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Nauthúsagil is one of Iceland’s hidden gems (quite literally). This small and narrow ravine is a fairytale-like setting that will have you pinching yourself to make sure it’s not a dream.
Add on all its folklore, and you’ve got the winning recipe for a must-visit spot here in Iceland. This article explores the Nauthúsagil Canyon, all the reasons to visit, and how to prepare for your trip.
What is Nauthúsagil?
There are not that many hidden gems left in Iceland, but Nauthúsagil is one of them, despite the proximity to the main road and easy maneuverability. Nauthúsagil is a long ravine with a straightforward name and unique natural elements that you won’t see in the run-of-the-mill ravine in Iceland. Here’s what you need to know:
Where Does the Name Nauthúsagil Come From?
Unless you are good at understanding Icelandic, you won’t know where the name Nauthúsagil comes from. It translates to Bull Shed Ravine, which gives an idea of its origins.
It’s believed that the ravine was named after a shed built near the ravine. It was built by the owner of Stora Mörk Farm, which sits in front of the ravine, for the bulls and non-milk livestock that lived on the farm a couple of hundred years ago.
Later on, another farm was built not too far away called Nauthús, which provides another possible origin of the canyon’s name. Nauthús was abandoned in 1770 after a series of unfortunate events and possible hauntings.
The Legend of Nauthús
Three brothers and a sister lived at the little farm called Nauthús, which was built close to Nauthúsagil. Two of the brothers were evil and killed the third, prompting the sister to run away and marry into the family of the nearby farm at Stóridalur. The two brothers hated this and plotted to kill the husband of their sister, only to succumb themselves when they tried to carry out their plan.
After their passing, they haunted the area, and one of the ghostly brothers was cleverly trapped in a church by the same farmer they tried to get rid of. This led to the other ghost haunting the Nauthús farm more aggressively, and the farm was subsequently abandoned. Some say Nauthúsagil is still haunted by the ghost from Nauthús, even today.
The Nature of Nauthúsagil
As mentioned earlier, Nauthúsagil Canyon offers some unique natural elements that you won’t see in many other spots in Iceland. Both geology and flora are unique to this area.
The Rock-Hard Geology of Nauthúsagil
The bottom layer at Nauthúsagil Canyon that can be seen along the walls is tuff – compacted volcanic ash that has been pressed and cemented into rock over a very long time. After that lies a layer of lava rock that is hackly jointed with the tuff, and at the very top, we find a layer of lava rock from the interglacial period about 120,000 years ago.
The tuff is a little softer than the other types of rock, so it erodes more easily. This creates patterns and hollows out tuff underneath the lava rock, making some peculiar rock formations along the way. It’s easy to imagine how the stories of trolls turning into stone came to be when this is what the Icelanders saw daily.
Flora and Fauna
One of the most striking features of Nauthúsagil is the rowan that grows all along the canyon edges. Walking through the Nauthúsagil Canyon in the summer, when the branches are full of leaves, gives the illusion of a green ceiling with rays of sunshine breaking through the canopy.
Rowan loves the soil that is produced by volcanic ash. The combination of this soil, plenty of water, and the fertilization from the resident sheep has made these trees grow strong despite the occasional horizontal trunk. The rowan wood is considered holy, so it’s never cut down and generally left alone.
The animals in the area are mostly sheep and the occasional birds. The sheep have made themselves at home under the distorted rowan trunks and branches all along the canyon, providing plenty of fertilization to help the rowan grow strong. The bush, in return, provides the sheep with protection against the elements as well as tasty berries and leaves. Win-win.
Where Can I Find Nauthúsagil in Iceland?
Nauthúsagil sits in southern Iceland at the foot of the restless Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. The farm Stora-Mörk is right next to the road, and the parking lot for the Nauthúsagil Canyon is impossible to miss.
How to Get to Nauthúsagil
The mouth of the ravine is only around 2 hours from the capital if you don’t stop along the way. You can either get to Nauthúsagil by joining a tour or driving yourself. Regardless of which option you choose, Nauthúsagil is close enough to be a day tour from Reykjavik with a stop or two along the way.
Go on a Tour
For the one who wants to take the back seat and relax on holiday, joining a tour is a good option. This way, you’ll likely get the chance to see other sites along the way (like the many waterfalls) and not have to worry about missing an exit.
There are two drawbacks to a tour to Nauthúsagil: the tours are few, and you must keep someone else’s timetable.
Drive Yourself
Getting behind the wheel and driving yourself is a good option if you want to be at the helm of your own adventure. This way, you can choose when and how long you want to explore Nauthúsagil.
To reach Nauthúsagil from Reykjavik, get on Ring Road 1, heading east for roughly 120 kilometers. You will have to turn left onto Road 249 and drive past (or stop by) both Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Gljufrabui Waterfalls until you reach the start of one of the F-roads in Iceland, F249. Somewhere around here is where you will see the farm and parking lot, as well as the canyon behind it.
