3 Best Sights in Jökuldalur, East Iceland and the Eastfjords

Once a hidden gem of the east, this is an incredible narrow canyon whose main feature is basalt rock columns. The Jökla river runs through the gorge, with its water colored bright blue-green in the right conditions, making for a truly memorable sight. 

A newly built observation platform offers the most accessible views of the canyon. The platform is accessed about 19 km (12 miles) from the Ring Road on Route 923, on the farm known as Grund. You will find parking spaces, toilets, and stairs to the platform. There is an excellent view down into the gorge and over the basalt columns, but you cannot get down into the canyon from this side. To hike to the canyon's east side, drive south of the Ring Road on Route 923 about 14 km (9 miles) to the farm known as Klaustursel. From the second parking area, not far from Stuðlafoss waterfall, it’s a 2½ km (1½ mile) hike to reach the access point for entering the canyon. It’s not too challenging a hike: there is a clear tractor trail to follow and the ground is uneven but not very steep (but it may be muddy). When you reach the area to go into the gorge, it gets rocky and uneven, so go slow and keep in mind that the rocks can be wet and slippery. This is a very popular spot for visitors, so you’ll likely be sharing the space with others. You can explore the columns at the water’s edge before retracing your steps to the car park.

Note that there are two parking lots at Klaustursel. The first is by a bridge and walking from there to the canyon is about 5 km (3 miles) one way. The second car park is 2½ km further along a rough road that isn’t kind to small 2WD vehicles (so 4WD is advised to reach it).

A roadside waterfall off Route 1, Rjúkandi is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. A short trail from the parking lot leads to the delightful falls with views of the Jökuldalur Valley.

In July and August, Sænautasel—a restored lakeside turf farm with pleasant green surroundings dating back to 1843—serves excellent coffee, homebaked lummur (oatmeal pancakes), and a welcoming splash of color in the otherwise desolate landscapes of the area. Apart from the evacuation period caused by the eruption of Askja in 1885, it was inhabited until 1943. Sænautasel is said to be the inspiration for the main character’s home in the novel Independent People, written by Nobel Prize–winning Icelandic writer Halldór Laxness.