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By Monika

Stuðlagil Canyon: East vs. West Side, Hiking & Viewpoints.

Stuðlagil Canyon is a stunning spot in Northeast Iceland, not far from the Ring Road.

It’s a natural gorge, famous for its bright blue river and stunning basalt columns lining the cliff walls.

I stumbled upon some information about it by accident, and boy, am I happy I did!

It was one of the highlights of our second trip to Iceland – a wonderful stop on one of our longest driving days, from Möðrudalur to Höfn.

But one of the things that can make visiting Stuðlagil Canyon confusing is that you can access it from two sides (east or west), each offering a different way to experience it.

The east side takes you closer to the canyon via a short hike, while the west side offers an easier visit and a spectacular viewpoint from above.

I’ve now visited both sides, so in this guide I’ll walk you through what to expect from each side, how to get there, where to park, and share my best tips so you can decide which side fits best into your Iceland itinerary.

Maybe you’ll visit both?

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About Stuðlagil Canyon

Stuðlagil Canyon is located in Northeast Iceland, in Jökuldalur Valley, along the Jökulsá á Dal River (also called Jökulsá á Brú).

It was created by a glacial flood in the late 19th century and used to be completely submerged by the water till the year 2007, when the construction of the Kárahnjúkar dam redirected the river and decreased its flow through the canyon.

That exposed the magnificent basalt columns the canyon is now famous for, however for about another decade it was an off-the-beaten-path attraction, known only to avid local hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Stuðlagil gained popularity after a marketing article for an Iceland-based airline called WOW was published in 2017. The airline no longer exists but the mention of Stuðlagil Canyon in the article made it known to the public and it is now visited by more and more tourists each year.

It is about .5 km long and the hexagonal basalt columns lining its walls are about 20-30 meters tall.

How to get to Stuðlagil Canyon? 

By car:

The best way to get there is to drive. The closest major town to Stuðlagil Canyon is Egilsstaðir. 

Here are some driving distances from the nearest larger towns for your reference.

Stuðlagil Canyon map – directions:

The drive from Reykjavik is long, so I’d recommend making it a multi-day trip and explore other parts of Western Iceland along the way, like Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the Westfjords?

Stuðlagil is a little bit off the Ring Road, but definitely worth making a detour. More on how to get there and the landmarks to watch out for later in the post. 

By plane:

From Reykjavik domestic airport you can fly to Akureyri or Egilsstaðir domestic airport and rent a car to explore Northern Iceland.

With a tour:

If you’re not up for driving bumpy roads leading to Stuðlagil Canyon or exploring it on your own, you can join one of the guided tours. These tours are led by experienced guides who can also provide you with information about the geology and history of the area.

They also offer transportation to and from the canyon, making it a hassle-free experience. And BONUS – some tours also include an admission ticket to Vök Baths – a beautiful, relaxing spa in Egilsstaðir.

Here are tour options you may like:

As I mentioned, Reykjavik is a little further away so the only tours available are multi-day tours.

East Side vs. West Side: Which should you visit?

There are two ways you can access Stuðlagil Canyon. 

From east side of the canyon, you can follow the hiking trail and get close to the breathtaking basalt columns of the canyon and the river.

You can also go to the west side and see the canyon from the observation platform above it. 

Here is a quick comparison:

	East Side	West Side
Experience:	Hike + up close canyon access	Viewpoint
Walking time:	30-60 minutes	Shorter walk + stairs
View:	Much closer	More distant, from above
Time needed:	2-3 hours total	30-60 minutes total
Best for:	Full experience & hikers	Quick/easier visit
Parking:	Klaustursel (paid)	Grund (paid)
My rating:	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Visiting the East Side of Stuðlagil Canyon

The east side was the only side we visited during our first visit to the canyon – we weren’t sure if we’d be able to go to both sides, so we started with the hike. But I have since also visited the west side so you’ll get all the information you need!

How to get to the East Side

From rt. 1 (the Ring Road) you’ll take a well-marked turn to road 923 (Jökuldasvegur).

We were coming from Möðrudalur (clockwise on the Ring Road), and in this direction the right turn onto road 923 is pretty sharp, so drive carefully and pay attention to your GPS as it may be easy to miss it.

The road was only paved for about 1.5 km during our first visit and then – after you veer slightly to the left – for another 13 km. we were driving on an unpaved, narrow dirt road.

Here is a video of the drive:

I’m happy to report that road 923 is now (as of 2026) paved much further (still not all the way to the canyon) and the drive is much smoother.

Pay attention to your odometer and towards the end of the 13 km, be on the lookout for a left turn and a sign for Klaustrusel/Stuðlagil, with a hiking figure on it.

For Google Maps navigation you can type in “Studlagil East Side Parking” or “Parking Klaustrusel – Studlagil” andyou should have no trouble getting there. 