When Should I Visit Nauthúsagil?
Technically, you can visit Nauthúsagil throughout the year, so you don’t have to go at a specific time unless you want to. Summer in Iceland will be the best time to visit Nauthúsagil, though, since the water will be at a level that is easily handled (more about this in the next section), and you will get the green and lush vegetation on full display.
If you want to catch unusual and powerful scenery, visiting Nauthúsagilin in the winter is a good option. This is the time of year to get dramatic photos of Icelandic nature, and Nauthúsagil provides ample opportunity for it. Just be careful on your hike since winter in Iceland can render hiking paths slippery and covered in snow.
Hiking at Nauthúsagil
When you arrive at the ravine, you can start your short hike toward the Nauthúsagil Waterfall at the end of the canyon. You can either hike around the gorge or through it. If you go around, the hiking trail will eventually allow you to descend into the gorge at the waterfall. If you go through the gorge, you’ll have to go along the river.
Going along the river will demand you to cross it at least twice: Once by either wading through the water or jumping from stepping stone to stepping stone, and once with the help of ropes and chains. These crossings are easy, but it’s advised to avoid doing this with small children and seniors.
When crossing the river, some prefer to take off their shoes or even bring sandals instead of hiking boots. This is completely up to every person, but remember that the water is incredibly cold, and chances are that you’ll get your feet a little wet anyway you go.
The Nauthúsagil waterfall is the end of the hike for most people. You can climb outside the gorge and continue along the stream to some more waterfalls, but it will be a longer hike on an unmarked route.
Come Prepared – What to Bring on Your Hike
When hiking at Nauthúsagil in Iceland, there are a few important things to remember:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Towel for yourself
- Small towel for your camera lens or phone (everything gets wet quickly at the waterfall)
- Wind- and waterproof jacket
- Backpack (you will be using both hands a lot)
What to Expect When Visiting Nauthúsagil
This is still one of the semi-hidden gems of Iceland, but it’s starting to attract a crowd in the peak season. There are a couple of choke points along the hike where you can go only one way, so lots of people quickly create queues at these spots.
If you want to come here in the summer and avoid crowds, we suggest coming early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You will still have plenty of sunlight to keep you company, and you can enjoy it in peace.
Amenities
When you decide to visit Nauthúsagil, it’s important to remember that this is in the middle of nature without any service facilities. Toilet breaks have to be made before you come, and there will not be anything for sale there. These are obstacles that are easy to overcome and shouldn’t have an impact on your visit.
How Long Should I Spend at Nauthúsagil?
The hike is about 40 minutes back and forth, so if you want to stop occasionally to take photos, bank on being here for about an hour or so if you walk at a moderate pace. If you come during peak times, you should add roughly 30 minutes to your planned time at Nauthúsagil since you might have to queue a little bit and be considerate towards your fellow visitors.
Other Things to Do Close to Nauthúsagil
Southern Iceland is a cornucopia of activities and sights, and the fact that Nauthúsagil is close to the Highlands means you have the Icelandic wilderness right around the corner! Below are some of our recommendations for things to do near Nauthúsagil:
- See Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- See Gljufrabui waterfalls
- Hike in Landmannalaugar
- Look around Thorsmork Valley
- Glacial Hike or Super Jeep tour on Eyjafjallajökull
Where to Stay Near Nauthúsagil
If you’d rather stay and explore the area a bit, one of the following accommodations might suit you:
- Langidalur Campsite – for the outdoorsy person
- Guesthouse Raudafell – if you want to stay inside on a budget
- Hotel Skogafoss – the more luxurious option in the vicinity
Not far away from here, you’ll also find Camp Landmannalaugar in the Iceland Highlands. This is a good basecamp for single- and multi-day hikes in the area.
Good-To-Know About Nauthúsagil
When moving around in Icelandic nature, some general rules of thumb need to be followed:
- “Leave nature as it was when you came” is the first rule of thumb. This means that you don’t take anything with you from nature, and you don’t leave any trash behind.
- Be respectful to your fellow visitors. The large influx of visitors makes it virtually impossible to not run into other groups of visitors. If everyone is respectful of each other, everyone will have a good time in nature.
- Keep on the trails and off the moss. The moss takes an incredibly long time to grow, and it would be impossible to recover if it was constantly stepped on. Stay on designated paths to avoid damaging the Icelandic moss.
Nauthúsagil – Among Legend, Sheep, and Stunning Nature
After reading this article, you’ve probably figured out that we are avid fans of Nauthúsagil. It has plenty of unique characteristics and a moderate element of adventure with ropes and chains that help you cross the streams. The proximity to other attractions makes it a perfect short stop along the way to somewhere else or the highlight of the day for a photo session.
Getting to Nauthúsagil is as easy as pie, and it’s close enough to the capital to be a part of a day outing. So, be sure to rent a car in Reykjavik and hit the road to adventure on your next holiday in Iceland.
