Stuðlagil Canyon is a gorge in East Iceland, with vivid blue waters and towering basalt columns. It’s one of Iceland’s most impressive geological wonders – here is everything you need to know about visiting.
By: Mark Barnes | Last Updated: | Jump to Comments
Stuðlagil Canyon is the finest collection of basalt columns in Iceland. Although it was formed millions of years ago, it has only been a tourist attraction for the last 15 years.
This natural phenomenon was hidden under the glacial waters of the Jökulsá á Brú River until the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant was built in 2009.
The construction of the plant caused the water levels to drop, revealing this remarkable natural formation.
We visited Stuðlagil as a diversion on our Ring Road itinerary on our 3rd trip to Iceland. While it’s a long way from Reykjavík, it’s an easy detour off Route 1, and well worth making the effort to visit.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including how to get there, where to get the best views, and what else to do in the area.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
WHERE IS STUÐLAGIL CANYON?
Stuðlagil Canyon is in the Jokuldalur Valley in East Iceland, around 70 kilometres south of Egilsstaðir on Route 92.
It’s around 140 kilometres from Myvatn, making it an achievable day trip if you are visiting this part of Iceland. We have more information about this area in our Myvatn guide.
We also have several Iceland itinerary options, some of which include Stuðlagil Canyon.
WHEN WAS IT FORMED?
Stuðlagil Canyon was formed millions of years ago. However, the giant basalt canyon was completely submerged under the river Jökulsá á Brú (also called Jökulsá á Dal, or Jökla).
This fierce glacial river was tamed after the construction of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant in 2009. This saw the water levels drop by 7 to 8 meters. Almost overnight, the magnificent basalt canyon of Stuðlagil was revealed.
HOW ARE BASALT COLUMNS FORMED?
Basalt Columns are formed when a thick layer of basalt lava cools and contracts. The shrinking creates stress, which forms a network of vertical columns.
The most common shape formed is a hexagon, which is the most efficient way for the stress to be released, but you’ll also find pentagons and heptagons.
Iceland’s cold temperatures and volcanic activity mean you’ll find many examples of basalt columns, but the ones at Stuðlagil Canyon are some of the best.
MAP | STUÐLAGIL CANYON VIEWPOINTS
This map of Stuðlagil Canyon contains the west side parking and viewpoints (in blue) and the east side parking, viewpoints, and hiking trail marked in red.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
HOW TO GET TO STUÐLAGIL CANYON
There are basalt columns all the way along the Jökla River.
You can see them as you drive along the Jökuldalsvegur Road, which runs along the western edge of the canyon.
However, the best section of the canyon is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) down Jökuldalsvegur Road from the junction of Route 1 – Iceland’s Ring Road.
There are two main viewing locations at Stuðlagil:
- West Side: The west bank viewpoint is much easier to reach, but the views are not half as good.
- East Side: The east bank involves a 4-kilometre hike (each way), but you are much closer to the basalt columns, and the views are much better.
We highly recommend spending the time and effort to get to the east bank. This is the only way to get down to the basalt columns and see the canyon at its best.
WEST BANK
To visit the west side, turn down Route 923 (from Route 1) and shortly afterwards turn onto Jökuldalsvegur.
This is a gravel road, but it’s in good condition and easily navigable in a 2WD car.
After 20 kilometres (12 miles) turn left at a sign for Grund Farm and park in the large parking lot (called Stuðlagil Canyon in Google Maps and marked in blue on the map below).
From the parking lot, it’s a 5-minute walk down 239 metal steps to a viewpoint which overhangs the canyon.
Because of the angle of the platform and the curve of the river, you cannot see into the heart of the canyon from this viewpoint. You also can’t get down to the river.
The west bank is definitely worth a stop, but to see the true splendour of the canyon you have to make your way to the east bank.
The parking is free, but the toilets charge a small fee. There is a cabin selling coffee and snacks at the West Bank viewpoint.
EAST BANK
From the east bank, you can hike down to the river and look into the heart of Stuðlagil Canyon. There are 2 parking places to start the hike.
EAST SIDE PARKING (1-HOUR WALK)
From Route 1, turn down Route 923 and then onto Jökuldalsvegur.
After 15 kilometres (20 minutes driving), turn left at a sign for Klausturserl. You quickly come to a small parking lot (called Stuðlagil East Side Parking in Google) just before a bridge over the river.
From here, it is a 1-hour hike (2 hours return) to the viewpoint over the basalt canyon.
PARKPLATZ KLASTRUSEL (30-MINUTE WALK)
You can drive across the bridge near the East Side Parking, and continue down the bumpy road to another parking lot (called Parkplatz Klastrusel in Google).
This parking lot is right next to Stuðlafoss Waterfall and closer to the canyon.
If you have a 4×4 vehicle, it takes 7 or 8 minutes to drive to Parkplatz Klastrusel. If you have a 2WD, it is a much less pleasant journey (but still possible). From here, it is a 30-minute walk (1 hour return) to the viewpoint over the basalt canyon.
