Hiking Stuðlagil Canyon: Accessing the Basalt Columns in East Iceland
Hiking Stuðlagil Canyon: Accessing the Basalt Columns in East Iceland
Stuðlagil Canyon is located in the Jökuldalur valley, about 70 km (43 miles) west of Egilsstaðir. It holds the largest collection of basalt columns in Iceland. A glacial river runs through them, shifting from pale green to deep blue depending on the season.
Planning a Stuðlagil Canyon hike starts with knowing which side of the canyon gives access to the basalt columns. This guide explains the east and west access points, how far you need to walk, and which route gets you closest to the columns.
The History of Stuðlagil Basalt Columns: From Hidden Gem to Famous Landmark
The canyon existed long before anyone recognized it as such. The Jökla River once ran high enough to completely cover most of the basalt walls.
When the Kárahnjúkavirkjun hydroelectric plant began operating between 2007 and 2009, it reduced the water levels in the Jökulsa á Dal River. The canyon walls gradually emerged from the water, exposing columns that had been hidden for centuries.
Local sheep farmers were among the first to notice the formation. A guide later photographed it, and the image went wide in 2017 after appearing in a travel publication. Today, it ranks among the most photographed canyons in Iceland, attracting travelers from Europe, North America, and beyond.
The West Side Viewpoint at Grund Farm
From the Ring Road, take Road 923 and turn left at the Grund Farm sign after about 19 km (12 miles). The parking lot is right there, and a flat, paved path takes you up to the viewing platforms at the canyon rim. Pay the 1,000 ISK (around $8 USD) parking fee through the Parka app using the QR code on site.
No hiking experience is needed. As of summer 2025, new platforms and stairs bring you closer to the river than before, significantly improving the view.
Once you reach the rim, the view of the canyon opens up below you. The basalt columns line both banks, and the blue-green river runs between them far below. Plan about 20 to 30 minutes for the west side. Morning light falls directly into the canyon, which makes it the best time to visit.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
How Do You Access the East Side Hike at Klaustursel Farm?
Turn off onto Road 923 and follow the signs toward Klaustursel Farm after about 14 km (8.7 miles). Two parking areas sit near the bridge, and choosing the right one makes a big difference in how far you walk.
- Lot A sits just before the bridge, about 4.5 to 5 km (2.8 to 3.1 miles) from the canyon, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
- Lot B is roughly 2 km (1.2 miles) further along a dirt road, cutting the walk to 2 to 2.5 km (1.2 to 1.6 miles) one way, or 45 to 60 minutes each way. It requires a high-clearance vehicle.
- Parking costs 1,000 ISK (around $8 USD) and is paid via the Parka app using the on-site QR code.
The hiking trail follows the Jökla River upstream to the canyon rim. About halfway along, you pass Stuðlafoss waterfall, surrounded by its own basalt columns. Ropes near the entrance help you descend to the riverbed, where the columns rise directly from the water on both sides. The east side is the only route that allows visitors to reach the basalt columns at river level.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Stuðlagil Canyon?
The canyon is accessible year round, but the experience changes significantly by season. Summer, between June and August, offers the longest daylight hours and the most accessible trails.
Summer (June to August)
Late June through late July offers the clearest water conditions. From August onward, reservoir overflow can raise water levels and reduce visibility. Glacial melt slows during this period, dropping water levels and revealing the canyon's blue waters at their clearest. The basalt columns are most exposed and most visible from the canyon floor.
Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November)
Spring and autumn visits are possible but require more preparation. Snow and mud can make the trail slippery, and higher water levels may block access to the canyon floor.
Winter (December to February)
Winter brings snow and ice to both trails. The west-side viewpoint remains accessible in most conditions, but the east side hike is significantly harder to navigate safely.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
What Should You Know Before Visiting Stuðlagil Canyon?
A few practical details make visiting Stuðlagil Canyon a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Most come down to timing, footwear, and paying for parking before you lose mobile signal.
- Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. The trail can be muddy, and the riverbed is wet near the basalt columns.
- Start early. By mid-morning in July and August, both parking areas fill quickly. Arriving before 8 am gives you quieter conditions and better light for photography.
- Bring layers. Summer temperatures in the Jökuldalur valley average around 44.6°F to 47.3°F (7°C to 8.5°C), even in July and August.
Nearby Attractions to Combine With Your Stuðlagil Canyon Visit
If you are driving through the Jökuldalur valley, these sites pair well with a canyon visit. None requires a major detour from the route back to Egilsstaðir.
1. Rjúkandi waterfall
Rjúkandi is one of the few large waterfalls in East Iceland that are visible directly from the Ring Road. This sits just 3 km (2 miles) east of Skjöldólfsstaðir. A short walk from the parking area brings you to the base of the falls, where the water drops in stages down a moss-covered cliff face. It is a quick stop that takes about 15 to 20 minutes and requires no trail experience.
2. Reindeer Park
Reindeer Park in Egilsstaðir is truly unique in Iceland – the only place where you can get up close and personal with reindeer.This is an experience you won’t find anywhere else. The reindeer´s are incredibly friendly and comfortable around people, giving you the chance to pet them and even feed them – a truly unforgettable encounter with Icelandic wildlife.
3. Vök Baths
Vök Baths is one of the few geothermal facilities in Iceland built directly over a freshwater lake. The floating pools sit on Lake Urriðavatn just minutes outside Egilsstaðir, with water temperatures at around 108°F (42°C) and open views across the water in every direction. After a full day on the east side trail, soaking here while the light fades over the lake is a quiet way to close out the day.
Plan Your Visit to Stuðlagil Canyon
The Stuðlagil Canyon hike is straightforward once you know which side suits your plans. The west side requires no hiking, while the east side takes two to four hours and brings you to the canyon floor. Plan to spend at least a full day in the Jökuldalur valley to make the most of the canyon and the nearby stops along the route.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
Is it safe to swim in the Jökla River inside Stuðlagil Canyon?
Swimming in the Jökla River is not recommended. The current is strong, the water stays close to 32°F (0°C) year-round, and there are no lifeguards or emergency services nearby.
Are drones allowed at Stuðlagil Canyon?
Drones are permitted at Stuðlagil Canyon under Icelandic Civil Aviation Authority guidelines. Always check current regulations before flying and avoid nesting birds along the riverbank.
Is there a campsite near Stuðlagil Canyon?
Stuðlagil Canyon Camping sits at Grund Farm on the west side of the river, with roughly 100 pitches, toilets, hot showers, and outdoor sinks. To reach the east side trailhead from the campsite, allow an extra 5 to 7 km (3.1 to 4.3 miles) of driving around the river.
What facilities are available at the Stuðlagil Canyon parking areas?
The west side parking lot at Grund Farm has paid restrooms. The east side parking areas near Klaustursel Farm have no toilet facilities.
Is Stuðlagil Canyon worth visiting in winter?
Stuðlagil Canyon is open year-round, but snow and ice between December and February make the east side trail difficult. The basalt columns are most visible from late June through early September.