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After seeing photographs on-line of the other-worldly Stuðlagil Canyon in Iceland, I knew that we completely needed to go to on our journey round Iceland’s Ring Highway. As anticipated, it supplied probably the most jaw-dropping views of all our travels in Iceland.

Although pop Stuðlagil Canyon into Google Maps and also you’ll get some conflicting details about the Stuðlagil Canyon viewpoints. There are other ways to see the canyon, in addition to totally different views to absorb.

Uncover every thing you’ll want to learn about exploring Stuðlagil Canyon, together with recommendations on acquiring probably the most charming views of this Instagram-worthy gem.

All About Stuðlagil Canyon

One of many issues that makes the views at Stuðlagil Canyon so spectacular is the mixture of turquoise river waters flowing between partitions of hexagonal basalt columns. Each of those options can be spectacular sufficient on their very own, however when considered collectively, the impact is magical.

Iceland is thought for its distinctive landscapes and these hexagonal basalt columns are only one wonderful geographical function that may be considered right here. These unusual shapes seen at Stuðlagil Canyon are made as lava cools and contracts over an prolonged time period, forming these practically uniformly formed columns. The columns nearly really feel like steps or stairs, as they’re additionally typically at various ranges and heights. One other standard location for viewing these basalt columns is Reynisfjara Seashore alongside the southern coast of Iceland, however I personally discovered the columns at Stuðlagil Canyon to be extra spectacular.

The turquoise river flowing by means of the canyon known as Jökulsá á Brú. The canyon’s options have been revealed when a hydroelectric plant was constructed close by in 2009, decreasing the water degree. These decreased water ranges actually add to the attract of Stuðlagil Canyon; when standing alongside the river financial institution, you’re surrounded by towering basalt columns on both facet.

Stuðlagil Canyon is positioned within the jap area of Iceland and will be accessed simply from the Ring Highway. We stopped at Stuðlagil Canyon as we traveled west from Seydisfjordur, and a go to to the canyon is definitely certainly one of my favorite issues to do in Iceland. On the whole, jap Iceland is a less-traveled space of the nation due to its distance from the capital Reykjavík. Nonetheless, a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon (and Iceland’s jap area) is effectively definitely worth the distance and energy, particularly if you happen to’re already circling the nation on the Ring Highway!

Easy methods to get to the Stuðlagil Canyon Viewpoints

Stuðlagil Canyon is positioned roughly 70km, or a one-hour drive, from the city of Egilsstaðir within the jap area of Iceland. It may be accessed simply from the Ring Highway by taking Freeway 923.

One factor that we discovered in planning our go to to Stuðlagil Canyon is the truth that it may be considered from each the east and west facet, however these viewing places are usually not positioned inside direct entry to one another. The 2 places are on reverse sides of the canyon, with the west providing a viewing platform and the east involving a 3km out-and-back stroll with the chance to step contained in the canyon itself. We have been hoping for a extra immersive look into the canyon, so we selected to go to the east financial institution.

EAST BANK STUÐLAGIL CANYON HIKE

If you’re seeking to get a better view of Stuðlagil Canyon, together with even strolling close to the canyon flooring alongside the river, you’ll want to set your navigation for Parking Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil on Google Maps (positioned on the east facet of the canyon). It’s a tough street to get to, however our Blissful Campervan dealt with it simply nice, so long as you are taking your time. On the car parking zone you’ll discover a small snack stand and a big parking space. From the car parking zone, you’ll comply with a straightforward mountaineering path for about 1.5 km. Parts of this path are basically a gravel street and it was scorching and dusty with no shade on the day we visited; convey water! You’ll cross a number of waterfalls alongside the best way, and general it’s a reasonably pleasant stroll, though at occasions you’ll most likely be pondering you’re by no means going to succeed in the canyon view!

Additionally, it is very important be aware that there are two parking tons on the east facet of the canyon. The primary car parking zone will be discovered simply earlier than a small bridge (recognized on Google Maps as Stuðlagil East facet parking) and entails an extended stroll to the trailhead. There’s one other car parking zone additional alongside the bumpy gravel street previous the small bridge, which we advocate parking at (Parking Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil). After we arrived, we discovered restricted house at this parking space closest to the trailhead however managed to snag a spot. Apparently, there’s additionally a small espresso stand discovered right here, and in contrast to many locations in Iceland, parking for Stuðlagil Canyon is free. This was shocking because the parking space is positioned on what is actually a farmer’s subject, with restricted official infrastructure.

WEST BANK STUÐLAGIL CANYON VIEWS

If you’re quick on time or are searching for a viewpoint with simpler entry and never a lot mountaineering, set your GPS for Stuðlagil Canyon viewpoint. This viewpoint on the west facet of the canyon has a viewing platform and requires much less strolling (though there are 130+ stairs to navigte). From right here, you’ll view Stuðlagil Canyon from above.

When you’ve got seen photographs of Stuðlagil Canyon on Instagram or social media, it’s possible that these pictures are taken from the jap financial institution of the canyon. Whereas extra effort is concerned in mountaineering to Stuðlagil Canyon, that is the place you may get the jaw-dropping photographs you might have seen on-line.

