Feature
Waterfall Canyon
Multiple cascades visible from the bridge above
Kolugljúfur Canyon: Waterfall Canyon of the Giantess Kola
A dramatic waterfall canyon named after the legendary giantess Kola — where the Víðidalsá river plunges through a series of cascades visible from the bridge above.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
North Iceland
Víðidalur valley, Route 715
Kolugljúfur is a striking canyon in northwest Iceland where the Víðidalsá river has carved a deep gorge and plunges through a series of beautiful waterfalls. The canyon is named after a legendary giantess called Kola, who according to folklore lived in the canyon and caught salmon from the river with her bare hands. A bridge crosses the canyon and provides excellent viewing platforms from which visitors can look down into the gorge and admire the cascading waterfalls, the sculpted rock walls, and the powerful river below. The site is an easy roadside stop that requires no hiking, making it one of North Iceland's most accessible natural attractions.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Stay behind railings on the bridge viewing platforms. Canyon edges can be slippery. Take care in wet or icy conditions.
Sources to check
Access
Roadside Stop
No hiking required — views from the bridge
Legend
Giantess Kola
Named after a troll woman from Icelandic folklore
What to Expect
Bridge Viewing Platforms
Purpose-built platforms on the bridge offer dramatic views straight down into the canyon and waterfalls
Kolufossar Waterfalls
A series of powerful cascades where the Víðidalsá river plunges into the narrow gorge
Folklore & Legend
The canyon comes alive with the story of Kola, the giantess who fished salmon from these waters
No Hiking Required
One of Iceland's most impressive canyons accessible without any hiking — just park and walk to the bridge
Sculpted Rock Walls
Thousands of years of water erosion have carved dramatic patterns into the canyon walls
Quick Stop Friendly
Perfect 20-40 minute stop on a journey through North Iceland or the Westfjords
Getting There
Kolugljúfur is located in the Víðidalur valley in northwest Iceland, along Route 715 where the road crosses the canyon via a bridge. From Blönduós on Route 1, drive south on Route 721, which becomes Route 715, for approximately 25 km. From Reykjavík, the drive takes roughly 3 hours north along Route 1 (270 km). Free parking is available right next to the bridge on both sides, with space for about 15-20 cars. There are no restroom facilities at the site. The nearest town, Blönduós, has fuel, a supermarket, and accommodation. The canyon makes a natural stop when traveling between Reykjavík and Akureyri on Route 1, or as a detour on the way to the Westfjords. The road is paved to Route 715, which is a well-maintained gravel road accessible by 2WD year-round.
Best Time to Visit
Kolugljúfur can be visited year-round since it is a roadside attraction requiring no hiking. June through August offers the longest daylight (up to 21 hours) and the most comfortable conditions with temperatures around 10-14°C. May and June bring the highest river flow from spring snowmelt, making the Kolufossar waterfalls most impressive and thunderous during that period. September and October offer beautiful autumn colors in the surrounding valley. December through February, the canyon and waterfalls can take on a dramatic partially frozen appearance, though the bridge and viewing platforms may be icy and require extreme caution. The site is uncrowded in all seasons, rarely seeing more than a handful of visitors at any time. As a 20-40 minute stop, Kolugljúfur fits easily into any North Iceland itinerary.
Planning help
Kolugljúfur Canyon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.