Sigöldugljúfur

About Sigöldugljúfur

Sigöldugljúfur is a short canyon on the southern edge of Iceland's Central Highlands, just off F208 near the Sigalda hydropower station on the way to Landmannalaugar. Dozens of thin waterfalls pour out of its mossy green walls into a turquoise river, which is where the nickname Valley of Tears comes from.

What makes it worth the stop is how many falls you can take in from one spot. You can't climb down into Sigöldugljúfur, so the visit happens along the rim, looking down both walls toward the river. Overcast days and soft evening light tend to show the green moss and blue water best against the dark volcanic slopes.

From Reykjavík, the drive is about three hours on Route 1 and Route 26, then a short way onto F208 past the Sigalda station. There is no sign for the canyon on the road, so watch for a small dirt pull-off after the power station and walk the short, easy stretch to the edge. Thirty to 45 minutes is enough for the whole stop, and there are no toilets or other facilities.

F208 is a mountain road, and Icelandic law allows only 4x4 vehicles on F-roads. The Sigalda to Landmannalaugar section usually opens in early June, though it has opened as early as late May and as late as late June, and it stays closed through winter and spring. Check the official road-conditions map before you go, then carry on about 20 kilometers to Landmannalaugar for the rest of the day.