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Studlagil Canyon is among the most gorgeous and attention-grabbing locations I’ve visited in Iceland — but because of its distant location, it feels splendidly off the crushed monitor.
This canyon, situated within the Jökuldalur Valley (Glacier Valley) of East Iceland, is dwelling to one of many best collections of basalt columns in Iceland. In reality, “Studlagil Canyon” interprets to “Basalt Column Gorge.” These lengthy, darkish streaks of rock type uncommon geometric shapes all through Iceland.
Much more attention-grabbing? Folks had no concept this place even existed till a decade or so in the past. Extra on that in a bit.
Studlagil Canyon was excessive on our checklist when Amanda and I visited Iceland. And whereas we spent a lot of the expertise soaking moist and sinking into mud, we completely liked it.
You must positively put this in your checklist. Right here’s what you want to learn about Studlagil Canyon.
(Be aware: It’s spelled “Stuðlagil Canyon” in Icelandic, however I’ll be utilizing Studlagil Canyon right here. The “ð” is pronounced like “th.”)
How Did This Place Come to Be?
For hundreds of years, Icelanders had no concept the basalt rock columns of Studlagil Canyon had been lurking beneath the river’s floor. The turquoise Jökla River rushed wildly by the panorama, main no clue to what lay beneath.
Folks didn’t even stay on this a part of Iceland. Simply sheep.
In 2009, the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkavirkjun opened close by and created the Hálslón Reservoir. A lot of the Jökla River was diverted into the reservoir as a substitute of speeding down its ordinary path, so the river stage decreased seven to eight meters.
In 2016 a bunch of sheep herders found the newly revealed canyon. In 2017, Studlagil Canyon was featured in an promoting marketing campaign for Iceland-based WOW Airways.
WOW stopped its operations two years later, however the cat was out of the bag — Studlagil Canyon was the most popular new pure marvel of Iceland. In recent times, the canyon went from a hidden gem to a must-visit spot, drawing vacationers from all around the world.
But nonetheless, this place could be very quiet in comparison with the tour bus-crammed Golden Circle, or the busy Mývatn area in Northern Iceland.
Studlagil Canyon FAQ
For those who park within the small car parking zone on the east facet, it’s a few two-hour out-and-back hike. If in case you have a 4×4, you’ll be able to park within the nearer car parking zone and save about an hour’s climbing time.
No information is critical at Studlagil Canyon. The climbing path is clear and simple to comply with.
There’s a paid rest room on the west facet solely. There are completely zero services on the east facet, which is the climbing facet.
The east facet is for the lengthy hike. The west facet is only a viewing platform.
Climbing to Studlagil Canyon
There are two sides of Studlagil Canyon: the east facet and the west facet. You’ll want to know which facet earlier than you begin!
The east facet is the place you do the hike, and there are completely no services right here — not even bathrooms. There are two parking heaps, one additional away and one nearer however on the finish of a tough highway.
The west facet has an overlook you can climb all the way down to {photograph} the canyon (greater than 100 stairs), and there are paid restrooms. That is subsequent to a farm known as Grund, and there’s a paid rest room. No climbing is accessible from the west facet.
Amanda and I had been within the hike in the beginning, so we headed straight to the east facet parking space.
Our Expertise Climbing Studlagil Canyon
When Amanda and I get to the Studlagil Canyon east facet car parking zone in entrance of the bridge, we have now our first determination to make. We will see the second car parking zone within the distance. Might we get there in our little Toyota Corolla?
After weighing our choices, we determine no. This appears like a tough highway with plenty of deep holes; whereas it’s technically not a 4×4-only highway like an F highway, it’s higher suited to 4×4 vehicles. (By the way, we made the correct determination. We find yourself driving our automotive on a number of questionable roads throughout the journey, however none the place the highway situation was this unhealthy.)
Parking within the additional away car parking zone provides on an additional half-hour to our journey, however we’re prepared. An hour’s hike every approach is completely doable.
We gear up and begin climbing, climbing hills alongside the potholed highway.
About half-hour into our hike, near the second car parking zone, we come throughout a fantastic waterfall — Studlafoss! Studlafoss waterfall reminds us of Svartifoss, the famously picturesque waterfall on Iceland’s southeast coast. It’s a beautiful shock alongside our path.
At this level it begins to rain. No drawback. We get out our rain jackets and I determine to not placed on my rain pants, as I have already got waterproof climbing pants on. That may be sufficient, wouldn’t it?
Expensive readers — that was a mistake. Water resistant is NOT waterproof. However by the point I understand I ought to have put my rain pants on, my climbing pants are so soaked that there’s no level. Alas, we trudge alongside the path, my tooth gritted in annoyance.
