In Iceland there are endless options when it comes to outdoor activities. If you love hiking or just getting closer to nature in the most spectacular way you come to the right place.
Here we will go over our favourite canyons in Iceland. All of which are amazing and a perfect addition to your next road trip in Iceland!
Fjaðrárgljúfur
First on our list is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. It is one of Iceland most beautiful canyon and fits perfectly to many travelers plans as it is located between the town of Vik and Vatnajökull Glacier National Park. So, if you are going to see Reynisfjara black sand beach and Glacier lagoon, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a great addon to your trip.
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is right of the Ring Road when driving along the south coast of Iceland. Close to the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. There is also a parking lot where you can keep your rental car while hiking.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a 100 meter (328 ft.) deep with the cliff walls coted in green moss. On the bottom of the canyon runs a stream which hikers can walk along up the canyon if the water level is low. If the water level is high stay above and hike along the ridges and get a view from the top.
The best time to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is in spring and summer as the hike is much easier and you can see the green moss-covered cliffs.
Almannagjá
Almannagjá is a canyon at Thingvellir National Park. It is a place of incredible natural beauty and historic value.
It is the birthplace of Althingi, the Icelandic parliament. The oldest parliament in the world. There you can walk in the footsteps of the Viking settlers of Iceland.
Visiting Almannagjá canyon is quite easy. They’re marked trails and wooden boardwalks throughout the area. At one end you can walk up to Öxnarfoss waterfall or hike the path which leads to main canyon.
Almannagjá is in fact the gap between Europe and North America. One side being the North America tectonic plate and the other the Eurasian plate. There you can literally walk between continents.
Thingvellir National Park is only about 30 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik. There are plenty of parking where you can safely park your rental car. Just remember to pay the parking fee.
Almannagjá Canyon is a perfect destination for travelers looking for day tour. It is also one of the stops on the famous Golden Circle. So, if you intend on seeing Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir Geyser, Almannagjá Caynon is a great first or last stop for that road trip.
Stuðlagil
Stuðlagil Canyon is probably the most extreme place on this list. The scenery is just unbelievable. It feels unreal and being there is like entering a painting.
The tall walls of Stuðlagil Canyon are all made from basalt pillar rocks. These rocks have been carved by the glacier river that flows through the canyon. The river still flows on the bottom of the canyon in a magical green blue color.
It is possible to hike in and around the canyon using the pillar rocks as steps. However, they might be slippery, so be careful when making your way through.
Stuðlagil Canyon is on the East side of Iceland. So, it is a bit far from Reykjavik, or about 600 km. It is however close to the Ring Road. So those driving around Iceland, it makes a great stop for the road trip.
There is a parking area where visitors can leave their rental car while exploring the canyon.
It might be a long drive, but you will not regret taking the time getting there. It might just be the highlight of your trip.
SEE ALSO: THE HIDDEN CANYON IN EAST ICELAND
Glymur Waterfall
Last, but certainly not least on our list is Glymur Waterfall. It is Iceland´s tallest waterfall. The waterfall drops into a canyon below which can be hiked or viewed from above. The scenery is breath taking beautiful.
Located in Hvalfjörður fjord, Glymur waterfall is only about 40 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Making it a perfect day tour when visiting Iceland.
There is parking lot where visitors can park and from there it is a bit of a hike getting to the waterfall. Hiking to Glymur waterfall requires a little effort as it is step at times. It is however well worth it.
So, if you are looking for a highly rewarding exercise on your trip in Iceland visiting Glymur Waterfall should definitely be on your list.
That´s our list for top canyons to hike in Iceland. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many amazing canyons and other natural wonders worth exploring in Iceland and we encourage you to see them all.
SEE ALSO: THE TOP 4 BEST HIKES IN ICELAND
Just book the perfect rental car for your road trip in Iceland with Blue Car Rental and start planning your dream vacation.
There are more articles on natural wonders and practical information about traveling in Iceland is available in our blogs.
A RENTAL CAR FROM KEF AIRPORT TO SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK
