A Travel Guide to Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Our travel guide to Fjadrargljufur Canyon (also spelled Fjaðrárgljúfur) includes everything you need to know before visiting one of the most famous canyons in Iceland known from Justin Bieber's video clip. Where to find Fjadrargljufur Canyon, where to stay, how to get there, what to pack, how much time you need for a visit, or how to stay safe - let's find out.
Imagine a large canyon, about 100 meters deep and 2 kilometers long.
On each side of the canyon rise from the river bed steep cliffs with green grass and moss on the top, and through those ragged rocks down there make its way Fjadra River that flows from a nearby glacier.
In the very far end, the canyon ends by a wall that creates an obstacle that nature here in Iceland knows very well how to overcome - by a beautiful waterfall.
If you still do not know which Iceland's natural attraction we try to describe, we won't keep this secret from you any longer.
This post will be about Fjadrargljufur Canyon, which is finally accessible again!
For many, Fjadrargljufur Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.
And also one of the best examples where you can see with your very own eyes everything that can happen when a place must deal with a sudden flood of tourists, and therefore with overtourism.
A few years back, Fjadrargljufur became a victim of its skyrocketing popularity because it was featured in Justin Bieber's I'll Show You video clip.
Then the inevitable happened, and the canyon was closed. It’s strange to hear that people tried to get in illegally even during the closure.
But after a much-needed break to recover and after tourism authorities working in the area installed ropes and built designated paths to enjoy the views, the canyon is open again.
And this time, better prepared for eager travelers who are excited to see this wonderful place.
We believe that when we put together good infrastructure and common sense, Fjadrargljufur Canyon has a chance to prove that sustainable tourism can work well for the local community, nature, and visitors.
Is Fjadrargljufur Canyon Open?
Fjadrargljufur Canyon is open at the moment, but it does not mean it cannot change when travelers start to behave disrespectfully, so always check the current conditions before your visit.
We often cannot understand why a place suddenly gets such a reputation, especially when we know that countries such as Iceland have so many equally beautiful canyons.
Kolugljufur Canyon, for instance, is one of them.
But after visiting Fjadrargljufur, we pretty much understand why this natural attraction is the chosen one.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon is outstanding and worth your time, so make sure you put it in your Iceland itinerary.
This travel guide includes information on how to get to Fjadrargljufur Canyon, how to enjoy your visit the best, safety tips, and tips on where to spend the night.
Where Is Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Fjadrargljufur is one of the gems and must-visit places in South Iceland near Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, which is quite easily accessible.
The place lies on the road between picturesque Vik and Skaftafell National Park.
So if you travel the Ring Road, we are pretty confident you will drive this stretch of the road, and it would be a shame not to take a short detour.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon is well-signposted, so from road number 1, turn to 206 Holtsvegur, which will take you to the parking lot.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee for Fjadrargljufur Canyon. Even parking is free at Fjadrargljufur.
How to Get to Fjadrargljufur Canyon
How do you get to Fjadrargljufur? You have two options unless you want to hitchhike.
The truth is, public transport, if it exists in this part of the world, is pretty impractical, especially if you plan to visit more places in one day, therefore we recommend either renting a car or taking a tour.
Car
The easiest way how to get to Fjadrargljufur is by rental car or campervan.
You do not need 4WD; 2WD is absolutely suitable, even though the last two kilometers from the Ring Road turn off lead on the gravel road.
Be careful in the winter, though.
The road can be snowy and slippery, so consider the conditions realistically and do not drive close to the edge of the road to prevent slipping in the ditch.
Tour
The whole visit of Fjadrargljufur Canyon will take you approximately an hour, maybe even less if you do not wait for the better light as we did.
Therefore, many agencies usually offer a day trip in the area with multiple stops.
If you do not have your own transport, this South Coast Tour from Reykjavik will show you the best attractions in South Iceland, including the famous canyon.
Visiting Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Even though we could read it is possible to walk inside the canyon, it would require wading through the water, and we think that Fjadrargljufur is the best to be seen from above.
