Quieter than Fjaðrárgljúfur
Still lightly visited because nothing on the road signs it.
J24N — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Syrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Syrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Syrio — CC BY-SA 4.0
A deep moss-covered canyon in south-eastern Iceland near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, with waterfalls dropping from its upper walls and a view at its end towards a glacier. What sets it apart from Iceland's other canyons is that it stayed unknown until recently. There are no signs on the main road, no facilities and no fees, and reaching it needs a short gravel track and then an uphill walk on an informal path worn by visitors' feet. That means it is still quiet compared with the crowded Fjaðrárgljúfur, but it also means it is entirely your own responsibility: there are no barriers or railings, and the edges are vertical and unsecured. The walk is about an hour uphill each way over rough and possibly muddy ground. The reward at the end is a view over the canyon, the waterfalls and the Fjallsjökull glacier on the horizon. Practical points: the gravel track may need a vehicle with reasonable clearance in poor weather. There are no facilities and no water — take what you need. The edges are dangerous in wind, and Iceland is a windy country.
Still lightly visited because nothing on the road signs it.
Water drops from the upper rim into the canyon floor.
The end of the path looks towards Fjallsjökull — the reward for the climb.
Near Jökulsárlón, south-east Iceland
Moderately. The gravel track is short but unpaved and may need decent clearance after rain. The walk itself is a steady climb of about an hour over rough ground that can be muddy or slippery. It is not climbing, but it is not a stroll — proper footwear is needed.
The edges are vertical and unfenced, and Icelandic wind is strong and sudden. Stay back from the edge, and never approach it for a photograph in wind. There is no reliable phone coverage and no facilities, so tell someone your plan and take water and clothing against rain and cold even in summer.
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