Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon in southeast Iceland, roughly 5 km west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and a short detour from the Ring Road. Formed approximately 9,000 years ago by glacial meltwater cutting through soft palagonite rock, the canyon stretches 2 km in length and drops up to 100 metres deep, with the Fjaðrá river running along the floor. A well-maintained rim path offers viewpoints along the full length of the canyon and can be walked without specialist equipment.
Formation and geology
Fjaðrárgljúfur was carved during the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 9,000 years ago, as glacial meltwater cut through the soft palagonite bedrock of the area. Palagonite is a volcanic glass formed when lava and glacial ice interact, and its relative softness allowed the Fjaðrá river to erode the canyon walls over millennia. The bedrock itself is estimated to be around two million years old. The canyon is 2 km long and reaches depths of up to 100 metres, making it one of the more striking geological features on the south coast, though it is smaller than Iceland's largest canyon, Jökulsárgljúfur in Vatnajökull National Park, which stretches 25 km.
The name breaks down simply: fjaðrá means feather river, and gljúfur means canyon. The river originates from the Geirlandshraun lava field and eventually merges with the Skaftá river downstream.
The rim walk and viewpoints
A footpath runs along the eastern rim of the canyon from the lower car park and extends the full length of the gorge, approximately 3.2 km return. The path is easy to follow and passes several viewpoints, each offering a different angle on the canyon walls and the river below. At the far end of the path, Mögárfoss waterfall drops from the western wall of the gorge into the canyon floor. The walk takes most visitors between 30 minutes and one hour depending on pace and how long they spend at each viewpoint.
The canyon is accessible year-round, but the path can become slippery in winter and during wet conditions in spring and autumn. Access is occasionally restricted to allow vegetation on the mossy rim to recover from wear. Checking current access before visiting is recommended, particularly in shoulder seasons. Parking costs ISK 1,000 per vehicle, payable via the Parka app or online.
Conservation and visitor conduct
The moss-covered rim of the canyon is fragile and has been damaged by visitors leaving the marked path in previous years, leading to temporary closures. The trail is now clearly signed and fenced in sections. Visitors are asked to stay on the path, respect fencing, and not walk on the moss beyond the designated viewpoints. The canyon sits within a protected area and the usual rules around vegetation and geological features apply.
On the south coast itinerary
Fjaðrárgljúfur sits 5 km off the Ring Road west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and adds roughly 45 minutes to an hour to a south coast drive depending on how long visitors spend on the rim walk. It is a natural fit between Vík í Mýrdal to the west and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to the east, and most south coast tour itineraries that spend two or more days on the route include it as a stop.