Hiking Trail
And this is then what we did; we followed the designated trail.
We left our car in the designated parking lot - there are toilets (free of charge) and also garbage bins, which is not that common in Iceland.
The path leads all the way slightly uphill, and from the very beginning, we could see the towering cliffs beneath us.
The dramatic views were getting better and better until we reached the first viewing platform, from where we could admire Fjadra River sneaking through the canyon.
Stay on the Trail
When you stand here, you can notice many trails in the vegetation that lead to the very ends of the cliffs.
These paths are now protected by ropes, and we sincerely ask you not to go there - stay on the trail.
It is great not only for your safety but also for the fragile environment. Follow the same approach also in similar places such as Dyrholaey Peninsula, Borgarfjordur Eystri or Latrabjarg Cliffs.
Plus, authorities taking care of nature will close the canyon once again if tourists won’t respect the rules.
Enjoy the Views
Also, the views from the viewing platform are amazing, and there is really no need to go any further.
Many travelers return back to their cars at this point, but we recommend you to carry on, even though the path leads uphill.
The last viewpoint is approximately one kilometer from the parking lot, but it is worth it to walk there, as the scenery is out of this world.
On one side, you can see the winding canyon; on the other side runs a waterfall down the rocky wall, and it will take you a while to take it all in.
What to Pack
Even though the trail is quite short, dress appropriately for the ever-changing weather in Iceland.
Wear a rain jacket, or windbreaker, and hiking pants. The trail is paved, so walking shoes are just fine.
Do not forget a waterproof dry bag and camera!
For more packing tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How Much Time Do I Need
Fjadrarfljufur Canyon is a perfect stop for all types of travelers. First of all, it is very photogenic and well-accessible.
But most importantly, everyone, both those waiting it out for the best light and photo opportunity and those who are pressed by time, can get the most of the visit.
Travelers in a rush can see pretty impressive views in less than an hour, which is perfect, although we always fight to spend more time at one place to enjoy it fully.
On the other hand, you can spend in the area much longer and take it easy because a hiking trail leads a bit off the beaten path, and you can follow it for as long as you want.
Ideally, we recommend you allow yourself around 90 minutes for Fjadrarfljufur Canyon.
When to Visit Fjadrargljufur Canyon
What is the best time to visit Fjadrargljufur Canyon? It is an all-year-round destination.
Just make sure you are well dressed in the winter when the cold wind can be very unpleasant.
Summer is your best bet for the more stable weather and long days, which was a lifesaver for us.
Otherwise, we would not be able to see everything we planned.
Always stay on the trail for your safety.
As the canyon is one of the must-visit places in Iceland, to avoid crowds, arrive either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Also, make sure to read our post on the best time to visit Iceland.
Best Hotels Near Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Where to stay when visiting Fjadrargljufur Canyon depends on your plans for the day.
It is possible to start in the morning in Reykjavik, but you can spend a night near Skogafoss Waterfall in Skogar, in Vik, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, which is the nearest settlement to the canyon, or even further near Skaftafell National Park.
We've put together a list of the best places where you can spend a night before or after visiting Fjadrargljufur Canyon.
Reykjavik | Midgardur by Center Hotels - Close to all top attractions, this hotel offers its guests amazing services. Except for comfortable beds and a tasty breakfast, you can relax in an on-site spa.
Skogar | Hotel Skogafoss - Skogar is a popular place for visiting Kvernufoss and Skogafoss Waterfall, but also the plane wreck, and it is within driving distance to the canyon.
Vik | Hotel Vik i Myrdal - Wonderfully decorated hotel is close to some of the top attractions in Iceland, so it cannot surprise you it is super-popular.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur | Hotel Klaustur - This modern hotel with perfect facilities is one of the best places to stay, in case you want to see the canyon either early in the morning or later in the afternoon, without the crowds.
Skaftafell | Hotel Skaftafell - Wonderful location and a perfect stop on the Ring Road. We started the day in Vik, visited the canyon, and slept near Skaftafell that evening, so it is for sure doable in one day.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
