South Coast Canyons

13 canyons in South Coast, led by Eldgjá and Fjaðrárgljúfur. All mapped with drive times, directions, and live road conditions.

Top canyons in South Coast

The region's stand-outs — each with photos, facts, and its own page.

Eldgjá

Volcanic fissure canyon 270 meters deep and 40km long. One of the largest volcanic canyons on Earth. Formed in a massive eruption around 939 AD that affected climate worldwide. Ófærufoss waterfall drops into the canyon. Highland location requiring F-road access. Remote and powerful. The scale is difficult to comprehend until you're standing at the edge. Part of the Fjallabak nature reserve. Combine with Landmannalaugar for a highland circuit.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Dramatic canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur that became Instagram famous. 100 meters deep, 2km long, with a river flowing through. The walkway along the rim runs above the winding canyon. Lush moss covers the walls in summer. Became so popular it was closed temporarily to protect it. Now managed with proper paths. Still beautiful, still worth seeing. Easy access from the Ring Road. About an hour stop, more if you walk the full length.

Markarfljótsgljúfur

Dramatic canyon near Þórsmörk. River carves through mountains. Accessible on hikes from Fimmvörðuháls trail. Views open into the canyon from the trail.

Múlagljúfur

A mossy gorge above the Fagurhólsmýri plain, between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, with a thin waterfall dropping in from the rim. No marked path and no official turnaround.

Distances between them

13 canyons in South Coast

Eldgjá

Volcanic fissure canyon 270 meters deep and 40km long. One of the largest volcanic canyons on Earth. Formed in a massive eruption around 939 AD that affected climate worldwide. Ófærufoss waterfall drops into the canyon. Highland location requiring F-road access. Remote and powerful. The scale is difficult to comprehend until you're standing at the edge. Part of the Fjallabak nature reserve. Combine with Landmannalaugar for a highland circuit.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Dramatic canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur that became Instagram famous. 100 meters deep, 2km long, with a river flowing through. The walkway along the rim runs above the winding canyon. Lush moss covers the walls in summer. Became so popular it was closed temporarily to protect it. Now managed with proper paths. Still beautiful, still worth seeing. Easy access from the Ring Road. About an hour stop, more if you walk the full length.

Sveinsgil

Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Canyon weather can differ from surrounding areas - bring layers.

Markarfljótsgljúfur

Dramatic canyon near Þórsmörk. River carves through mountains. Accessible on hikes from Fimmvörðuháls trail. Views open into the canyon from the trail.

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Raufargil

Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Canyon weather can differ from surrounding areas - bring layers.

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Markagil

Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Stay on marked trails - canyon edges can be unstable.

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Lakalandsgil

Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Stay on marked trails - canyon edges can be unstable.

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Holtsgil

Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Stay on marked trails - canyon edges can be unstable.

Hvítárgljúfur

White River Canyon in South Iceland. Carved by glacial meltwater.

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Illagil

Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Some canyons require hiking or 4x4 access - check requirements.

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Grasgil

Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Some canyons require hiking or 4x4 access - check requirements.

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Fjallgil

Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Stay on marked trails - canyon edges can be unstable.

Múlagljúfur

A mossy gorge above the Fagurhólsmýri plain, between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, with a thin waterfall dropping in from the rim. No marked path and no official turnaround.