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For the one on the hunt for one of the truly hidden gems in Iceland, Sigöldugljúfur checks all the boxes. It’s a stunning piece of man-intervened geo-hydrological marvel that is easy enough to get to (given the occasional bumpy road) but is rarely visited. In this article, we deep dive into this stunning canyon and give you all the reasons why it’s worth a little bit of effort to visit.
The Beautiful Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
The Land of Fire and Ice is one of the few accessible regions in the world, constantly under geological construction. The constant change in Iceland caused by geological activity and glaciers means that new stunning pieces of nature are being created and taken away as time goes by.
One should take the opportunity to see as many of these places as possible before they disappear or become inaccessible. Sigöldugljúfur is one of these newly formed places and one of our favorites. It’s way off the beaten path, breathtakingly beautiful, and somehow peaceful and vibrant at the same time.
The Valley of Tears
Despite the name, this is not a place you go to be sad, and the only tears you’ll be having are tears of joy. The nickname “Valley of Tears in Iceland” comes from the large number of waterfalls that cover the edges of this canyon. It simply looks like the cliff edges are crying.
History of Sigöldugljúfur – Humans and Nature Together
We constantly marvel at Icelandic nature and at what amazing things it can create. In the case of Sigöldugljúfur, humans, and nature have worked together to create an amazing landscape that revealed the canyon we have today.
A large hydroelectric dam was constructed in 1978, not far from what used to be a river in the Highlands. When the dam was built, very little water was allowed to flow along the old river path. As the river diminished, the Iceland Valley of Tears was revealed. This is just like the uncovering of the Stuðlagil Canyon in Eastern Iceland.
Sigöldugljúfur in Iceland had been slowly carved out by the river that has now been replaced by the many small streams coming down from the Herbjarnafell mountain to the south. This doesn’t amount to the river it used to be but still provides plenty of cold water.
The Geological Significance of Sigoldugljufur Canyon
Unlike many canyons here in Iceland, Sigoldugljufur was not the result of a natural occurrence such as glacial flooding, but rather human intervention. It’s hard to believe, but the Tungnaa River once completely submerged the canyon (Mother Nature’s original masterpiece).
During the highly debated constructions of the Sigalda Hydroelectric Plant with its dam just a couple of kilometers north, the dam caused the water level to dramatically go down, nearly completely emptying the canyon, and leaving only the waterfalls as a reminder of its once under-water existence. But the fact that Sigoldugljufur’s big reveal wasn’t due to natural circumstances doesn’t make the canyon any less impressive.
Except for its impressive size and incredible sights, the canyon walls also reveal the geological secrets of times long gone. Different geological layers found inside the walls can give insight into what occurred and what the region looked like during certain time periods. The layers of basalt also remind us of the Land of Fire and Ice’s long history of volcanic activity and can give researchers insights into specific eruption events.
Where to Find Sigöldugljúfur
If you are looking for a secluded attraction in Iceland, Sigöldugljúfur will fit you like a hand in a glove. This remote canyon lies deep in the Icelandic Highlands, just southwest of Thórsvatn in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.
Sigöldugljúfur is in the southern part of the Icelandic Highlands, so going there will require you to drive some F-roads. Check out our guide to the F-roads in Iceland for all you need to know and avoid unpleasant surprises.
How Do I Get to Sigöldugljúfur?
There are two ways to get to Sigöldugljúfur in Iceland: private tour and self-drive. No guided tours have started going here yet, so a private tour in Iceland will be your only option if you don’t want to go for an incredibly long hike or drive yourself. Since Sigöldugljúfur lies in the Highlands, you will have to go with a 4x4 car regardless of how you get there.
From Reykjavik, take Ring Road 1 going east until you are a few kilometers past the hub of the south: Selfoss. From here, you can either take Road 30 as soon as possible or keep driving a little bit and get on Road 26 further down the road. There is no real difference in time or effort.
If you continue and take Road 26, you simply stay on that road as it will convert into F26, granting you entry to the majestic Icelandic Highlands. This road will take you past the hydropower plant, and the lakes where you need to turn right on F208, leading you to Sigöldugljúfur. Remember to be patient, don’t drive too fast, and enjoy nature.
If you choose to take Road 30, you must take a right after about 18 kilometers onto Road 32, which will lead you to F26.
What Can I See at Sigöldugljúfur?
Sigöldugljúfur is a practical cornucopia of color and life. Some contrast elements in this area are sure to make any photographer jump for joy.
One thing that Sigöldugljúfur is very well known for is the glacier-blue water that runs through the canyon. Like the hot springs all around the country, Sigöldugljúfur has silica-rich waters that give it a bright blue color. Against the pitch-black volcanic rock, this canyon looks like it has come straight out of a fantasy novel.
