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After seeing images 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 Highway. As anticipated, it offered probably the most 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 completely different views to absorb.
Uncover every part you want to find out about exploring Stuðlagil Canyon, together with recommendations on acquiring probably the most charming 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 could 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 superb geographical characteristic that may be considered right here. These unusual shapes seen at Stuðlagil Canyon are made as lava cools and contracts over an prolonged time period, forming these practically uniformly formed columns. The columns nearly really feel like steps or stairs, as they’re additionally typically 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 is named 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 might be surrounded by towering basalt columns on both facet.
Stuðlagil Canyon is situated within the jap area of Iceland and could be accessed simply from the Ring Highway. 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. Typically, jap 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 jap area) is properly definitely worth the distance and energy, particularly if you happen to’re already circling the nation on the Ring Highway!
Learn how to get to the Stuðlagil Canyon Viewpoints
Stuðlagil Canyon is situated roughly 70km, or a one-hour drive, from the city of Egilsstaðir within the jap area of Iceland. It may be accessed simply from the Ring Highway 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 areas will not be situated inside direct entry to one another. The 2 areas 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
In case you are seeking to get a more in-depth view of Stuðlagil Canyon, together with even strolling close to the canyon ground alongside the river, you’ll want to set your navigation for Parking Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil on Google Maps (situated on the east facet of the canyon). It’s a tough street to get to, however our Completely happy Campervan dealt with it simply superb, 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 comply with a simple mountain climbing path for about 1.5 km. Parts of this path are primarily a gravel street and it was scorching and dusty with no shade on the day we visited; convey water! You’ll go a number of waterfalls alongside the way in which, and total it’s a reasonably pleasurable stroll, though at occasions you’ll in all probability be considering you’re by no means going to achieve the canyon view!
Additionally, you will need to word that there are two parking tons 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 entails an extended stroll to the trailhead. There’s one other car parking zone additional alongside the bumpy gravel street previous the small bridge, which we advocate 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 situated on what is actually a farmer’s discipline, with restricted official infrastructure.
WEST BANK STUÐLAGIL CANYON VIEWS
In case you are brief on time or are on the lookout for a viewpoint with simpler entry and never a lot mountain 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.
When you have seen images of Stuðlagil Canyon on Instagram or social media, it’s probably that these pictures are taken from the jap financial institution of the canyon. Whereas extra effort is concerned in mountain climbing to Stuðlagil Canyon, that is the place you will get the jaw-dropping images you’ll have seen on-line.
Stuðlagil Canyon Viewpoints
How Are Basalt Columbs Fashioned?
Basalt columns present in Iceland, resembling 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 often known as columnar jointing. This geological phenomenon happens when basaltic lava, which is wealthy in iron and magnesium, cools and solidifies.
Step-by-step clarification 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 standard product of those eruptions.
Lava Circulate: 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 inside 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 commonest shapes are hexagonal, however columns with 4, 5, or seven sides may also happen. The cracking and formation of columns are a results of the contraction of the lava.
Column Development: The columns proceed to develop vertically because the lava cools additional. The method of columnar jointing is usually described as analogous to drying mud cracks, the place the fabric contracts and types a community of fractures.
Publicity: Over time, erosion and weathering processes take away the encompassing, much less resistant rock, exposing the spectacular basalt columns.
Ideas for visiting Stuðlagil Canyon
For those who’re like me, Stuðlagil Canyon may be excessive in your record of issues to do whereas in Iceland. In an effort to benefit from your expertise, it’s useful to be ready! Learn on to seek 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 possibly can stroll to the bottom of the canyon alongside the river. Hold 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 actually a dust street with little or no elevation acquire. Nevertheless, the brief trek right down to the canyon ground could be slippery as you stroll alongside the uneven hexagonal ‘steps.’ Be sure that you put on applicable non slip footwear if you happen to plan to enterprise right down to the canyon ground.
When is the perfect time to go to Stuðlagil Canyon?
As with a lot of Iceland’s most photogenic areas, Stuðlagil Canyon can get crowded. For those who’re seeking 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 nearly utterly full. Nevertheless, July and August are peak vacationer season in Iceland, and it’s probably one can find Stuðlagil Canyon much less busy if you happen to go to throughout shoulder season. That being stated, June-September is when you’re going to get the perfect climate on the canyon.
How A lot Does it value to go to Stuðlagil Canyon?
There is no such thing as a value for visiting or parking at Stuðlagil Canyon. The placement shouldn’t be an official vacationer vacation spot, and has solely gained in recognition in recent times. Nevertheless, this can be very essential to respect the realm and protect it for future guests by staying on the path and following depart 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 images. In case you are additionally hoping to go to the west financial institution while you’re within the space, you’ll want to plan for extra time right here.
