Golden Circle · Iceland
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a two-kilometre gorge cut about 100 metres deep by glacial meltwater, with moss on the walls and a river winding along the bottom. Marked trails run along the rim to several viewpoints, including the one looking down on Mögárfoss at the far end.
I parked at the lower car park and walked the 900 metres uphill to the main viewpoint. Worth knowing before you choose: the lower lot costs 1,000 ISK through the Parka app, while the smaller upper lot right by the viewpoint is free. If the climb does not appeal, go straight up — you save the walk and the money.
My rating
Scale 1–5. On Cost, 1 means free and 5 means pricey. On Crowd level, 1 means near-solitude and 5 means tour-bus central.
Four out of five. The shape is what does it — the gorge bends back on itself so you keep getting a new view of it from each platform, rather than one big look and done.
There are two parking areas serving Fjaðrárgljúfur: one larger lot at the base of the canyon requiring a moderate uphill hike of about 900 meters (0.55 miles) to the main viewpoint, and a smaller upper lot very close to the viewpoint with a much shorter and easier path of about 350 meters (0.2 miles). Both roads are generally in good condition, though the upper road is unpaved.
Visitors must pay a parking fee of 1,000 ISK, payable via the Parka app or on-site payment systems.
Fjaðrárgljúfur has become increasingly popular and can be busy during peak season, especially midday when tour buses arrive. Early morning, late evening, or off-season visits offer a calmer experience. The site is large enough to accommodate visitors comfortably while preserving the natural environment.
Before you go
Planning your own Ring Road trip?
Iceland Ring Road Campervan Guide
My full 14-day route — roughly 2,500 km, every campsite I used, what I actually spent, and the stops worth the detour. The plan I drove, in one PDF.
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