How Are Basalt Columbs Shaped?

Basalt columns present in Iceland, equivalent to these discovered at Stuðlagil Canyon and different well-known websites like in Svartifoss (Black Falls) in Vatnajökull Nationwide Park, are fashioned by means of a course of often known as columnar jointing. This geological phenomenon happens when basaltic lava, which is wealthy in iron and magnesium, cools and solidifies.

Step-by-step clarification of how basalt columns are fashioned:

Volcanic Exercise: Basalt columns are primarily related to volcanic exercise. In Iceland, the nation is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic plate boundary the place the North American and Eurasian plates are pulling aside. This geologic setting results in frequent volcanic eruptions, and basaltic lava is a typical product of those eruptions.

Lava Circulate: Throughout a volcanic eruption, molten basaltic lava flows out onto the Earth’s floor. The lava is initially in a liquid state, however because it comes into contact with the cooler air and surfaces, it begins to chill and solidify.

Cooling and Contraction: Because the lava cools, it undergoes contraction. The outer layers cool extra quickly than the inside layers, creating stress inside the rock.

Cracking and Column Formation: The stress generated throughout cooling causes the rock to crack in a sample of polygonal columns. The commonest shapes are hexagonal, however columns with 4, 5, or seven sides can even happen. The cracking and formation of columns are a results of the contraction of the lava.

Column Development: The columns proceed to develop vertically because the lava cools additional. The method of columnar jointing is usually described as analogous to drying mud cracks, the place the fabric contracts and kinds a community of fractures.

Publicity: Over time, erosion and weathering processes take away the encompassing, much less resistant rock, exposing the spectacular basalt columns.

Suggestions for visiting Stuðlagil Canyon

If you happen to’re like me, Stuðlagil Canyon is perhaps excessive in your checklist of issues to do whereas in Iceland. So as to benefit from your expertise, it’s useful to be ready! Learn on to seek out out some ideas for visiting Stuðlagil Canyon.

How troublesome is the stroll to Stuðlagil Canyon?

For an up-close view of Stuðlagil Canyon and its huge basalt columns, plan to go to the east financial institution. From right here, you possibly can stroll to the bottom of the canyon alongside the river. Maintain your eye out for Studlafoss Waterfall, not removed from the parking space.

The stroll preliminary stroll in the direction of the canyon location is straightforward; the trail is actually a dust street with little or no elevation acquire. Nonetheless, the quick trek all the way down to the canyon flooring will be slippery as you stroll alongside the uneven hexagonal ‘steps.’ Be certain that you put on applicable non slip footwear if you happen to plan to enterprise all the way down to the canyon flooring.

When is the most effective time to go to Stuðlagil Canyon?

As with lots of Iceland’s most photogenic places, Stuðlagil Canyon can get crowded. If you happen to’re seeking to keep away from the crowds, plan to go to early within the morning or later within the night. We visited mid-morning in July, and the parking space was nearly fully full. Nonetheless, July and August are peak vacationer season in Iceland, and it’s possible one can find Stuðlagil Canyon much less busy if you happen to go to throughout shoulder season. That being mentioned, June-September is when you’ll get the most effective climate on the canyon.

How A lot Does it value to go to Stuðlagil Canyon?

There isn’t any value for visiting or parking at Stuðlagil Canyon. The placement just isn’t an official vacationer vacation spot, and has solely gained in reputation in recent times. Nonetheless, this can be very vital to respect the world and protect it for future guests by staying on the path and following go away no hint ideas.

How lengthy must you plan to remain at Stuðlagil Canyon?

We spent round 2 hours visiting Stuðlagil Canyon’s east financial institution. This included the time to stroll to the canyon, stroll alongside the basalt columns to the river financial institution, and loads of time for photographs. If you’re additionally hoping to go to the west financial institution while you’re within the space, you’ll want to plan for extra time right here.

What must you put on on a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon?

The climate in Iceland can fluctuate broadly throughout places and all through the day! Guarantee that you’re dressed for the climate and put on layers that may be added or eliminated relying on temperature. Snug, supportive footwear can be a good suggestion, notably in case you are hoping to climb all the way down to the bottom of the canyon. On the day we visited, sporting a T-shirt and pants was simply nice. Nonetheless, we additionally packed alongside a mild rain jacket in case the climate modified.

What must you convey with you on a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon?

The obvious tip? Deliver your digicam! The views at Stuðlagil Canyon are completely beautiful, and I may have spent hours right here taking within the views and snapping photographs from each angle. You may additionally wish to convey snacks or water on your stroll to the canyon.

Is Stuðlagil Canyon kid-Pleasant?

If you’re touring with kids, I feel Stuðlagil Canyon can be an applicable cease. Nonetheless, in case you are visiting the jap financial institution, you’ll want to be certain that your kids are comfy with strolling distance. Relying on the age of your kids, you may also wish to skip strolling all the way down to the bottom of the canyon and as an alternative view Stuðlagil Canyon from above. We didn’t see any young children when visiting right here, however households with older kids have been having fun with the view from the jap financial institution.

