Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: Tips and Viewpoints
I had seen photos of Fjaðrárgljúfur before my trip, but standing on the edge of the canyon was something else entirely. The cliffs drop steeply, the river winds far below, and the whole place feels like a scene you stumble upon by chance. It quickly became one of the most memorable stops on my South Coast drive.
In this guide, I’ll share what it’s like to walk the rim trail, when to visit, and a few tips to help you make the most of your time at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
About Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Iceland
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon isn’t huge, but it’s one of the most striking landscapes I’ve seen in Iceland.
The canyon stretches for about 2 km and drops nearly 100 meters deep, carved out by the glacial river Fjaðrá after the last Ice Age. When you’re standing on the rim, it’s hard to believe that water shaped all those dramatic bends and cliffs.
Here’re some quick facts:
- Easy stop on the Ring Road: The canyon is just a quick turn off the Ring Road near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The last bit of road is gravel, but in summer it’s no problem for a regular car.
- Parking fee: Entry is free, but you’ll need to pay 1,000 ISK for parking through the Parka app.
- Time needed: An hour is plenty to walk the rim trail and check out the viewpoints, though I easily stretched it longer because I kept stopping for photos.
How to get to Fjadrargljufur Canyon
I found getting to Fjaðrárgljúfur really simple.
From the Ring Road, it’s only about a 10 to 15 minute drive west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. You turn onto Road 206 (Holtsvegur) and follow it until the parking area. The last stretch is gravel, but my little rental car handled it fine.
In winter, it’s a different story. I recommend checking road.is before setting out because conditions can change quickly with snow and ice. There’s no bus that drops you at the canyon, so unless you’re joining tours, self-driving is the way to go.
Fjadrargljufur Trail and Viewpoints
The Fjaðrárgljúfur hiking route starts right from the parking lot and follows the rim of the canyon. It’s short and easy, but I liked that there are several places to stop instead of just one big viewpoint.
The first stop is near Mögáfoss waterfall, where you get a good first look at the canyon. From there, the trail takes you to a few more Fjaðrárgljúfur viewpoints, each showing the river and cliffs from a slightly different angle.
The upper viewpoint at the end is the most famous spot. Standing there, you’ll see the canyon curve dramatically into the distance, and it’s one of the classic Fjaðrárgljúfur photo spots.
When I went in May, the trail was dry and simple to walk. If you visit in rainy weather or winter, it can be muddy or icy, so good shoes will make the walk more comfortable.
When to visit Fjadrargljufur Canyon
The best time to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is summer. The moss is at its brightest, the days are long, and the drive in is straightforward.
I loved having so much daylight, though I also noticed how busy it got in the middle of the day. If you want a quieter walk along the rim trail, it’s better to go early in the morning or later in the evening.
Spring and autumn can be great too. I like how the light changes quickly, which makes the canyon look different from one moment to the next. The trade-off is that the weather can be unpredictable, and the paths sometimes turn muddy after rain.
Winter in Iceland is a very different story. The canyon is open year-round, but snow and ice make the paths slippery.
If you are visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in winter, bring proper shoes or microspikes and check the road conditions on road.is before driving. The bonus is that you may have the viewpoints almost to yourself, and you may even catch the northern lights!
Where to Stay Near Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Most people visit Fjaðrárgljúfur while driving the South Coast, so you don’t need to base yourself in Reykjavík to see it. The nearest town is Kirkjubæjarklaustur, about 10 minutes away, which makes a convenient stopover if you want to break up the Ring Road drive.
Some good options nearby:
- Magma Hotel (Kirkjubæjarklaustur): A boutique hotel with cabins overlooking the lava fields. I like how quiet it feels after a long day of driving.
- Hotel Klaustur: Right in the village, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant on site. Good if you want to stay central.
- Hótel Laki: Set on a farm just outside of town, with spacious rooms and countryside views.
If you’d rather continue further east, Skaftafell and even Höfn have more accommodation choices. Reykjavík works too, but only if you’re visiting the canyon as part of a very long South Coast day trip.
What to Pack for Fjaðrárgljúfur
I didn’t need much for Fjaðrárgljúfur, but a few basics made the visit easier. Here’s what I recommend:
- Comfortable shoes: The rim trail is short but uneven in places. I was glad I wore decent walking shoes instead of sneakers.
- Layers: Even in May with sunshine, the wind was chilly. A light jacket is always handy in Iceland.
- Water and snacks: There are no facilities at the canyon, so bring what you need.
- Camera or phone: The viewpoints are incredible, and you’ll want photos. If you’re into photography, a tripod helps with long exposures.
- Winter extras: If you’re visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in winter, add microspikes or crampons to your list. The trail gets icy.
Where to Visit Near Fjaðrárgljúfur
If you’re planning an South Iceland road trip, Fjaðrárgljúfur fits nicely into the route.
After my stop at the canyon, I continued east and eventually made it to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Watching the icebergs drift across the lagoon and then seeing them wash up onto the black sand was one of my trip highlights.
Closer to the canyon, you can also visit the Eldhraun Lava Field or stop in the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur for fuel and food.
If you have time, Skaftafell National Park is another popular stop, especially for the hike to Svartifoss waterfall.
Safety and Etiquette at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Here are a few things I noticed, along with tips that will help you have a safe and respectful visit:
- Stay on the marked paths: Since 2024 the canyon has been a protected nature reserve. Trails are fenced, and it is important to stick to them. The moss is delicate and stepping off can damage it for years.
- Watch your footing: The rim trail is easy, but it gets slippery after rain or when icy. I had dry weather in May, which made it simple, but in autumn or winter, you’ll want sturdy shoes and maybe microspikes.
- Check conditions: If you are hiking the Fjaðrárgljúfur rim trail in winter, always look at road.is or safetravel.is before you go. Roads and trails can close quickly.
- Drones need permission: I saw people trying to fly drones, but this is a protected area and you technically need a permit. It’s better to check the rules first.
Can you visit Fjaðrárgljúfur without a car?
It’s difficult without one. There’s no bus that takes you directly to the canyon, and it’s a few kilometers off the Ring Road. I drove myself, which gave me the freedom to stop as long as I wanted. If you don’t plan to rent a car, the best option is to join a guided South Coast tour that includes Fjaðrárgljúfur on the itinerary.
Why did Fjaðrárgljúfur become so famous?
The canyon was already popular with travelers, but it got way more attention after being featured in Justin Bieber’s music video for I’ll Show You, released in 2015.
Are there toilets or facilities at the canyon?
No, there aren’t. I made sure to stop in Kirkjubæjarklaustur first, since it’s the nearest town with restrooms, gas, and food. Bring water and snacks with you because there’s nothing on site.
Is Fjaðrárgljúfur wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, it isn’t. The trail runs along uneven ground with some inclines and gravel, and the viewpoints are reached by foot. When I visited, I didn’t see any paved paths or ramps.
Before You Go
Planning a trip to Iceland can feel like a lot at first. I remember sitting with maps and guides, not sure where to begin. A few things made my own trip easier, and they might help you too.
If you have not chosen your travel dates yet, take a look at my guide to the best time to visit Iceland. Don’t forget to look at my Golden Circle route for as it’s a great addition to your Iceland itinerary.
The easiest way to reach the canyon is by car rental. Before you go, read my tips for driving in Iceland and my guide on renting a car. Those posts cover things like road conditions and insurance.
And if you are curious about food, I put together a guide to Icelandic dishes. Trying local meals was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Some are comforting, while others might surprise you.
