Stuðlagil is a canyon lined with tall basalt columns, with a blue-green river running through it. The columns were hidden under the river until a hydropower dam upstream lowered the water level in the 2000s.
It quickly became one of East Iceland's top sights.
Getting there
Take road 923 off Route 1 into Jökuldalur. On the west side, a short path from the Grund farm car park leads to viewing platforms. On the east side, a walk of about 5 km each way from near Klaustursel, passing Stuðlafoss, brings you down to the river.
When to go
Late June to late July usually has the bluest water. From August, overflow from the reservoir upstream can turn the river grey.
Good to know
- Choose the east side if you want to walk among the columns.
- Arrive early in summer to avoid crowds.
- Parking is paid on both sides.
Read more in the journal
- Things to Do in Iceland: 29 Top Sights on One Map
- The Ring Road in 10 Days: The Slower Route
- East Iceland Waterfalls: Hengifoss and More
- Mývatn Nature Baths, Now Earth Lagoon Mývatn
- North Iceland: Akureyri, Mývatn and the Diamond Circle
Drive times are approximate and depend on weather and road conditions. Check road.is and vedur.is before you set off.
