Column Height
Up to 25+ m
Some of Iceland's tallest and most regular hexagonal basalt columns line the canyon walls.
Stuðlagil Canyon Columns – Basalt Columns in Iceland
Towering hexagonal basalt columns embracing turquoise glacial water in East Iceland's most photogenic canyon
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
East Iceland
Jökuldalur valley, off Route 923
Stuðlagil Canyon is one of Iceland's most extraordinary geological formations and a relatively recent discovery for visitors. Hidden in the Jökuldalur valley of East Iceland, the canyon's towering walls are lined with thousands of perfectly shaped hexagonal basalt columns, some reaching over 25 meters in height. The columns were largely concealed until 2009, when the Kárahnjúkar hydropower project diverted much of the Jökla river's flow, dramatically lowering water levels and exposing the spectacular basalt architecture beneath. The resulting turquoise pools against the dark geometric stone have made Stuðlagil arguably Iceland's most photogenic geological formation.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.
Sources to check
Access Trails
2 routes
West bank (2 km, overlook) and east bank (3.5 km, river-level access) trails.
Distance from Egilsstaðir
~75 km
About a 1-hour drive from East Iceland's largest town via Route 1 and Route 923.
What to Expect
Hexagonal Basalt Walls
The canyon walls feature thousands of tightly packed hexagonal basalt columns, some of the tallest and most geometrically regular in Iceland.
Turquoise Glacial Water
The Jökla river's glacial rock flour creates a vivid turquoise color that contrasts strikingly with the dark basalt, especially in late summer.
West Bank Overlook Trail
The shorter west bank trail leads to a dramatic viewpoint above the canyon, offering sweeping views down into the columnar gorge.
East Bank River-Level Access
The longer east bank trail descends to the riverbank, allowing visitors to walk among the columns and experience their scale up close.
Recently Revealed Formation
Most of the columns were hidden underwater until 2009 when the Kárahnjúkar dam project lowered the river, making this a 'new' natural wonder.
Remote East Iceland Setting
The canyon's location off the beaten path in East Iceland means fewer crowds than South Iceland attractions, rewarding those who make the journey.
Getting There
Stuðlagil Canyon is located in the Jökuldalur valley of East Iceland. From Egilsstaðir, drive west on Route 1 and turn south onto Route 923 toward Jökuldalur. For the west bank trail, continue to the Gljúfrastofa parking area. For the east bank trail, follow a gravel farm road branching off Route 923 to a separate parking area. The west bank approach is shorter and easier, while the east bank offers river-level access. A standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient for the west bank parking, though the east bank farm road can be rough. Always check road conditions at road.is before visiting.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal window for visiting Stuðlagil is mid-July through September. During this period, water levels are lower, exposing more of the basalt columns, and the glacial turquoise color is most intense. Earlier in summer, snowmelt can raise water levels and partially obscure the columns. The east bank trail is typically only accessible from June to October. Visiting on an overcast day can actually enhance the blue water color in photographs. Morning light illuminates the canyon walls most effectively from the east bank. Weekday visits help avoid peak weekend crowds that have increased as the canyon's popularity has grown.
Planning help
Stuðlagil Canyon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.