Stakkholtsgja Canyon: Your Complete Guide to Iceland's Hidden Gem

02-10-2024

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of South Iceland, Stakkholtsgja Canyon is a hidden treasure that captivates adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This stunning canyon offers an unforgettable hiking experience through its dramatic cliffs, winding rivers and breathtaking waterfalls.

Let’s learn more about the picturesque Stakkholtsgja Canyon, including where exactly this canyon is, how to get there, its geology and top travel tips for your visit.

All About Stakkholtsgja Canyon

Stretching approximately 2 kilometers and reaching depths of up to 100 meters, Stakkholtsgja Canyon sits within the beautiful Thorsmork Nature Reserve. Known for its amazing hiking trail that leads to a cascading waterfall and crosses many small flowing streams along the way, Stakkholtsgja Canyon is a true geological marvel.

Lined with steep palagonite cliffs (which is a rock made from volcanic glass), lush vegetation, deep ravines, winding caves, flowing streams and cascading waterfalls, Stakkholtsgja Canyon is a relatively undiscovered natural wonder in Iceland.

Did you know? Stakkholtsgja Canyon was used as a filming location for the TV series, Game of Thrones. One of many Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland chosen for its rugged and wild natural beauty, you may recognise Stakkholtsgja Canyon as the location for the Wight ambush scene in Season 7.

Where is Stakkholtsgja Canyon?

Part of Thorsmork Nature Reserve in South Iceland, Stakkholtsgja Canyon lies just south of Fjallabak Nature Reserve, north of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and west of Myrdalsjökull Glacier. A short distance from the main Ring Road in Iceland (Route 1), Stakkholtsgja Canyon is around 150 kilometers from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik.

How to Get to Stakkholtsgja Canyon

To reach Stakkholtsgja Canyon from Reykjavik, you’ll need to drive for around 2 hours and 30 minutes, taking Route 1 until you reach Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls, at which point you’ll take a left turn onto Route 249, which becomes F249 further along the road.

F249 is an Icelandic F-road, which is an unpaved, gravel road that requires a 4x4 vehicle to traverse. F249 has river crossings, including glacial rivers, and rough terrain, so it’s imperative to make sure your vehicle is suitable for traversing this road.

From the Icelandic town of Hella that lies between Reykjavik and Stakkholtsgja Canyon, the drive to the canyon is only 1 hour and 10 minutes along the same route, so you can always stop off here if you want a break on the way.

You might also prefer to take a guided superjeep Thorsmork tour to see Stakkholtsgja Canyon, along with other unmissable sights in the nature reserve, as part of a group. You can even take a private Thorsmork tour if you prefer.

Hiking Stakkholtsgja Canyon

Exploring Stakkholtsgja Canyon by foot is an incredible adventure you can enjoy during your time in Iceland. With spectacular views the whole way there and back, the Stakkholtsgja Canyon hike takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes in total, so about 45 minutes one way.

The hike starts at the F249 road at the entrance to the Thorsmork Valley and Nature Reserve. It’s mostly flat all the way along, but you’ll need to cross streams and mind your step on mossy rocks. The streams aren’t deep, but they do make the rocks wet and slippery, just like those near the waterfall, so you’ll need to be careful during your walk.

Incredible waterfall views await you at the end of Stakkholtsgja Canyon. Just make sure to choose a clear day for the hike, both for safety and to enjoy better views.

What to Wear and Pack for Your Stakkholtsgja Canyon Hike

When hiking Stakkholtsgja Canyon, here’s what we recommend to wear and pack:

• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots – The most important piece of equipment you’ll need for your visit to Stakkholtsgja Canyon is a pair of proper walking boots with a waterproof coating. Especially because you’ll be crossing small streams and rivers on the way, you’ll need to make sure your feet are well protected. A good grip is essential for remaining stable on wet, slippery and mossy rocks.
• Waterproof outer layers, including a jacket – You’ll also need to keep the rest of your body warm, cozy and dry when exploring this magical canyon and its streams and waterfalls, so a waterproof coat is another essential. We recommended wearing waterproof pants if possible, too.
• Spare socks – Even if you’re wearing waterproof shoes, you might get splashed with some water somewhere along the way, so spare socks are a good idea to pack just in case. That way, you’ve got the option to keep yourself comfortable if you do happen to get a bit wet.
• Water and snacks – Make sure to pack a water bottle and snacks for your trip, as Stakkholtsgja Canyon is located in a remote natural area, so any shops or restaurants are a drive away.
• Camera in a protective waterproof case – You’ll definitely want to have your camera with you to capture the gorgeous panoramas of Stakkholtsgja Canyon. Just make sure it’s in a waterproof case to protect against the elements, especially any spray from the waterfall or nearby rivers.

Top Tips For Your Visit to Stakkholtsgja Canyon

Excited to explore Stakkholtsgja Canyon for yourself? Here are some of our top tips to ensure you enjoy your visit as much as possible.

• Keep an eye on the weather – Have you heard that in Iceland, if you don’t like the weather, people say to wait five minutes. This famous phrase shows just how quickly the weather can change in Iceland! So, we highly recommend checking the local Iceland weather forecast before embarking on your trip to Stakkholtsgja Canyon and keeping an eye on it throughout the day to always be prepared for any sudden changes and avoid any downpours.
• Check your route before setting out – We recommend checking the up-to-date road conditions in Iceland before your trip to make sure all the roads you need are open and in good condition for driving. This is especially important in the colder months, as some roads can be closed for many months due to harsh weather conditions, mainly F-roads.
• Plan your visit – Choosing the best day and time to visit Stakkholtsgja Canyon will really change your experience at the canyon. A sunny, clear and bright day is the best choice for an enjoyable visit with optimal views.

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