What must you put on on a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon?
The climate in Iceland can differ broadly throughout areas 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. Snug, supportive footwear can be a good suggestion, notably if you’re hoping to climb right down to the bottom of the canyon. On the day we visited, sporting a T-shirt and pants was simply superb. Nevertheless, we additionally packed alongside a light-weight rain jacket in case the climate modified.
What must you convey with you on a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon?
The obvious tip? Carry your digicam! The views at Stuðlagil Canyon are completely beautiful, and I may have spent hours right here taking within the views and snapping images from each angle. You may also wish to convey snacks or water in your stroll to the canyon.
Is Stuðlagil Canyon kid-Pleasant?
In case you are touring with youngsters, I feel Stuðlagil Canyon could be an applicable cease. Nevertheless, if you’re visiting the jap financial institution, you’ll want to be sure that your youngsters are snug with strolling distance. Relying on the age of your youngsters, you may additionally wish to skip strolling right down to the bottom of the canyon and as an alternative 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 jap financial institution.
Issues to see within the Stuðlagil Canyon space
We visited Stuðlagil Canyon on a complete Iceland campervan journey round Iceland’s Ring Highway. Probably the most well-liked choices for making your manner across the Ring Highway is to lease a camper van for final flexibility and journey. Regardless of the way you make your manner across the nation, there are such a lot of must-see stops. Under are a number of spots that you would embrace on a go to to jap Iceland.
Seydisfjordur
The drive to the city of Seydisfjordur alone is definitely worth the time. As you drive alongside the street that descends towards the city, you may be surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls. Whereas we didn’t spend a lot time within the city itself, we spent the night time on the native campground and couldn’t depart 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 jap Iceland, Vök Baths is arguably among the best scorching springs in Iceland. Due to its geothermal exercise, scorching springs could be discovered all through the nation. Nevertheless, the jap 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 probably the most out of the stress-free ambiance? Plan to go to very first thing within the morning or over the past two hours earlier than closing.
Dettifoss
Dettifoss is reportedly Europe’s second strongest waterfall and probably the most well-liked waterfalls in Iceland. It’s situated in northern Iceland alongside the Diamond Circle route, one of many nation’s many scenic detours that branches off from the primary Ring Highway. 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? Carry a water-proof jacket – we obtained 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 stress-free at Mývatn Nature Baths was the proper approach to finish a busy day of touring. Right here you may be surrounded by the distinctive panorama of Iceland’s northern area, a scorching spot for geothermal exercise. Plus, the admission value for visiting Mývatn Nature Baths is cheaper than the favored Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon close to Reykjavik.
Is Stuðlagil Canyon Price Visiting?
In our opinion, a go to to Stuðlagil Canyon is completely definitely worth the effort and time on any journey round Iceland, notably if you’re planning on visiting the jap area. Relying in your mobility and the time that you’ve got accessible, there are two completely different viewing choices for guests hoping to cease on the distinctive canyon. With its location simply off the Ring Highway, Stuðlagil Canyon is a comparatively fast cease that provides a view not like every other. I’d not hesitate to advocate including Stuðlagil Canyon to your Iceland itinerary!
All that being stated if you’re brief on time, it is probably not price the additional 3 hours you want complete to drive to the parking space and hike, notably if the climate is combined (which it was for us!). Whereas anybody of cheap health and skill can full this hike, you probably have doubts, it could be price it to proceed driving to Myvatn and spend your time on the spectacular Hverir geothermal space as an alternative.
The World Pursuit’s Go to to Stuðlagil Canyon
This text was written in collaboration with Rachel, a visitor creator. We each visited Stuðlagil Canyon this previous summer season and had an incredible time. As you possibly can inform by the images, we didn’t get probably 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 awakened, we made our approach to Vok Baths earlier than opening to be a number of 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’d have someway managed to go to Stuðlagil Canyon first after which end the day stress-free within the baths. Nevertheless whenever you’re street tripping round Iceland and residing out of a van it doesn’t all the time 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 mountain climbing plans. We wearing weather-resistant gear, though I remorse not placing rain pants on our Iceland packing record. If there’s one piece of recommendation I can provide, it’s to convey rain pants to Iceland, even in the summertime! You by no means know what you will 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 might have been merely superb! After spending about half-hour taking images we retreated again to the automotive completely soaked. Carry meals with you as there is just one snack stand within the space promoting costly scorching canine.
My three takeaways after visiting – park on the closest car parking zone you probably have a excessive clearance automobile, put on non slip footwear, and watch the climate fastidiously! Probably 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 info on touring round Iceland, see extra of our guides under.
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