Issues to see within the Stuðlagil Canyon space

We visited Stuðlagil Canyon on a complete Iceland campervan journey round Iceland’s Ring Highway. One of the crucial standard choices for making your manner across the Ring Highway is to lease a camper van for final flexibility and journey. Irrespective of the way you make your manner across the nation, there are such a lot of must-see stops. Beneath are a number of spots that you can embrace on a go to to jap Iceland.

Seydisfjordur

The drive to the city of Seydisfjordur alone is definitely worth the time. As you drive alongside the street that descends towards the city, you may be surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls. Whereas we didn’t spend a lot time within the city itself, we spent the night time on the native campground and couldn’t go away with out taking a photograph on the charming and insta well-known Seydisfjordur church with its rainbow walkway.

Vök Baths

Set in an idyllic location in jap Iceland, Vök Baths is arguably among the best scorching springs in Iceland. Due to its geothermal exercise, scorching springs will be discovered all through the nation. Nonetheless, the jap area is extra of a chilly spot with regard to this geothermal exercise, making Vök Baths one of many few scorching springs within the space. Seeking to keep away from the crowds and get probably the most out of the enjoyable environment? Plan to go to very first thing within the morning or over the last two hours earlier than closing.

Dettifoss

Dettifoss is reportedly Europe’s second strongest waterfall and probably the most standard waterfalls in Iceland. It’s positioned in northern Iceland alongside the Diamond Circle route, one of many nation’s many scenic detours that branches off from the primary Ring Highway. Standing alongside the sting of the waterfall is really awe-inspiring as you watch the immense quantity of water come crashing into the canyon beneath. A tip for visiting? Deliver a water-resistant jacket – we acquired soaked from the spray coming off the falls!

Myvatn Nature Baths

On the day we visited Stuðlagil Canyon, we traveled between Seydisfjordur and Lake Mývatn. Spending the night enjoyable at Mývatn Nature Baths was the proper solution to finish a busy day of touring. Right here you may be surrounded by the distinctive panorama of Iceland’s northern area, a scorching spot for geothermal exercise. Plus, the admission worth for visiting Mývatn Nature Baths is cheaper than the favored Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon close to Reykjavik.

Is Stuðlagil Canyon Price Visiting?

In our opinion, a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon is totally definitely worth the effort and time on any journey round Iceland, notably in case you are planning on visiting the jap area. Relying in your mobility and the time that you’ve accessible, there are two totally different viewing choices for guests hoping to cease on the distinctive canyon. With its location simply off the Ring Highway, Stuðlagil Canyon is a comparatively fast cease that gives a view not like another. I might not hesitate to advocate including Stuðlagil Canyon to your Iceland itinerary!

All that being mentioned in case you are quick on time, it will not be value the additional 3 hours you want complete to drive to the parking space and hike, notably if the climate is combined (which it was for us!). Whereas anybody of cheap health and skill can full this hike, when you’ve got doubts, it might be value it to proceed driving to Myvatn and spend your time on the spectacular Hverir geothermal space as an alternative.

The World Pursuit’s Go to to Stuðlagil Canyon

This text was written in collaboration with Rachel, a visitor writer. We each visited Stuðlagil Canyon this previous summer season and had a tremendous time. As you possibly can inform by the photographs, we didn’t get probably the most spectacular climate regardless of visiting on the finish of June.

We personally stayed in a single day at a campsite in Egilsstaðir with our Blissful Camper. After we awoke, we made our solution to Vok Baths earlier than opening to be among the first to benefit from the environment. We spent round 3 hours having fun with Vok Baths earlier than persevering with onto the Canyon. If I have been to do that day over I might have by some means managed to go to Stuðlagil Canyon first after which end the day enjoyable within the baths. Nonetheless while you’re street tripping round Iceland and residing out of a van it doesn’t all the time work like that.

After we reached Stuðlagil Canyon, it was beginning to rain, however after already detouring 40 minutes to the parking space, we weren’t going to desert our mountaineering plans. We wearing weather-resistant gear, though I remorse not placing rain pants on our Iceland packing checklist. If there’s one piece of recommendation I can provide, it’s to convey rain pants to Iceland, even in the summertime! You by no means know what you’re going to get! By the point we reached the point of view we have been completely soaked, and never sporting correct footwear to grip the basalt columns and hike to the water’s edge.

Whereas I hung again afraid of slipping, Cameron trekked down the sting to get contained in the canyon. On a greater day, it will have been merely wonderful! After spending about half-hour taking photographs we retreated again to the automotive completely soaked. Deliver meals with you as there is just one snack stand within the space promoting costly scorching canine.

My three takeaways after visiting – park on the closest car parking zone when you’ve got a excessive clearance car, put on non slip sneakers, and watch the climate fastidiously! Essentially the most dependable climate will be discovered on Vedur.

I hope this information helps you intend a go to to the beautiful Studlagil Canyon! For extra info on touring round Iceland, see extra of our guides beneath.