Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is one of Iceland's most dramatic canyons, a serpentine gorge up to 100 metres deep and 2 kilometres long near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in southeast Iceland. Its moss-covered walls, winding rock formations, and the Fjaðrá river threading along the base make it one of the most photographed natural sites in the country.
A Moss-Covered Canyon Carved by Glacial Water in Southeast Iceland
Fjaðrárgljúfur formed around 9,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, when glacial meltwater carved progressively deeper into the palagonite bedrock, which itself is thought to be around two million years old. The result is a winding, 100-metre deep canyon with sheer walls draped in thick green moss during summer, and the Fjaðrá river snaking along its floor. A small waterfall, Mögáfoss, sits at the far end of the gorge and marks a natural turning point for most visitors. The name translates roughly as Feather River Canyon in English, though it remains one of the harder Icelandic words for visitors to pronounce.
The canyon became widely known internationally after appearing in Justin Bieber's 2015 music video and later as a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 8. The surge in visitors that followed caused significant damage to the fragile moss and vegetation, leading to repeated seasonal closures. The site has since been carefully managed with a well-maintained rim path, viewing platforms, and rope barriers. Staying on the marked trail is essential, and the canyon can still be temporarily closed during spring thaw between March and May to allow vegetation to recover. Always check current access status at safetravel.is before visiting.
The rim walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour at a relaxed pace and is suitable for most fitness levels. A parking area sits just off Road 206, which branches from Route 1 about 6 kilometres west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. A small parking fee applies. The canyon is around 250 kilometres from Reykjavik, making it a natural stop on a South Coast or Ring Road itinerary, and pairs well with nearby Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and the basalt columns at Dverghamrar.
