Kolugljúfur: The Gorge Carved by Legend

May 2025

Photo credit: Visit North

In a quiet corner of North Iceland, just a short detour off the Ring Road, the land suddenly opens — and a deep, rugged gorge splits the fields apart.

Welcome to Kolugljúfur, a place shaped by time, water, and story.

Here, the Víðidalsá River has carved its way through basalt rock for thousands of years, creating a canyon that feels both raw and intimate.

Waterfalls tumble into the gorge, mist rises from the rocks, and the roar of the river fills the air everywhere.

The Troll Woman Who Made Her Home Here

According to old tales, Kolugljúfur is named after Kola, a giantess who once lived in the valley.

Strong and wild, she was said to have shaped the gorge herself — digging with her bare hands and bathing in its waters.

Today, when you stand on the edge and look down into the twisting canyon, it's easy to imagine her there, her spirit still lingering among the rocks and the rushing falls.

In Iceland, every rock and river has a story.

Kolugljúfur reminds you that even the quiet places are alive with old magic.

Photo credit: Visit North

Photo credit: Visit North

Photo credit: Visit North

Photo credit: Visit North

Things to Know Before You Go to Kolugljufur

Getting There:

Kolugljúfur is just off Route 715, a short and easy drive from Víðidalstunga. It's about 20 minutes east of Hvammstangi and the Vatnsnes Peninsula.

The Walk:

A small parking area near a bridge crosses over the gorge. From there, short trails run along both sides, offering different views of the waterfalls and canyon below.

Safety Tip:

The gorge edges are steep and not fenced — watch your footing carefully, especially if the ground is wet or icy.

Iceland's natural wonders are beautiful, but they ask for your respect.

Best Time to Visit:

The river runs strong in summer, and the green mosses glow against the dark rock.

In autumn, the landscape turns golden, and the lower sun makes the waterfalls shimmer.

Kolugljúfur: A Reminder of Nature's Quiet Power

At Key to Iceland, we know that not every breathtaking place needs to be famous.

Some places are meant to be stumbled upon — places where you pull over without much planning, step out into the wind, and find yourself face-to-face with something unforgettable.

Kolugljúfur is one of those places.

It's not crowded. It's not grand in the way that stops tour buses in their tracks.

It's something better: a secret shared by water, stone, and time.