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An update from Evaneos
Eldgja

Eldgja (Iceland)

Practical information about Eldgja

  • Nature Reserve / Wildlife Observation / Safari
  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Mountain
  • Volcano
  • Waterfall
  • Off the beaten track
4 / 5 - One review
How to get there
Accessible only with a 4x4 along track F208
When to go
From June to September
Minimum stay
One day

Reviews of Eldgja

Emmanuelle Bluman Travel writer
163 travel articles

This fissure is in fact a wide canyon which stretches nearly 75 km. It is a perfect example of the volcanic activity that characterises Iceland and its influence on the landscape.

My suggestion:
Accessible only on foot or with a 4x4 from track F208, it is a very beautiful destination for a day's hike, for those who want to discover the south of the island slightly off the beaten track.
Summary:

Eldgja, which means "fire canyon" in Icelandic, is well named. It is a volcanic fissure that has created a deep and wide canyon.

I visited Eldgja with a local guide and a 4x4 for a day's excursion in the direction of Landmannalaugar. To reach the rhyolite mountains, we stopped at the foot of the canyon - the track runs along the fissure - to admire the landscape and the striking contrast of colours between these steep hills. The ground is black with chunks of lava from Katla volcano and the vegetation is composed of green moss, sometimes with very vivid colours. It's stunning!

We didn't continue as far as the very beautiful Ófærufoss waterfall, which can be the destination for a short hike off the beaten track. 

Eldgja