Hidden Gems
South IcelandA canyon that went viral
Fjaðrárgljúfur is up to 100 metres deep and about 2 kilometres long. The Fjaðrá river winds through it between steep walls covered in thick green moss.
The rock is around two million years old, and meltwater from glaciers carved it into the winding gorge you see today.
It became far more famous after appearing in Justin Bieber's music video for I'll Show You.
The crowds were too much for the fragile moss and paths. The canyon has been closed several times since 2018 to let the ground recover, and it is now managed with paths, signs and short closures when the ground is soft.
What to see
- The walking path: a marked path along the canyon rim. Allow about 1 to 2 hours. It is out and back, and mostly easy.
- The waterfall: a waterfall near the end of the canyon, seen from an observation platform.
- The river: the Fjaðrá winds along the bottom. Do not walk down into the riverbed. It is off limits.
- Eldhraun lava field: a huge lava field covered in thick moss, beside the Ring Road between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur: a small village nearby with a visitor centre, cafes and places to stay.
The canyon is a protected nature area. The sources we checked say you need a permit to fly a drone there (a rule that has applied since 2024), so check with the Environment Agency of Iceland first.
A perfect day on the south coast
The canyon is an easy stop on a south coast road trip. Start early, and check conditions before you go.
- Early morningLeave Reykjavík early. It takes about 3.5 hours to the canyon.
- Mid-morningCheck road.is and safetravel.is for conditions. Then turn onto Road 206 from the Ring Road and park near the entrance.
- Late morningWalk the path along the rim and back. Allow about two hours.
- AfternoonDrive on to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for lunch, then see the Eldhraun lava field.
- EveningStay in the area, or head back towards Vík.
Where it is and how to get there
Fjaðrárgljúfur is in south Iceland, close to the Ring Road (Route 1).
- By car The easiest way. From Reykjavík it is about 226 km, roughly 3.5 hours along the Ring Road. Then take Road 206, a gravel road that most cars can drive with care in summer.
- On a tour South coast tours leave from Reykjavík, but many only go as far as Vík. Check that the canyon is included before you book.
- Cost Parking and entry are free.
- Conditions Short closures happen, usually under two weeks, mostly in spring and autumn when the ground is soft. Check safetravel.is and road.is, or ask at the visitor centre in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Roads: Road 206 is gravel and can be rough, especially after rain and in winter. Check the weather and road conditions before you set out.
Where to stay near the canyon
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
The closest village, with places to stay and eat and a visitor centre.
Best for: being close to the canyonVík
A bigger village about 70 km west, with more hotels and restaurants, and the black sand beaches nearby.
Best for: a base for the south coastFarm stays
Many farms in south Iceland offer rooms. Book early for summer.
Best for: a quiet countryside stayWhen to go
- Spring March to May. The ground is soft and the canyon is often closed for short periods. Check before you go.
- Summer June to August. The easiest time, with long days and the midnight sun. It is also the busiest.
- Autumn September to November. Quieter, with golden grass. Short closures happen when the ground is soft.
- Winter December to February. Snow, ice and short days, and rough roads. Only go if you are used to winter driving, and check conditions first.
Our tips for Fjaðrárgljúfur
- Stay on the path. The moss can take decades to recover. Never step on it or cross the ropes.
- Check conditions on the day. safetravel.is and road.is show closures and road status.
- Go early or late. In summer the days are long, so you can visit when it is quieter.
- Do not go down into the riverbed. It is off limits.
- Wear waterproof shoes. The path can be muddy and the weather changes fast.
Don't make these mistakes
- Arriving without checking if it is open. Short closures in spring and autumn are common.
- Stepping on the moss for a better photo. This kind of damage is what led to the closures in the first place.
- Flying a drone without a permit. It is a protected area.
- Going into the riverbed. It is off limits.
- Skipping the rest of the south coast. Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Reynisfjara are all on the same road.
Quick answers
Is Fjaðrárgljúfur free?
Yes. Parking and entry are free.
Is the canyon open?
Usually, but it is sometimes closed for short periods, mainly in spring and autumn when the ground is soft. Check safetravel.is before you go.
How long do I need?
About two hours for the walk and photos.
Do I need a 4x4?
Road 206 is gravel, but most cars can drive it in summer with care. In winter or after heavy rain, check conditions first.
Can I fly a drone?
It is a protected nature area, and the sources we checked say a permit is required. Check with the Environment Agency of Iceland before you fly.
A note on prices: fees, opening hours and timetables change, and we update them every year. The details in this guide were checked in autumn 2026 and may be different by the time you travel, so please confirm them on the official website before you book.
