Fjaðrárgljúfur is a narrow, twisting canyon about 2 km long and up to 100 metres deep, cut by the river Fjaðrá. Its steep walls are covered in thick green moss.
A path climbs along the eastern rim to a series of viewpoints, ending on a platform that looks straight up the gorge. The moss is fragile and the canyon has been closed several times after damage, and since 2024 it has been a protected natural monument.
Getting there
Turn off Route 1 about 5 km west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur onto gravel road 206; the car park is about 2 km along. Parking is paid. The rim path to the top viewpoint is roughly 3 km return.
When to go
Usually open all year, but the Environment Agency can close the canyon or parts of the path at short notice, most often in spring thaw, to protect the vegetation. Check for closure signs and current news before you go, and check road 206 on umferdin.is in winter.
Good to know
- Stay on the marked path and platforms: leaving them is not allowed and destroys the moss.
- Respect any closure or rope barrier, even if other people ignore it.
- Do not walk in the riverbed or canyon floor.
- Come early in the morning for a quiet path.
Sources: Fjaðrárgljúfur natural monument regulation, B 555/2024 (Environment Agency), Fjaðrárgljúfur (Iceland Tours), Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon closed again (Iceland Review), Fjaðrárgljúfur (Wikipedia). Facts checked October 2026.
Drive times are approximate and depend on weather and road conditions. Check road.is and vedur.is before you set off.
