Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon★★
Iceland's Most Beautiful Canyon
The Fjaðrárgljúfur (pronounced approximately: "Fjathrau-gljuufur") is a 2 km long, up to 100 meters deep canyon that cuts like a green wound through the black lava landscape. The rock walls are steep and covered with lush green moss, and a turquoise river (Fjaðrá) winds through the narrow gorge at the bottom.
The canyon was formed about 9,000 years ago when meltwater from the Vatnajökull glacier carved through the relatively soft palagonite rock (a type of volcanic tuff). The erosion created the winding, almost organic shapes of the gorge.
The canyon became world-famous in 2019 when Justin Bieber filmed his music video "I'll Show You" here — which triggered a massive tourist influx and damaged the sensitive vegetation. The canyon was subsequently temporarily closed several times, and today there is a well-developed wooden walkway along the upper edge with several viewpoints.
The circular path along the edge is 1.5 km long (30–45 min.) and offers breathtaking views into the depths. At the end of the path: A small waterfall where the Fjaðrá river plunges into the gorge.
Achtung
The edges of the canyon are unsecured in places, and the ground can be wet and slippery. Stick to the marked paths and wooden walkways. Hold children's hands! The canyon is closed during heavy rain or snowmelt.
