Iceland’s most beautiful canyon? For me, that’s Fjaðrárgljúfur. Yep, good luck pronouncing that one. This green gorge was carved out at the end of the last Ice Age, but it only became world-famous when Justin Bieber filmed his music video for I’ll Show You here. So many fans flocked to it afterwards that the canyon had to close for a while to let nature recover. These days there are proper walking paths, and you can soak up those views all over again.
Where is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon?
The canyon sits in South Iceland, just off the Ring Road and a short drive west of the little village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. From the Ring Road, turn off towards Laki (road 206), and after a few kilometers you’ll find yourself at the Fjaðrárgljúfur parking lot.
On the way, you’ll pass Hunkubakkar Guesthouse. I stayed here and could simply walk from my bed to the canyon. The guesthouse has cute wooden cabins dotted across green fields, plus its own restaurant, which is handy in an area where there’s not much else to eat.
→ Discover the perfect 14-day Iceland road trip itinerary
Why is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon worth a visit?
The little Fjaðrá river winds through the canyon between steep walls covered in moss and grass. The gorge is about 2 kilometers long and around 100 meters deep at its deepest point. Thanks to all the height differences, you’ll spot a few waterfalls along the way too, the biggest being the Fjaðrárgljúfur waterfall itself.
From the parking lot, follow the path along the rim up to the far end of the canyon. You’ll pass several viewpoints on the way, and each one is just a little bit different. Allow about an hour there and back, photo stops included.
The canyon is often called ‘the green canyon’, and you’ll get why in summer, when the walls and edges are lush and green. In winter, expect browns, ice and snow instead. Good to know for spring: when the paths are too wet and fragile after the thaw, the canyon sometimes closes for a while to protect the moss.
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Our pickStay in South Iceland, close to the canyon: in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík
Iceland was made for a Ring Road trip. Rent a car at Keflavík airport with Discover Cars and compare the big rental companies in one go.
Fancy doing it by camper, like we did? Rent a campervan from CampEasy near Keflavík airport, 4x4s included for the rougher roads.
Prefer everything arranged? Browse Iceland tours on TourRadar.
No flight yet? Compare flights to Keflavík, Iceland's international airport near Reykjavík.
Hiking across Vatnajökull with a guide was a real highlight for us. Book a glacier hike in Skaftafell with GetYourGuide.
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