There are no toilets at Parkplatz Klastrusel, but there is sometimes a food van selling slushies, waffles and hot dogs.
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET THE BEST VIEW?
From the east bank viewpoint, you can also go down to the river to get excellent views of the giant columns of basalt rising above the turquoise waters.
It’s a short but slightly tricky scramble (5 minutes) that requires your hands in a couple of places. Beware, it can be quite muddy after rain.
The hiking routes are marked in red on the map below and are relatively flat and easy, apart from the scramble down to the riverbank.
WHEN TO VISIT STUÐLAGIL CANYON?
The best time to visit Stuðlagil Canyon is during the summer months of June, July & August.
The temperatures are mild, the hiking trails are clear of snow, and the river will be a bold turquoise colour thanks to the glacial silt.
In winter, getting here can be a challenge, and the river and canyon can be covered in snow and ice.
In spring, the snowmelt brings sediment down the valley, turning the river brown, and in fall, the hydroelectric dam releases its overflow, producing higher water levels and a more churned-up river.
Finally, Stuðlagil Canyon has become a popular Instagram spot, so queueing up at the edge of the river to get your photo can take time. We recommend coming early or late in the day.
TIPS FOR VISITING
01 – If you plan to scramble down to the river edge, wear waterproof boots or shoes with a good grip and allow 2 to three hours to hike to the canyon and get photos.
02 – The river currents here are strong, and the water is cold. It’s not advisable to swim.
03 – Drones are allowed, but there may be a few about, so stay in contact with other drone operators and be prepared to wait. The riverside is a popular spot for nesting birds, so you need to be careful of them as well.
04 – Although the Stuðlafoss Waterfall is right next to the Parkplatz Klastrusel, you’re actually a bit too close to get any good shots. The waterfall is best photographed from the main road.
05 – It’s best to get to the East Side viewpoint as early as possible to beat the crowds, then pop into the West Side viewpoint – it matters less if it’s slightly busy on the west side.
OTHER GREAT THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
Although a long way from Reykjavík, there is plenty to do in this less-visited part of Iceland.
Hengifoss // One of the most attractive waterfalls in Iceland, Hengifoss is 80 minutes away from Stuðlagil. It’s the 3rd highest waterfall in Iceland, with colourful layers of rock making it a beautiful place to visit.
Laugavallalaug // Head onto the nearby F-roads and into Iceland’s Highlands, and you can get to our favourite geothermal pool in Iceland, Laugavallalaug. A naturally heated waterfall cascades into a small pool in this idyllic setting.
Hafrahvammagljufur // This dramatic 8-kilometre-long canyon is about 200 metres deep and set in a remote part of the highlands of Iceland. It’s only 37 kilometres from Stuðlagil, but with the rocky roads, it takes about 1 hour to drive there.
Askja // Although one of the most challenging drives in the highlands, the unique geology of Askja Caldera is well worth a visit. It takes about 4 hours to get there from Stuðlagil.
Seyðisfjörður // This lovely little town tucked into one of the eastfjords is just under 1 hour and 30 minutes from Stuðlagil. It’s known for its rainbow road leading to the quaint church and charming colourful houses.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR STUÐLAGIL CANYON?
There are plenty of great places to visit on the way to and from Stuðlagil, so it’s worth spending a day or so in the area. Here are some places to base yourself.
For more suggestions, read our guide on where to stay in Iceland.
- Seyðisfjörður Guesthouse ($) – This excellent-value guesthouse has good-sized rooms with access to a shared kitchen. The Bistro Skaftfell, just a few doors down, does great pizza and local beers.
- Hengifoss Guesthouse ($$) – Lovely family-run guesthouse just a short distance from Hengifoss waterfall.
- Hotel 1001 Nott ($$$$) – This modern, cool hotel is only a few miles from Route 1 and well located for easy access to Egilsstaðir (a 10-minute drive).
OTHER BASALT COLUMNS IN ICELAND
Stuðlagil Canyon may have the highest concentration of basalt columns in Iceland, but there are many other great examples spread around the country.
Reynisfjara Beach – Columns rise above the black sands on Reynisfjara beach in Southern Iceland.
- Hljoðaklettar – Picturesque brown basalt columns surround a cave entrance at Hljoðaklettar near Myvatn.
- Svartifoss – Magnificent black columns surround Svartifoss (waterfall) at Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park.
- Aldeyjarfoss – A mix of vertical and twisted basalt columns wind their way around the waterfall at Aldeyjarfoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and an excellent place to visit in the highlands.
MORE ICELAND PLANNING GUIDES
- Working out what to see? Here are our top places to visit in Iceland.
- All you need to know to plan your next Iceland trip.
- We have 6 epic Iceland itineraries to help you plan your trip.
- Looking for accommodation? Here’s where to stay in Iceland.
- All you need to know about driving in Iceland.
- Explore the stunning Iceland highlands and get off the tourist trail.
- Want to increase your excitement? Consider driving the F-roads.
- If you only visit the highlands once, use this guide to Landmannalaugar.
- Or follow this guide to Thórsmörk and hike the Valley of the Gods.
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