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 canyon up to about 100 meters deep just off the Ring Road in South Iceland, about 10 minutes' drive west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The small Fjaðrá river twists along its floor between moss-covered walls of soft palagonite rock, and a rim path with viewing platforms puts the whole gorge in view without any scrambling.

Most of the carving happened at the end of the last Ice Age, when glacial meltwater cut down through layers of tuff and left the walls and pinnacles standing today. A marked path climbs gently along the western rim to a series of platforms. From the upper viewpoint you look straight up the canyon, with the thin Mögárfoss waterfall dropping in from the far side.

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon in Iceland got a sudden rush of visitors after it featured in a 2015 music video, and the trampled edges forced temporary closures to let the vegetation recover. In May 2024 the canyon was protected as a nature monument. Stay on the marked path and behind the ropes, and keep off the canyon floor.

The canyon is about 3.5 hours from Reykjavík. Turn off Route 1 onto Route 206 and follow the gravel road a short way to the parking lot, which is normally fine for ordinary cars in summer but can be slippery in winter or after heavy rain.

Parking is paid through the Parka app or online within 24 hours: 1,000 ISK a day for a standard car and 1,300 ISK for a larger passenger car (2026 rates), and overnight stays are not allowed. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon hike up to the top platform and back.

Summer and early fall, September included, give the greenest moss. The canyon can close at short notice in spring when the ground is soft, so check the official travel alerts and road conditions before you go.

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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 10 minutes west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and about 3.5 hours from Reykjavík.

How long is the Fjaðrárgljúfur hike?

Allow 1 to 2 hours to walk the rim path up to the top viewing platform and back. The climb is gentle and suits most walkers.

Is there a parking fee at Fjaðrárgljúfur?

Yes, parking costs 1,000 ISK a day for a standard car and 1,300 ISK for a larger passenger car (2026 rates), paid through the Parka app or online within 24 hours.

Is Fjaðrárgljúfur open in winter?

The path is usually open year-round, but it can close at short notice, especially in spring when the ground is soft. Check the official travel alerts before you go.

Can you walk inside Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon?

No, visitors should stay on the marked rim path and platforms. The canyon has been a protected nature monument 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.