A hidden canyon where 50+ waterfalls stream down moss-covered cliffs into turquoise water
The name means "Sigalda's Canyon," but travelers and locals have given it a more poetic nickname: the Valley of Tears. The reason is immediately obvious. Dozens of thin waterfalls -- fifty or more, depending on the season and recent rainfall -- stream down the moss-covered eastern wall of the canyon, cascading into turquoise water below. The effect looks like the cliff itself is weeping.
What makes this even more remarkable is that these waterfalls were hidden for decades. When the Sigalda Hydroelectric Power Station was built in the 1970s, it diverted water and lowered river levels in the area, revealing the spring-fed cascades that had been submerged. In a sense, human engineering accidentally uncovered one of Iceland's most beautiful natural features.
Sigoldugljufur gained international attention through social media and drone photography in the 2010s, and visitor numbers have grown steadily since. A new access road built in 2021 improved 4WD access, making it one of the more reachable highland destinations. But it still requires an F-road-capable vehicle and a drive into the interior -- enough of a barrier to keep it far less crowded than the south coast waterfalls.
Stay on the marked path to the viewpoint. Do not descend into the canyon -- the walls are steep and unstable, and descending damages fragile vegetation.
From the parking area, an easy 15-20 minute walk (about 1 km) leads to the canyon edge. The viewpoint overlooks the entire eastern wall with its dozens of cascading waterfalls. No scrambling or climbing required -- accessible for anyone who can walk on uneven ground.
The canyon is most photogenic from the eastern rim, where you look across at the waterfall wall. Morning light illuminates the eastern wall directly, while overcast days saturate the green moss colors. The turquoise water color is most vivid on calm, bright days.
The canyon walls are steep and unstable. There is no safe trail down, and descending damages the fragile vegetation. View from the rim only.
Sigoldugljufur sits along the F208 approach to Landmannalaugar, making it a natural stop on the same trip. The canyon is roughly 24 km before Landmannalaugar -- stop on the way in or out. It adds about 45 minutes to your day.
1.5-2 hours from Ring Road
From the Ring Road near Hrauneyjar, follow F208 south. The turn to Sigoldugljufur is well-signed. Rough gravel but passable in any 4WD vehicle with highland clearance. No river crossings on this approach.
Natural stop on the same route
Most highland buses to Landmannalaugar pass nearby, though they do not typically stop. Super jeep tours to Landmannalaugar often include Sigoldugljufur as a stop. The canyon is a natural addition to any Landmannalaugar itinerary.
July and August for the fullest waterfalls and greenest moss. The number and force of the cascades depends on recent rainfall and snowmelt -- a wet period produces the most dramatic display.
Early morning tends to have fewer visitors, especially in August when the site has become more popular.
Late June and September are possible but waterfalls may be less dramatic and weather less reliable.
What was a hidden gem a decade ago now receives thousands of visitors in peak season. Stay on the marked path, do not create new trails to the canyon edge, and do not try to descend.
No toilets, water, or bins. Pack out everything you bring in. The only infrastructure is a parking area.
Sigoldugljufur alone does not justify renting a 4WD and driving into the highlands. But as part of a Landmannalaugar trip, it is an unmissable addition that adds maybe 45 minutes to your day.
24 km further south on F208 -- colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and the Laugavegur trailhead.
A vivid red crater lake accessible from the Landmannalaugar area -- one of the most striking volcanic features in the highlands.
Visible from the F208 approach -- Iceland's most famous active volcano, 1,491 m high.
A beautiful twin waterfall off Route 32, accessible from the lowland approach to the highlands.
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