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After seeing pictures 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 Street. As anticipated, it offered one of the crucial 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 alternative ways to see the canyon, in addition to totally different views to soak up.
Uncover every thing that you must find out about exploring Stuðlagil Canyon, together with recommendations on acquiring essentially the most fascinating 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 understood 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 frame, forming these practically uniformly formed columns. The columns virtually really feel like steps or stairs, as they’re additionally usually at various ranges and heights. One other well-liked location for viewing these basalt columns is Reynisfjara Seaside alongside the southern coast of Iceland, however I personally discovered the columns at Stuðlagil Canyon to be extra spectacular.
The turquoise river flowing by way 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, lowering the water stage. 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 japanese area of Iceland and could be accessed simply from the Ring Street. We stopped at Stuðlagil Canyon as we traveled west from Seydisfjordur, and a go to to the canyon is well one among my favorite issues to do in Iceland. Usually, japanese Iceland is a less-traveled space of the nation due to its distance from the capital Reykjavík. Nevertheless, a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon (and Iceland’s japanese area) is effectively definitely worth the distance and energy, particularly should you’re already circling the nation on the Ring Street!
The best way 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 japanese area of Iceland. It may be accessed simply from the Ring Street by taking Freeway 923.
One factor that we realized 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 should 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 trying to get a more in-depth view of Stuðlagil Canyon, together with even strolling close to the canyon ground alongside the river, it would be best to set your navigation for Parking Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil on Google Maps (positioned on the east facet of the canyon). It’s a tough highway to get to, however our Completely happy Campervan dealt with it simply high quality, so long as you’re 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 observe a straightforward climbing path for about 1.5 km. Parts of this path are primarily a gravel highway and it was scorching and dusty with no shade on the day we visited; carry water! You’ll go a number of waterfalls alongside the way in which, and general it’s a reasonably pleasing stroll, though at instances you’ll in all probability be pondering you’re by no means going to succeed in the canyon view!
Additionally, you will need to observe that there are two parking heaps on the east facet of the canyon. The primary car parking zone could be discovered simply earlier than a small bridge (recognized on Google Maps as Stuðlagil East facet parking) and includes an extended stroll to the trailhead. There may be one other car parking zone additional alongside the bumpy gravel highway previous the small bridge, which we suggest 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. Curiously, there may be 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 basically a farmer’s area, 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 climbing, 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.
If in case you have seen pictures of Stuðlagil Canyon on Instagram or social media, it’s doubtless that these pictures are taken from the japanese financial institution of the canyon. Whereas extra effort is concerned in climbing to Stuðlagil Canyon, that is the place you will get the jaw-dropping pictures you will have seen on-line.
Stuðlagil Canyon Viewpoints
How Are Basalt Columbs Fashioned?
Basalt columns present in Iceland, similar to these discovered at Stuðlagil Canyon and different well-known websites like in Svartifoss (Black Falls) in Vatnajökull Nationwide Park, are fashioned by way of a course of generally known as columnar jointing. This geological phenomenon happens when basaltic lava, which is wealthy in iron and magnesium, cools and solidifies.
Step-by-step rationalization 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 Stream: 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 internal 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 most typical shapes are hexagonal, however columns with 4, 5, or seven sides may happen. The cracking and formation of columns are a results of the contraction of the lava.
Column Progress: The columns proceed to develop vertically because the lava cools additional. The method of columnar jointing is commonly described as analogous to drying mud cracks, the place the fabric contracts and varieties 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
In case you’re like me, Stuðlagil Canyon may be excessive in your listing of issues to do whereas in Iceland. To be able to profit from your expertise, it’s useful to be ready! Learn on to search 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’ll be able to 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 direction of the canyon location is straightforward; the trail is basically a mud highway with little or no elevation achieve. Nevertheless, the quick trek right down to the canyon ground could be slippery as you stroll alongside the uneven hexagonal ‘steps.’ Make sure that you put on acceptable non slip footwear should you plan to enterprise right down to the canyon ground.
When is the most effective time to go to Stuðlagil Canyon?