By this level the climbing path is an easy-to comply with gravel highway, and largely stage — a welcome growth after the hilly starting to the hike.
We now have been hoping that we might come throughout a rest room someplace in our hike. No, that constructing within the car parking zone isn’t a rest room. Nor are the few buildings after that. Neither is the constructing the workmen are developing. Nor have they got a porta-potty on website. “It’s a must to go to the opposite facet of the River Jökla,” one of many workmen tells us.
It’s okay. We will do that!! We’re not going to overlook Studlagil Canyon of all locations!!!
Quickly we start seeing basalt columns poke out alongside the riverbed. Lastly. They develop longer and longer. An hour into our hike, we’ve made it.
By now, it’s raining VERY laborious as we come to the primary a part of the basalt canyon. My hood is pulled tightly round my face and my digicam is an angular paunch beneath my rain jacket.
Nonetheless — that is astounding.
What surprises me probably the most is how so most of the basalt columns are curved into twisting shapes. They don’t all come out straight! That is the work of hundreds of years of lava assembly a robust glacial river. And never all of them are hexagonal basalt columns — some have 4, 5, or seven sides.
The water? It’s actually that turquoise, brilliant and milky. It jogs my memory of the brightly saturated rivers in Bosnia, the neon blue lakes in Slovenia.
We stroll all the way down to a tall, slim rock slab overlooking the river, and it’s crowded with folks. Who climbs a construction that harmful — within the rain?! One unsuitable step in both path and also you’re lifeless!
I refuse to go up there — however the water’s edge can be good. I have to get a shot from there.
Then I step into the mud, and my foot is engulfed practically to my ankles. Why did I not put on my waterproof boots?! (Nicely, simple, Kate. You have got unhealthy arches and might’t hike in your Hunter wellies, even with insoles. You selected your climbing boots for in the present day. You didn’t know it could be THIS muddy.)
I can’t get anyplace all the way down to the water’s edge.
Amanda, having chosen a pair of waterproof boots that she will be able to truly hike in, makes it all the way down to the sting of the water.
I attempt to placate myself with a selfie, smiling by the bathe.
After about half-hour on the canyon, we determine to go again. We trudge again in silence, the rain pounding down round us.
Fittingly, 20 minutes later or so, the rain slows to a drizzle, then stops.
Are we going again? Hell no. We have to pee.
Driving to the West Aspect
By the point we get again to our automotive, we have now one purpose: get to the toilet on the west facet. Or any lavatory, actually. Seven minutes later, we’re within the car parking zone — the place a public restroom is ready. THANK GOD.
We run into the toilet and ACK — we have to pay, and we left our wallets within the automotive! I seize my telephone, pull up Apple Pay (extraordinarily helpful in Iceland), and scan my telephone. We’re in.
Lastly, we’re capable of leisurely discover the west facet of the canyon. Right here you’ll be able to climb down stairs to a platform. I determine to go down; Amanda sticks to the highest.
After an extended climb down, I’m left with a surprising view in each instructions of the gorge, together with improbable views of the bizarre curving basalt columns. Sure, it was well worth the go to.
Nonetheless, these stairs are not any joke. I depend them as I ascend and I’ve to cease at round 130. Lengthy earlier than that I’m stopping to catch my breath.
I meet up with Amanda on the prime. The views from the car parking zone are nowhere nearly as good because the views on the platform.
And I believe to myself, Would this have been price it if I had solely gone to the west facet and never executed the hike?
And even with out waterproof pants or waterproof sneakers, I’m so glad I did the complete hike.
There’s nothing like seeing this place up shut.
(For the report, I’m vigilant about rain pants and waterproof boots for the remainder of the journey. They turn out to be useful on the waterfalls that soak you want Kvernufoss and Gljúfrabúi.)
Security at Studlagil Canyon
One factor that strikes me every time I go to Iceland is how few security precautions are in place. Whether or not you’re strolling on smoking floor at Hverir or standing on the sting of a cliff at Múlagljúfur Canyon, Icelanders have exceptional confidence in folks’s capacity to remain secure.
You may get a rubber mat on the pathway. That’s it. Railings? Ha. Employees? Nearly by no means.
It made my palms sweat seeing how many individuals teetered on the slim sheet of canyon within the rain. So lots of them may have simply fallen to their deaths.
On the west facet of the river is an indication from Grund Farm urging security. “This gorge is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and demand nice care; additionally, the river is chilly and has a quick present. By no means go to the cliff edges — falling off can imply loss of life.
When on the gorge and anyplace else on this farm, you’re chargeable for your self.”
I couldn’t assist however suppose that it may be useful to have this signal on the facet the place folks truly hike.
