We left the charming town of Vík í Mýrdal (commonly known simply as Vik) around 8 am and headed east along Ring Road (Route 1), cruising through what felt like a serene screensaver of glaciers, lava cliffs, mossy fields, and endless lupines stretching across the vast landscape. About 70 km later we turned off the Ring Road toward Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons in southern Iceland.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon turned out to be a really nice stop along the way. It’s not loud or dramatic like some of Iceland’s waterfalls, instead, it’s calm, green, and quietly beautiful. Since it’s just a short drive off the Ring Road in southern Iceland, it’s an easy place to visit. We were lucky to have clear skies and bright sunshine that morning, which made the greens pop and the canyon even more stunning.
We got to the parking area around 9:30 am, already packed with tour buses, and started walking toward the bridge. Within minutes, the canyon just opened up in front of us. Moss-covered cliffs curved and twisted for what felt like forever, with the Fjaðrá river flowing gently down below. Standing on that bridge, we finally got the full scale of it. The canyon is about 100 m (330 ft) deep and stretches nearly 2 km (1.2 mi) long, which makes the view even more impressive. It was stunning.
The path along the canyon is easy and well marked, with several viewpoints along the way. It’s about 1.2 km (0.75 mi) one way from the lower parking lot to the final viewpoint, so roughly 2.5 km (1.5 mi) round trip, totally doable. The views are wide and open, and that soft green moss covering the cliffs just makes the whole place feel special. It’s hard to believe the canyon was carved by melting glaciers around 9,000 years ago! Oh, and fun fact…. Justin Bieber filmed a music video here, and it got so popular that they had to close it for a while to let the moss recover.
Near the end of the trail, a small waterfall called Mögáfoss drops into the canyon, adding a perfect finishing touch. That final platform is the highest point of the hike, giving an iconic straight-down look into the winding river. We just stood there for a bit, all that green was so refreshing. It was the perfect spot to just breathe before we started the easy walk back down to the car.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon was simple, peaceful, and beautiful, giving us time to really enjoy the landscape. Enjoy this slideshow of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon from our visit on June 20, 2025.
Before planning your visit, don’t forget to check the Quick Facts and Tips section below for helpful information.
Quick Facts and Tips
- Best time to visit:
- Summer (June–September): Green moss, long daylight hours, easiest access, but more visitors.
- Shoulder seasons (May & September): Fewer crowds, cooler weather, still great views.
- Winter: Often closed to protect the moss and for safety, so check conditions before going.
- Check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is open year-round for viewing. Daylight hours are shortest in winter, so plan accordingly.
- For official information, check the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – Iceland page.
- The canyon is accessed via Road 206, just off Route 1 (Ring Road) in southern Iceland. About 3.5 to 4 hrs from Reykjavík, depending on stops.
- A short gravel road leads to the parking area, easy drive in summer, but can be snowy or icy in winter.
- No entry fee, but parking costs about 1,000 ISK per vehicle at the lower parking lot, payable via Parka app, online at parka.is, or by card at the machine. The lot uses license-plate recognition cameras.
- There are two Parking Lots
- Lower Parking Lot (Main): Located at the end of Road 206, this is the main access point to the canyon. The 1.2 km (0.75 mi) trail to the viewpoints starts here and passes most of the canyon overlooks. Restrooms are available here, and the bridge viewpoint is nearby.
- Upper Parking Lot: Located further up on Road F206, which is steep and rocky. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, and 2WD cars are not allowed on F-roads. From here, it’s a short, flat walk to the Mögáfoss waterfall viewpoint. Parking may be free, but check signs when you arrive.
- The easy 2.5 km (1.5 mile) round-trip trail starts from the main parking lot and follows the top edge of the canyon, with several marked viewpoints along the way. The path is mostly gravel, with some boardwalk sections and stairs, and can be uneven or muddy in wet weather.
- No climbing into the canyon and no access to the canyon floor. All views are from designated viewpoints above for safety and conservation.
- Stay behind ropes and marked paths. The canyon edges can be unstable, and the moss is extremely fragile and can take decades to recover.
- Not wheelchair accessible due to gravel paths and stairs.
- Allow at least 30 to 45 mins to walk the trail, take photos, and enjoy the views.
- Visit early morning or later evening to avoid crowds, midday gets busy, especially in summer.
- Dress in layers. Weather can change quickly and it can get windy along the canyon edge. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a waterproof or windproof jacket, as paths can be muddy or slippery.
- A wide-angle lens works great here.
- Drones are not allowed unless you have special permission.
- The area may close after heavy rain to protect the moss.
- There is no café or food service on site, but a few picnic tables are available near the main parking area. Bring water and snacks.
- No lodgings or campsites at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Nearby towns like Kirkjubæjarklaustur (10 to 15 min east) and Vík (about 1 hr west) offer hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and campsites for tents or campervans. Booking ahead is recommended, especially in summer.
Conclusion
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is calm, scenic, and peaceful. It’s an easy stop along Iceland’s South Coast and a great place to slow down and enjoy the landscape. Definitely worth the visit.
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