You’ll go through an open gate and enter the Klaustursel Farm property, where you’ll see the parking area and the bridge.

There is now a cafe on the left side of the access road, right after you torn from rt. 923 – it’s called Hak Bistró & Café. It’s the black building on the – unfortunately fuzzy – screenshot below and it’s a great place to stop for a snack (and restrroms!) before of after the hike

SO – there are two parking lots on the east side.

The one I just mentioned above is considered the main lot, and on Google Maps it’s called “Stuðlagil (Bridge parking)” but there is also another parking lot, which I will describe in just a moment.

You have a choice of leaving your car in the small main lot (pictured above) and heading out on foot, across the white wooden bridge, and up the gravel road to the main trailhead for the canyon hike.

It’s about 2.5 miles each way and will take about 45 minutes to reach the trailhead. 

OR you can cross the bridge in your car and take a short drive to the next parking lot (Stuðlagil East Side Parking), much closer to the hiking trail. 

Our first thought was to keep going so we crossed the bridge and immediately saw a very bumpy, narrow track… So we turned around, drove back over the bridge to park and go on foot.

Then we thought about it again, saw a few cars go by and decided that simply for the sake of saving time, we’ll drive to the second parking lot. 

Watch the video below to find out why we hesitated and why, in the end, I believe making this drive was a very good decision!

Yes, the road was VERY bumpy, very narrow, and full of potholes, but the journey is part of the adventure, right? We had some laughs as we slowly moved along, avoiding one pothole only to fall into another. Slow and steady is the key!

Not only did we save time, but also avoided a long trek in the dust from passing cars. 

Good to know: we had a Toyota RAV4, and the drive was fine, however, if you have a small car with lower ground clearance, you may want to consider parking in the first, lower parking lot and hiking from there.

READ MORE: Renting a Car in Iceland – How to Choose the Right Car for Your Trip.

The second parking lot was surprisingly large, given the remote location, and – by the time we arrived – already half full. 

UPDATE: there were no facilities and no restrooms at upper lot the time of our first visit, however recent visitors reported that there is now a food truck and a restroom there and the access road has also received some improvements and is not as rough.

Important: the upper parking lot (Stuðlagil Klaustursel – zone 7215) is now paid. The cost is 1000 ISK per car and can be paid via the parka.is app or online.

Stuðlagil Canyon hike

Once you leave the parking lot, just follow the path that will take you along the river, and later along the edge of the canyon rim.

The hike offers absolutely stunning views of the surrounding area as you make your way, slightly uphill at times, through the relatively easy/moderate trail.

You’ll pass the small but really pretty Stuðlafoss waterfall (pictured above) and then, as you get closer, you’ll see different, sometimes bent and twisted hexagonal basalt columns forming the canyon walls. 

The hike to the canyon takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace.

Once you arrive at the canyon, you’re rewarded with truly breathtaking views and a sense of awe at what nature can create!

You can get remarkably close to the basalt columns on this side of Stuðlagil but this isn’t a place where I’d recommend scrambling around for the perfect photo.

The rocks can be slippery, the canyon edges are exposed, and the seemingly calm river is freezing cold with strong currents.

You can also see the viewing deck accessible from the west side of the canyon.

During my most recent visit to the West Side of the canyon, I noticed that new viewing platforms were added on the East Side as well, to make visiting that side of Stuðlagil a safer experience.

FUN FACT: it is said that Stuðlagil Canyon has the largest number of basalt rock formations in Iceland!

Once you’ve had your fill of Stuðlagil and its beauty, you can simply retrace your steps and head back to the car.  And brace yourself for round two of the rugged terrain drive back to the Ring Road!

Visiting the West Side of Stuðlagil Canyon

The West Side of Stuðlagil Canyon may be a good option if you’re not up for a hike or you have limited time in your day.

How to get to the West Side

To reach the West Side viewpoint you will drive past the turn off to Klaustrusel Farm, continuing on rt. 923 towards a farm named Grund, where the main parking lot is located. 

On Google Maps, this location will show up as “Stuðlagil Canyon Main Access” or “Stuðlagil West Side Parking”

And while the drive is short, it’s still on a narrow, unpaved road – a bit steeper and winding than I expecetd.

Here is a Stuðlagil Canyon parking map for easier navigation:

The West Side has a large parking lot with bathrooms, a gift shop and a food truck.

There is a fee to park (1000 ISK per car) that also includes access to the restrooms. The fee can be paid via the parka.is app or online (Stuðlagil Canyon – zone 7230)

Stuðlagil Canyon viewpoint

To reach the best viewpoint of the canyon, you’ll have to go down the stairs that lead to the observation deck set on top of the canyon rim. 

It’s about 240 steps each way.

