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Studlagil Canyon is one of the most stunning and interesting places I’ve visited in Iceland — yet thanks to its remote location, it feels wonderfully off the beaten track.
This canyon, located in the Jökuldalur Valley (Glacier Valley) of East Iceland, is home to one of the greatest collections of basalt columns in Iceland. In fact, “Studlagil Canyon” translates to “Basalt Column Gorge.” These long, dark streaks of rock form unusual geometric shapes throughout Iceland.
Even more interesting? People had no idea this place even existed until a decade or so ago. More on that in a bit.
Studlagil Canyon was high on our list when Amanda and I visited Iceland. And while we spent much of the experience soaking wet and sinking into mud, we absolutely loved it.
You should definitely put this on your list. Here’s what you need to know about Studlagil Canyon.
(Note: It’s spelled “Stuðlagil Canyon” in Icelandic, but I’ll be using Studlagil Canyon here. The “ð” is pronounced like “th.”)
How Did This Place Come to Be?
For centuries, Icelanders had no idea the basalt rock columns of Studlagil Canyon were lurking beneath the river’s surface. The turquoise Jökla River rushed wildly through the landscape, leading no clue to what lay beneath.
People didn’t even live in this part of Iceland. Just sheep.
In 2009, the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkavirkjun opened nearby and created the Hálslón Reservoir. Much of the Jökla River was diverted into the reservoir instead of rushing down its usual path, so the river level decreased seven to eight meters.
In 2016 a group of sheep herders discovered the newly revealed canyon. In 2017, Studlagil Canyon was featured in an advertising campaign for Iceland-based WOW Airlines.
WOW stopped its operations two years later, but the cat was out of the bag — Studlagil Canyon was the hottest new natural wonder of Iceland. In recent years, the canyon went from a hidden gem to a must-visit spot, drawing travelers from all over the world.
Yet still, this place is very quiet compared to the tour bus-crammed Golden Circle, or the busy Mývatn region in Northern Iceland.
Studlagil Canyon FAQ
If you park in the small parking lot on the east side, it’s about a two-hour out-and-back hike. If you have a 4×4, you can…
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