Múlagljúfur Canyon

Múlagljúfur is one of Iceland’s most dramatic yet least-visited canyons — a deep glacial gorge carved by meltwater from the Öræfajökull ice cap in the Suðursveit district east of Skaftafell. The canyon’s sheer walls, striated with layers of basalt and scoured by ice, are among the most impressive in the country.

The hike into the canyon is the attraction: a 4–5 km round trip from a farm track off the Ring Road, climbing steadily to viewpoints over the gorge where two large waterfalls — Bæjarfoss and Hangandifoss — cascade off the canyon walls. On clear days, the overhanging tongue of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier looms above the far end of the gorge.

The trailhead is accessed via an unmarked farm track off Route 1 between Skaftafell and Höfn; look for the car park near Kvísker farm. The terrain is uneven and some sections require stream crossings — sturdy waterproof hiking boots are essential. Open June to September; highland conditions can apply.