Stakkholtsgjá Canyon
About Stakkholtsgjá Canyon
Stakkholtsgjá is a narrow, moss-lined canyon on the edge of the Þórsmörk area in South Iceland, opening right beside the F249 road that leads into the valley. The canyon is about 2 km long, and its palagonite walls rise up to roughly 100 m above the stream on the canyon floor.
The walk follows the stream bed into the gorge, crossing the shallow water several times as the walls close in. Near the far end, a short scramble over boulders leads to a slender waterfall dropping into a dim, mossy pocket of rock, one of the quietest corners of the Þórsmörk area.
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the Stakkholtsgjá hike there and back. The ground is mostly flat but wet, and the rocks in the stream are slippery, so waterproof boots with good grip make the walk far more pleasant.
Getting to Stakkholtsgjá takes a 4x4 or a highland bus, because the F249 crosses several unbridged rivers on the way toward Þórsmörk and is open only in summer. The canyon is about 45 minutes from Seljalandsfoss and roughly 3 hours from Reykjavík, and it's an easy stop on the way to or from the Þórsmörk huts.
Good to know
Where is Stakkholtsgjá?
Stakkholtsgjá is in South Iceland on the edge of the Þórsmörk area, opening beside the F249 road. It is about 45 minutes' drive from Seljalandsfoss.
How long is the Stakkholtsgjá hike?
The walk into the canyon and back takes about 1.5–2 hours. The canyon is around 2 km long, and the route follows the stream bed with several easy crossings.
Is there a waterfall in Stakkholtsgjá?
Yes. Near the far end of the canyon, a short boulder scramble leads to a waterfall in a narrow, mossy chamber.
Do you need a 4x4 to get to Stakkholtsgjá?
Yes. The F249 crosses unbridged rivers on the way to the canyon, so you need a 4x4 with good clearance or a highland bus. Never cross a river you're unsure about.
How deep is Stakkholtsgjá?
The canyon walls rise up to about 100 m. They are made of palagonite, a soft volcanic rock that erodes into steep cliffs and narrow gorges.
When can you visit Stakkholtsgjá?
Visit in summer, roughly June to September, when the F249 is open. River levels rise after rain and on warm afternoons, so morning crossings are usually easier.
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