Múlagljúfur Canyon is still a bit of a hidden gem in southeastern Iceland near Vatnajökull National Park. This hike offers beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and stunning waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a less crowded hiking experience. It reminded me of something I saw in Lord of the Rings.
The canyon is near the Ring Road (Route 1), about 12 kilometers west of the renowned Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You can reach the hike’s starting point by driving a short distance on a gravel road off the main highway.
If you’re traveling from Reykjavik, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive (370 km) along the Ring Road. As you approach the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, watch for a gravel road (Road 1) to the parking area near the canyon. It’s advisable to use a 4×4 vehicle, especially in poor weather conditions due to the rough road.
This is the best time to hike Múlagljúfur Canyon due to milder weather, longer days, and more accessible trails. The landscape is vibrant during this time, with higher water levels in the rivers and waterfalls.
These shoulder seasons are also suitable for visiting with fewer tourists and favorable weather conditions. However, you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain. I visited in September; more on my experience is below.
Winter hiking is not recommended unless you are experienced and adequately equipped for cold and icy conditions, as the trails may be challenging to navigate due to snow and ice.
The hike’s starting point is near the parking area. Once you park, look around, and you should see a trail marker near the glacier river.
The trail begins with a gentle ascent through a grassy field, becoming steeper as you approach the canyon. Due to the rocky and uneven path, sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Pay attention to loose rocks and slippery surfaces, especially after rain. There are multiple inclines, rock scrambles, and sometimes you might need to cross streams across slippery rocks.
As you hike, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon’s dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls. The trail leads to a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the rugged landscape below. The area is also rich in birdlife and wildflowers, adding to the scenic beauty.
On a cold, rainy day, my husband, our two friends, and I embarked on a journey to reach the canyon. We arrived during light, drizzling rain that continued throughout our hike. I had read several blogs about this hike that varied from a few months to several years old, and they painted a much different picture than what we encountered.
I read that this was easy, maybe moderately difficult at some points. This is incorrect in every way. I want to warn you: if you’re not an experienced hiker and the weather is rainy, you might want to skip this or wait for drier conditions. This challenging hike involves scrambling over extremely slippery rocks, steep inclines and declines, and muddy paths.
We struggled through, only passing a few other people who seemed crazy enough to take this hike in the rain.
The inclines were incredibly steep and slippery, and the declines were just as scary, causing us to sometimes sit and scoot down the muddy embankments. Streams were gushing, and we had to find ways to cross them without getting soaked.
The final stretch of the hike is a steep and narrow incline that is somewhat tricky to navigate. Be careful as you ascend to the canyon rim.
We reached the end and were rewarded with incredible views. I was hoping to fly my drone and get some good videos and photos, but between the strong wind and rain, there was no hope for that. The panoramic views are breathtaking. Take the time to savor the moment and immerse yourself in the surroundings.
It may seem like I am telling you not to go, but that’s inaccurate. I am just saying that you need to pick your conditions wisely and be prepared.
Hiking Múlagljúfur Canyon offers a memorable adventure, especially if you have an experience like mine. The canyon is truly one of Iceland’s most stunning and secluded landscapes. This hidden gem, with its dramatic cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and lush greenery, is a must-visit for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts seeking to explore Iceland’s lesser-known beauty. Just be prepared.
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