As with a lot of Iceland’s most photogenic places, Stuðlagil Canyon can get crowded. In case you’re trying 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 virtually utterly full. Nevertheless, July and August are peak vacationer season in Iceland, and it’s doubtless one can find Stuðlagil Canyon much less busy should you go to throughout shoulder season. That being stated, June-September is when you’re going to 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 situation is just not an official vacationer vacation spot, and has solely gained in recognition in recent times. Nevertheless, 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 pictures. If you’re additionally hoping to go to the west financial institution while you’re within the space, it would be best 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. Comfy, supportive footwear can also be a good suggestion, notably in case you are hoping to climb right down to the bottom of the canyon. On the day we visited, sporting a T-shirt and pants was simply high quality. Nevertheless, we additionally packed alongside a lightweight rain jacket in case the climate modified.
What must you carry with you on a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon?
The obvious tip? Convey your digital camera! The views at Stuðlagil Canyon are completely beautiful, and I may have spent hours right here taking within the views and snapping pictures from each angle. You may additionally need to carry snacks or water in your stroll to the canyon.
Is Stuðlagil Canyon kid-Pleasant?
If you’re touring with youngsters, I feel Stuðlagil Canyon can be an acceptable cease. Nevertheless, in case you are visiting the japanese financial institution, it would be best to be certain that your youngsters are snug with strolling distance. Relying on the age of your youngsters, you may also need to skip strolling right down to the bottom of the canyon and as a substitute view Stuðlagil Canyon from above. We didn’t see any young children when visiting right here, however households with older youngsters have been having fun with the view from the japanese financial institution.
Issues to see within the Stuðlagil Canyon space
We visited Stuðlagil Canyon on an entire Iceland campervan journey round Iceland’s Ring Street. Probably the most well-liked choices for making your means across the Ring Street is to hire a camper van for final flexibility and journey. Irrespective of the way you make your means across the nation, there are such a lot of must-see stops. Under are a number of spots that you can embody on a go to to japanese Iceland.
Seydisfjordur
The drive to the city of Seydisfjordur alone is definitely worth the time. As you drive alongside the highway that descends towards the city, you’ll be surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls. Whereas we didn’t spend a lot time within the city itself, we spent the evening 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 japanese Iceland, Vök Baths is arguably top-of-the-line scorching springs in Iceland. Due to its geothermal exercise, scorching springs could be discovered all through the nation. Nevertheless, the japanese 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 essentially the most out of the enjoyable ambiance? 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 one of the crucial well-liked 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 Street. Standing alongside the sting of the waterfall is really awe-inspiring as you watch the immense quantity of water come crashing into the canyon under. A tip for visiting? Convey a water-proof jacket – we received 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 right technique to finish a busy day of touring. Right here you’ll 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 Value Visiting?
In our opinion, a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon is completely definitely worth the effort and time on any journey round Iceland, notably in case you are planning on visiting the japanese area. Relying in your mobility and the time that you’ve got obtainable, there are two totally different viewing choices for guests hoping to cease on the distinctive canyon. With its location simply off the Ring Street, Stuðlagil Canyon is a comparatively fast cease that gives a view not like every other. I might not hesitate to suggest including Stuðlagil Canyon to your Iceland itinerary!
All that being stated in case you are quick on time, it is probably not price the additional 3 hours you want whole to drive to the parking space and hike, notably if the climate is blended (which it was for us!). Whereas anybody of affordable health and talent can full this hike, when you have doubts, it might be price it to proceed driving to Myvatn and spend your time on the spectacular Hverir geothermal space as a substitute.
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 time and had an incredible time. As you’ll be able to inform by the pictures, we didn’t get essentially 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 Completely happy Camper. After we wakened, we made our technique to Vok Baths earlier than opening to be among the first to benefit from the ambiance. 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 someway managed to go to Stuðlagil Canyon first after which end the day enjoyable within the baths. Nevertheless if you’re highway tripping round Iceland and dwelling out of a van it doesn’t at all times 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 climbing plans. We wearing weather-resistant gear, though I remorse not placing rain pants on our Iceland packing listing. If there’s one piece of recommendation I may give, it’s to carry 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 perspective 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 could have been merely wonderful! After spending about half-hour taking pictures we retreated again to the automotive completely soaked. Convey meals with you as there is just one snack stand within the space promoting costly scorching canines.
My three takeaways after visiting – park on the closest car parking zone when you have a excessive clearance car, put on non slip footwear, and watch the climate fastidiously! Essentially the most dependable climate could be discovered on Vedur.
I hope this information helps you propose a go to to the beautiful Studlagil Canyon! For extra data on touring round Iceland, see extra of our guides under.
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