After you reach the first platform at the bottom of the stairs, you can head back up or follow the path to your left to reach a couple more vewpoints of the canyon.

When you reach the end of the path, you can take the stairs up to the parking lot vs retrace your steps to the main staircase.

We saw the viewpoint from our east side hike during our first visit, but ended up skipping it then, since we stayed at the canyon longer than originally planned, having a great time exploring it up close, and still had a long drive ahead of us.

But I returned a few years later to see the canyon from a different perspective!

East Side or West Side: Which Is Better?

Both sides of the canyon are incredible – how can they not be? Stuðlagil Canyon is a stunning place!

But I know that it may be tough to decide which side to visit if you only have time for one.

For me, personally, a hike will always win so I’d chose the East Side 🙂

So take a look at the comparison below – hopefully it will help you decide. And if not – visit both sides!

Is the river water always blue at Stuðlagil?

The water of the Jökulsá River flowing through the canyon is famous for its vibrant blue or turquoise color, creating a stunning contrast against the dark basalt columns.

We see that on every postcard and magnet, right?

However it’s not always that color and I’ve tried to research what affects it. Some sources blame it on changing seasons, the amount of sediment and later snow, some say it’s connected with the status of the Kárahnjúkar dam changing the river’s water level.  

The angle of the sunlight is a big factor, too.

As you can see from my photos in this article, when we visited in August for the first time, the river was greyish brown, so not as picture perfect as we’d like, but the whole area is just so amazing that the color of the water didn’t matter that much.

On our return visit in June, the water was much closer to the pictures you see online!

Just know that the blue color is not a guarantee and set realistic expectations for your visit.

Best Time to Visit Stuðlagil Canyon

The best time to visit Stuðlagil Canyon is during the summer months, from June to August.

During this time, the weather is mild and the days are long, giving you plenty of time to explore the area. You also have the best chance to see the Jökla river water in its famous bright blue color.

If you have flexibility in your itinerary, you can try to time your visit for a day when the water level on the river is low by checking this website.

However, keep in mind that Stuðlagil Canyon is a popular destination and during the busiest time of year, you should be prepared for crowds.

It’s best to get there early in the morning, which was our plan but because we had a hard time leaving the magical Möðrudalur farm on schedule, we came much later. We still loved it!

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder season, from May to June or September to October. The weather may be cooler, but you’ll have a better chance of having the canyon to yourself.

Is Stuðlagil Canyon accessible during the winter?

Generally, yes – however rt. 923 has limited winter maintenance so it’s crucial to check road conditions before travelling. Driving to the secondary lot is not recommended in winter months due to snow and ice, and the hike may be more challenging as well for the same reasons.

If you do attempt it, make sure to bring appropriate clothing and hiking gear. Also register your travel plan, especially if you travel solo. 

The safest way to visit the canyon in the winter is via the west side viewpoint, after checking rt. 923 passability first.

How long do you need at Stuðlagil Canyon?

If you’re hiking from the lower parking lot (Stuðlagil Bridge Parking), just the round trip to the trailhead can be about 1.5 – 2 hours.

If you drive to the upper parking lot (Studlagil East Side Parking), the hike to the canyon is about 45 minutes one way, depending on the number of photo stops and your pace, plus add time to explore the canyon. I’d suggest allowing at least 1 hour for that, but most likely you’ll want to stay longer – it’s quite an amazing place!

For the west side viewpoint 30-60 minutes should give you enough time to explore.

Wondering how to fit this wonderful spot into your Iceland itinerary? Click here to see how we did it!

Is Stuðlagil Canyon worth a visit?

It’s absolutely worth every effort required to get there.

Whether you choose to hike or go to the viewpoint, the views of the canyon’s basalt columns and the river are stunning, regardless of which side you’re on.  

This natural wonder is not to be missed during your Iceland road trip!

Safety Tips

While Stuðlagil Canyon is a beautiful and unique destination, it’s important to keep safety in mind while exploring the area. Here are a few tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery.
• Stay on designated trails and paths, and avoid getting too close to the canyon edge.
• Be aware of your surroundings and other tourists, especially in those epic photo spots!
• Do not attempt to swim in the river! The water is very cold, and the current strong and unpredictable.
• Bring water and snacks for the hike.
• Check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Where to stay near Stuðlagil Canyon?

For us Möðrudalur was a perfect starting point to explore the canyon (and also a wonderful unique experience!) but Egilsstaðir is also very convenient for visiting this region.

Nearby attractions:

• Möðrudalur Farm
• Lake Mývatn
• Diamond Circle
• Vök Baths
• Rjukandi Waterfall
• Reindeer Park
• Seyðisfjörður
• Hengifoss Waterfall

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

🛜 Stay connected during your trip with an eSIM like Airalo, Saily or Sim Local!

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