FjaðrárgljúfurFjaðrárgljúfur at a Glance
About Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a narrow canyon in southeast Iceland carved by the Fjaðrá river. It is notable for steep moss-covered cliffs and meandering river bends across a landscape shaped by glacial meltwater.
Marked paths and viewing platforms run along the canyon rim giving panoramic looks down into the gorge; walking routes vary in length but commonly follow the canyon for up to about 2 kilometres. The site is popular for short hikes and photography, with viewpoints at several levels above the river.
The canyon was formed during the end of the last Ice Age when glacial rivers cut deep channels into the bedrock; estimates place its formation thousands of years ago in the post-glacial period. Natural erosion continues to shape the canyon’s walls and river course.
Fjaðrárgljúfur lies in southeast Iceland along the Fjaðrá river, reachable from the Ring Road and commonly visited on routes between Iceland’s south-coast attractions and nearby settlements.
- Scale and formation: The canyon is about 2 kilometres long and reaches depths up to around 100 metres, carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years.
What to See#
- Upper viewpoints: Upper ridge viewpoints with marked paths that overlook the canyon and provide panoramic views over the river and rock walls.
- Lower walking path: Lower walking path that follows the canyon edge and river in places, offering closer views of the geology and the meandering Fjaðrá river.
Best Time to Visit Fjaðrárgljúfur
Best visited in summer for access and weather, though the canyon's dramatic profile is evocative in any season; follow local guidance on path closures to prevent erosion.
Weather & Climate near Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -3°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1656 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -5° | 144 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.4h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 2° | -5° | 148 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.4h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 3° | -5° | 134 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 6° | -2° | 106 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 14.7h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 9° | 3° | 117 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 17.8h |
| June | Poor | 6° - 12° | 7° | 117 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 19.8h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 117 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.1 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 18.8h |
| August | Poor | 7° - 14° | 10° | 165 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.9h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 10° | 5° | 144 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 169 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 3° | -3° | 142 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -5° | 153 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.2h |
How to Get to Fjaðrárgljúfur
About 10 km east of the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur on Route 1 (Ring Road) with a short gravel access road to the parking area; from there a short walk on marked paths leads to viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur
- Use marked paths and the viewing platforms installed after 2019 to protect fragile edges; do not attempt to descend steep, unofficial tracks.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for soft light that enhances the canyon's contours.