought a sharp rise in visitors and later led to closures to protect the vegetation.

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