The surprise of my trip: the hidden canyon of Sigöldugljúfur Iceland. You know how crazy I am with travel planning and how I research every location before going. Well, this canyon that I am sharing with you in this post never showed up on my research, it was not on my itinerary and we found it by pure luck. But is is the most amazing Icelandic hidden treasure: a colorful canyon full of waterfalls!
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A beautiful hidden Icelandic treasure
Before you read further on tips to get there and all, let's start with a picture that will show you how beautiful this hidden treasure is:
PLANNING TIPS - Sigöldugljúfur Iceland
Where is Sigoldugljufur
When I came back, I did some further research and found that the name of the canyon is Sigöldugljúfur. It is not part of all the guides I have seen. It is off the path of a 4WD road, so not many people end up there. It is truly off the beaten track!
The canyon used to be filled by the river Tungnaá. The water from the lake is now forced into conducts to the power plant. But the canyon is still there for our pleasure.
Considering the isolation of the place, I am using google map to show you the position of the canyon compare to the road.
Map data @Google
- In the Central Highlands, off road F208 (northern part)
- 4WD access - You need a 4WD with high clearance for F208 - Compare 4WD rental options in Iceland
- + walking - wear hiking shoes
- GPS coordinates and info are available in my eBook: The Road Trip Guide Iceland
Plan your trip to Iceland with:
- 8 easy-to-plan Maps
- 44 selected primary locations not to miss
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- GPS coordinates
- Planning info to make the most of your time
Visiting Sigoldugljufur Iceland
- Well just walk along the ridge carefully and admire
- Apparently there are bigger waterfalls at both ends of the canyon but we did not venture further.
- No amenities
How we discovered this Hidden Canyon
Driving South on F208, we passed the top of a hill and discovered this view. You can see in the background lake Sigöldulón also known as Krókslón. We decided to stop there for lunch and to take some pictures
We started venturing across the lava field & discovered this cliff:
Everyone followed on towards the cliff...
First section of the Sigoldugljufur canyon Iceland
From the platform, we discovered the end of the canyon and its branch upstream
The main branch of Sigoldugljufur Iceland - Canyon waterfalls
Then we walked further along the canyon and discovered slowly the amazing waterfalls flowing all along the canyon. We stayed there for a long time, soaking it the raw beauty of Iceland away from all the tourists.
We started discovering more
and ended up with that view:
How beautiful is it? Splendid, don't you think? It was one of my favorite views in Iceland. I just sat there in awe.
Below is a zoom of those many waterfalls along the steep walls of the canyon:
Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?
Discover more things to do and places to see in Iceland in my online Iceland Destination Guide.
Sometimes it is worth going off plan, don’t you think?
Hi! I was curious how long the commute to Sigöldugljúfur was from Seljalandsfoss. And how long the hike was from parking to the main outlook of sigoldugljufur? any advice or hints? we are going in April. Was not sure what the road conditions would be around this time!
So excited to hear back from you! Thank you so much for your amazing blog. I LOVE IT!!
-Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth.
Thanks for your comment. I am glad your are enjoying my blog.
The way to this canyon is via an F-road (F208). Those roads are opened only during summer months (I added a note in this post). It normally opens during the month of June depending on conditions. So I am sorry to say that in April you won’t be able to get there.
Enjoy your rip!
Claire
Hi!
I will be there in July.
When I look at this place in Google Earth, I see tire tracks leading from F208 to canyon.
Is it possible to drive this path with 4WD car? Or should I leave my car somewhere on the F208?
Hi Adam
Yes there is a track going towards the canyon. You can see it in 2 of the pictures under ‘How we discovered this hidden treasure’
Our driver first said he was not allowed to take it. Later he drove it to come and take us. So I am not sure if it is allowed to drive it or not… Sorry.
Enjoy your trip!
Claire
According to this map (Map – Já.is) :
http://en.ja.is/kort/?x=494005&y=406067&z=9&type=aerial
there is a road.
Junction with F208 coordinate: 64° 9.352’N, 19° 8.305’W (Google Maps: 64.156000, -19.139553)
I will try with Hyundai Tucson. Thanks
It is not allowed to for tourists to drive to this spot. However, it is about a 1-20 mins short walk from F208. You can park your car on the roadside. Trust me, it is worth the walk. Amazing views.
Amazing blog with great pictures! Learn so many amazing and helpful things about Iceland. I am really glad you have decided to share with us.
Hi Claire,
My husband and I will be going to Iceland in June and are planning (weather permitted) and driving a similar route. Could you tell me about how long you stayed at each destination and a guesstimation of the hiking times and distances? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks!
Hi Kristin
If you talk about dirving Road F208, it takes all day to drive (an requires good 4WD skills).
You could break for the night at the camping ground in Landmannalaugar.
Note that the road opens some time in June, the date varies depending on weather conditions.
Plan at least 2h at the canyon and 2h in Landmannalaugar.
If you are talking about your entire Iceland trip, please refer to my suggested itineraries article: https://www.zigzagonearth.com/visit-iceland-itinerary/
I wish you a wonderful trip!
Last summer (thanks to Claire’s blog and advice) I found Sigöldugljúfur canyon. It is really peopleless and amazing place. Thank You Claire 🙂
The easiest way to find it:
On the left side of road F-208 (going from north to Landmannalaugar) there is side road (dirt) with standard road sign “no entry for all vehicles”. This is the best place to stop. Leave the car on the main road (you will find something like parking space – big enough). The side road takes you exactly to the main branch of the canyon (10 – 15 minutes of walk). Of course you don’t have to use the road. You can go across the lava field. It is shorter and faster but less comfortable. You can take this way returning.
Hi
I did some research about this area and found your post. We are in Iceland with 3 littlw kids and need the stroller (a good one). I the ground accessable for a stroller or really “wild”?
Thank you so much
Hi
There is a track for the government vehicles which is a good option. It is longer than cutting through the lava field but the ground will be easier.
Have a great trip!
Hello! I visited this canyon in June 2018 and will be back September this year! When I visited in 2018, me and my friend hiked INTO the canyon which was actually a very difficult hike, as there were steep inclines, large boulders with huge gaping holes, small pea gravel we slipped on frequently, and lots of streams to navigate over. Is there any information you could give me on other dangers of being IN the canyon? I’ve also wondered ho deep the water is and if its safe to swim in? I’m thinking of buying an inflatable raft to start from the beginning of the canyon and raft to the end, but I’d prefer not to die haha! Thank you for the post this is great!