Stuðlagil
Spectacular canyon containing one of Iceland’s largest collections of basalt columns, carved by the glacial Jökulsá á Dal river.
About Stuðlagil
Stuðlagil was largely hidden beneath the powerful Jökulsá á Dal until water levels fell following the development of the Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric system. The dramatic basalt walls are now one of East Iceland’s most recognisable landscapes. Visitors can use the easier observation-platform access at Grund or approach from the opposite side via the longer hiking route past Stuðlafoss.
Our practical tips
✓Decide which side you want before driving there because the two access points are on opposite sides of the river.
✓Use the Grund side if you want the easiest canyon views with minimal walking.
✓Use the Klaustursel side if you want the longer hike, Stuðlafoss and closer access to the basalt formations.
✓From around 1 May to 10 June, stay strictly on marked trails because pink-footed geese nest in the area.
Getting there and visiting
Access
From Route 1, take Road 923. The Grund side provides parking, toilets and developed observation platforms. For the longer canyon hike, turn towards Klaustursel and use the parking areas on the opposite side of the river.
Walking
Grund observation-platform access requires only a short walk. From the parking near Stuðlafoss, the return hike to the canyon is about 5 km; from the parking by the bridge it is about 10 km return.
Visit notes
The amount of walking varies enormously depending on which side of the canyon you choose.