3 Best Sights in East Iceland and the Eastfjords, Iceland

Once a hidden gem of the east, this is an incredible narrow canyon whose main feature is basalt rock columns. The Jökla river runs through the gorge, with its water colored bright blue-green in the right conditions, making for a truly memorable sight. 

A newly built observation platform offers the most accessible views of the canyon. The platform is accessed about 19 km (12 miles) from the Ring Road on Route 923, on the farm known as Grund. You will find parking spaces, toilets, and stairs to the platform. There is an excellent view down into the gorge and over the basalt columns, but you cannot get down into the canyon from this side. To hike to the canyon's east side, drive south of the Ring Road on Route 923 about 14 km (9 miles) to the farm known as Klaustursel. From the second parking area, not far from Stuðlafoss waterfall, it’s a 2½ km (1½ mile) hike to reach the access point for entering the canyon. It’s not too challenging a hike: there is a clear tractor trail to follow and the ground is uneven but not very steep (but it may be muddy). When you reach the area to go into the gorge, it gets rocky and uneven, so go slow and keep in mind that the rocks can be wet and slippery. This is a very popular spot for visitors, so you’ll likely be sharing the space with others. You can explore the columns at the water’s edge before retracing your steps to the car park.

Note that there are two parking lots at Klaustursel. The first is by a bridge and walking from there to the canyon is about 5 km (3 miles) one way. The second car park is 2½ km further along a rough road that isn’t kind to small 2WD vehicles (so 4WD is advised to reach it).

Stop at the bridge on the way to Dalatangi to view the terrific torrent of water known as the Heljarfoss waterfalls thundering down through the Hofsárgljúfur canyon. The stop is just under two miles past the Brekkuþorp village.

Look out for the landmark known as Prestagil (which translates as “the priests' ravine”) while descending the winding road into Mjóifjörður. According to an old folk tale, a gruesome ogress once lived here; she would lure men of the cloth into the ravine and make a meal of their holy flesh.