Planning a trip to Iceland and looking to explore its most spectacular canyons and cliffs? You’re in the right place!
In this article, you’ll discover 5 of Iceland’s most breathtaking canyons and cliffs – from dramatic sea cliffs to river canyons including hidden moss valleys. Whether you’re looking to walk along towering cliffs edges, admire deep gorges, or simply take in breathtaking views from above, there’s a canyon or cliff gem here for everyone!
Let’s dive in and explore Iceland’s most impressive canyons and cliffs!
First: Valahnúkamöl. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is a dramatic coastal area with steep cliffs, black sand and volcanic rock formations. This is also here that you can find the “Piano by the Sea”. This old upright piano appears in the film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. In this scene, the characters are playing the piano on a rock platform overlooking the ocean, creating a visual contrast between the delicate instrument and the rugged Icelandic coastline.
Walk: 15 minutes from the parking in front of the lighthouse, but there is also a parking down the road, nearer to the cliffs. In that case, you will have to walk for less than 5 minutes.
Parking fee: 1000 ISK (7€).
Next is Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs, also on the Reykjanes Peninsula. These dramatic seaside cliffs are rising over 40 meters high and offer beautiful views over the ocean, especially towards sunset hours. The road leading to the cliffs is a dirt road, so best to have a 4WD vehicle.
Walk: 5 minutes walk from the parking here, but you can walk all along the cliff. As you can see on the last picture below, there is almost no security fence so be very careful and keep a safe distance from the edge as it can be very windy.
Parking fee: Free.
Next up is Sigöldugljúfur. Also called “The Valley of Tears”, it is an ethereal hidden gem in Iceland. This remote deep canyon with green moss everywhere, countless little falls flowing into turquoise glacial water and basalt columns all around really is otherworldly. Note that road may not be open year-round and requires a 4WD vehicle.
Walk: You can park right in front of the viewpoint here.
Parking fee: Free.
My favourite one has to be Fjaðrárgljúfur. This serpentine mossy-walls canyon carved by glacial rivers looks straight out of a fairytale. There is a trail along the edge of the canyon offering amazing views all the way.
Walk: 20-30 minutes from the parking lot to the waterfall where the best viewpoint of the canyon is.
Parking fee: 1000 ISK (7€).
Lastly, Stuðlagil Canyon. This gorge with turquoise water (on good days) and geometric basalt columns is a famous photography spot in Iceland. So expect some people there, but it doesn’t take away the uniqueness of this place located in East Iceland.
Walk: Around 30 minutes one way from the parking lot.
Parking fee: 1000 ISK (7€).
And that wraps up the best canyons and cliffs to see in Iceland !
Make sure to visit some of these sites (if not all!) as it is an unforgettable experience and remarkable landscape.
It was truly a magical and wonderful trip, if you plan on going there check out my article about the 10 best waterfalls, this one about the 4 best glaciers in Iceland or this one to discover the 10 best geothermal and volcanic areas in Iceland.
If you need a personalised itinerary, you can fill this form and I’ll find you the best accommodations, flights and itinerary !