Even so — I didn’t go close to the scary edges. I like to recommend that you just steer clear of them, too. No Instagram shot is price your life.
A Warning on Water Shade
You’ll be able to go to Studlagil Canyon year-round, however it’s possible you’ll be disillusioned if you happen to are available late summer season. Studlagil Canyon’s green-blue water is considered one of its predominant attracts, however it’s solely that coloration when the Jökla’s water stage is low.
In late August or early September, the plant runs water by the dam, which turns the river grey or brown. This may additionally occur when there’s extreme rain or glacier soften, often throughout the summer season.
Amanda and I visited in August 20, 2022, and this was a legit worry we had as we deliberate our go to. Even so, we didn’t want to fret — the water was nonetheless brilliant turquoise. We lucked out.
It’s possible you’ll need to verify circumstances by taking a look at Instagram or Google Maps for current updates. And you may all the time head to the west facet first to take a look at the colour earlier than doing the hike.
Easy methods to Get to Studlagil Canyon
Studlagil Canyon is a brief drive from the Ring Street, however you may not get to the correct place with out the assistance of Google Maps. The East Aspect, which is marked “Stuðlagil Canyon (East Aspect Parking)” on Google Maps, is a 16-minute drive from the Ring Street.
From the Ring Street, flip onto highway 923. From right here you drive previous Hákonarstaði Farm and switch left on the signal for Klaustursel Farm. You’ll quickly see the car parking zone subsequent to the white bridge.
The West Aspect, which is marked “Stuðlagil Canyon” on Google Maps, is a 20-minute drive from the Ring Street. As a substitute of turning left at Klaustursel, proceed driving till you see Farm Grund, the place the perspective is.
The 2 sides are a seven-minute drive from one another.
Please take into account that there are bathrooms ONLY on the west facet.
Both facet of Studlagil Canyon is about an hourlong drive from Egilsstaðir.
The place to Keep Close to Studlagil Canyon
For those who’re trying to keep close to Studlagil Canyon, I like to recommend staying within the city of Egilsstaðir, which is the biggest metropolis in East Iceland (admittedly, with a inhabitants of 2500, it’s extra of a village than a metropolis).
We stayed at Lyngás Guesthouse in Egillsstaðir, and it was an important selection. This finances lodge felt quite a bit like a school dorm, however in a great way. We had a easy room with twin beds, and there was a kitchen and several other particular person bathrooms and showers on the ground, so we by no means needed to wait to make use of them. All the things was glowing clear.
See extra locations to remain in Egillsstaðir right here.
Extra Issues to Do in East Iceland
I used to be shocked how a lot I loved East Iceland. It’s way over only a place to drive by rapidly.
The Vök Baths in Egilsstaðir are my favourite scorching springs in Iceland — significantly! I went to so lots of them, however this one stood out for its distinctive scorching swimming pools inside a lake, fashionable and cozy services, scrumptious meals within the cafe, and slashes you could possibly order!
We went to the Vök Baths proper after climbing Studlagil Canyon and it was simply what we wanted after an extended, moist hike.
Be sure to go to the stunning city of Seyðisfjörður. Seyðisfjörður is a few 30-minute drive from Egilsstaðir on the coast of Japanese Iceland. It grew to become considered one of my favourite small cities in Iceland, filled with rainbows and artwork and hovering mountains!
For those who in a single day in Egilsstaðir, seize breakfast on the 50’s-style Skálinn Diner the subsequent morning! It’s not fairly an American diner, however it scratched my itch for a diner breakfast!
And the drive alongside the Eastfjords from Egilsstaðir to Djúpivogur was probably the most stunning stretch of our Iceland highway journey! Each flip was a jaw-dropper, with mountains and fjords so far as the attention may see.
Is Studlagil Canyon Price It?
I admit that I used to be depressing for lots of my Studlagil Canyon expertise. It wasn’t the very best time on the journey by far. Even so, I’m so glad that I did it. Sure, it was well worth the aggravation — even within the rain! Even having to pee the entire time! That’s how a vacation spot is particular.
However is it price it for you? It relies upon. Do you might have a minimal of three.5 hours free to drive right here from the Ring Street, stroll all the way in which to the canyon and again, and drive to the opposite facet for a glance? Do you might have the bodily capacity to do the two-hour hike or climb the 130+ stairs to the western viewpoint?
And let’s not neglect the climate! Does the climate look okay? If not, are you okay strolling within the rain? Do you might have acceptable rain gear? (You must.)
I don’t suppose Studlagil Canyon is for each traveler. However if you happen to acquired by this submit and your response was, “Hell sure!” I believe you’re going to get pleasure from your self right here.
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Have you ever been to Studlagil Canyon? Any suggestions? Share away!