Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Why I recommend it

This is one of those places that proves you do not need a huge waterfall or glacier to create an unforgettable landscape. Fjaðrárgljúfur is all about the shape of the canyon: narrow rock towers, steep green walls and the river winding through the bottom like it was drawn there on purpose. The viewpoints along the rim keep changing, so every few minutes you get a completely different perspective. It is an easy place to stop, but still feels dramatic enough to stay in your memory afterwards.

What to do

Walk the trail along the canyon rim rather than stopping at just the first viewpoint. The path gives you several different views into the canyon, and the farther you go, the better you understand just how deep and twisted it really is. Take your time at the viewpoints and look both down into the canyon and back along the river. This is one of those places where the landscape changes a lot depending on where you stand.

Good to know

Fjaðrárgljúfur is very popular, so do not expect to have it completely to yourself. The paths can also be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, and the edges are steep in places. Stick to the marked trails and viewpoints rather than trying to get closer to the canyon edge. Weather changes quickly here too, so bring layers and something waterproof even if it looks dry when you arrive. The dramatic scenery also became internationally famous after appearing in Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” music video, which helped make the canyon much more popular with visitors.