Stuðlagil: A Hidden Canyon of Stone and Silence

A Canyon Revealed

For centuries, Stuðlagil lay mostly unknown — hidden beneath the fast-flowing waters of the Jökla River, which surged with glacier runoff. When a hydroelectric project diverted part of the river in 2009, the canyon emerged in full: the turquoise water calmed, the stone walls appeared, and suddenly, one of Iceland's most striking geological wonders revealed itself.

Even now, there's something untouched about it — as if it's still getting used to being seen.

Nature's Architecture

The basalt columns that line the canyon are a study in precision. Rising straight from the riverbed like organ pipes, their symmetry is almost unbelievable. They are the result of volcanic activity and slow cooling, frozen in time for thousands of years.

What makes Stuðlagil especially rare is how close you can get. You can walk alongside the cliff edges, stand at eye level with the formations, and, if conditions allow, even descend carefully into the canyon for a closer look. Just remember: this is raw terrain, and respect for nature and your safety always comes first.

Getting There (and Getting It Right)

Stuðlagil lies in the Jökuldalur valley, not far from the ring road but still remote enough to feel off the map. There are two main access points:

1. A viewing platform can be reached from the west side—a shorter walk, but the view is more distant.
2. From the east side, a longer hike (roughly 5 km round trip) takes you down to the river's edge and offers the iconic view into the canyon.

Parking is available, but the roads can be rough — especially in winter or early spring. Wear good shoes, check road conditions, and take your time. The reward is worth it.

A Place That Asks You to Slow Down

At Key to Iceland, we're drawn to places like Stuðlagil not because they're easy but because they're real.

This canyon isn't polished or packaged. There's no visitor center, no paved path, no souvenir shop. Just a raw meeting of stone, water, and light — and a reminder of how much there still is to discover when you take the road less traveled.