Since this area lies in the volcanic belt, the rock and sand are predominantly black and dark grey. This also means that the rock in the canyon is porous and an excellent place for plants to dig down their roots and suck up all the nutrients that get deposited by the ever-flowing water.
The Plants in the Area
The Sigöldugljúfur flora is predominantly moss with elements of highland grass and flowers. One of the prominent aspects of the flora in this area is the sheer volume.
When you arrive, you will notice that some areas look like they're covered in green velvet. This is because the moss simply thrives under these circumstances. In the blanket of moss, you can also catch several colorful Highland flowers that like the protected canyon and nutrient-rich waters.
The Animals in the Area
Animal life in the area is fairly limited, as the Sigöldugljúfur area doesn’t provide enough energy for most animal species. The water-bound birds are more likely to spend time around the nearby lakes where some fish and human activity allow them to scavenge for tasty leftovers.
What you could catch a glimpse of, though, is the Pink-footed Goose since they enjoy the vegetated areas in the Highlands. If you’re really lucky, the Ptarmigan might peak out from under a bush, but that’s not very likely.
The Arctic Fox is the only indigenous mammal to Iceland still left on the island. It has been sighted near Sigöldugljúfur, but you should consider yourself incredibly lucky if you catch a glimpse of it.
When Should I Visit Sigöldugljúfur?
Since Sigöldugljúfur is in the Highlands, you will only be able to get there in the summer half of the year, between June and October. This depends on when the F-roads are opened and closed, which will vary depending on how harsh the weather of the season has been.
We recommend traveling to Sigöldugljúfur in mid-to-late summer when the temperature is comfortable and you’ll have plenty of daylight hours. If you get there on a clear and sunny day, you will be in the best possible spot to get great pictures and take nice hikes. You can check the Icelandic weather authority’s website to see if you can hit the right day and time to get the most comfortable weather.
If you want to explore the area, we suggest arriving in the morning. It will take about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik, so being at Sigöldugljúfur at around 10 should work well.
What to Think of When Visiting Sigöldugljúfur
Below, you'll find all the important info you'll need for your trip to Sigöldugljúfur.
Accessibility
We want everyone to enjoy the stunning Sigöldugljúfur Canyon. Unfortunately, Sigöldugljúfur is not very accessible unless you can comfortably walk on uneven and sometimes wet ground.
For those without any mobility issues, walking around Sigöldugljúfur requires you to wear sturdy boots that can handle the rough terrain and not get your feet wet. If you’re unlucky and catch some poor weather, wind- and waterproof clothes are recommended.
Amenities
As you might already have guessed, there are no toilets, shops, or gas stations, so make sure you've filled up on snacks, drinks, and petrol and won’t need a bathroom for a while. The closest civilization you’ll have are the nearby lodges if nature calls, but you don’t want to call nature back.
For Photos
When you go to Sigöldugljúfur to take those stunning photos, there are a few things you can keep in mind to maximize your photo experience:
- Weather-proof your gear when going into the Icelandic wilderness to take photos. The weather can be bothersome, and you don’t want to ruin expensive gear.
- Sigöldugljúfur has plenty of contrasts, so if you’re chasing that, then this is the place to be.
- Sunrise and sunset are always the best opportunities to take breathtaking photos with plenty of vibrant colors. This also goes for the Midnight Sun in Iceland.
- ISO does well between 800 and 3200 here.
- The aperture works well between f/2.8 and f/5.6.
Safety
Last but not least are the safety points when walking around Sigöldugljúfur:
- Don’t walk too close to the edges unless you are 100% sure it’s a stable point. Some parts might break off and take you down in the canyon if you’re unlucky.
- Stay away from the river. It’s all ice-cold water, and the current is stronger than you think.
- Don’t climb down in the Sigöldugljúfur Canyon. Unless you see a marked path, don’t go there.
- Head back to the car if the weather starts turning. Poor weather is manageable, but bad weather might put you in danger. You’re in the wilderness and need to keep this in mind.
- Remember the emergency phone number 112. If anything happens, that’s where you get emergency help.
Hiking Trails in and Around Sigöldugljúfur
If you’re in the Icelandic wilderness, hiking is pretty much a must. There are two main spots where you can park the car and go for a short hike to the canyon: one in the north, right after the dam, and another to the south, where you can spot a service road going east.
Both spots allow you to follow something that resembles an old dirt road going east toward the canyon. You might not spot Sigöldugljúfur immediately, but patience is your friend here, as one is a short 500 meters (the northern one), and the other is roughly 1 kilometer long. If you continue on the southern hiking route, you’ll eventually get to Krókslón with a stunning panoramic view.
If you continue on F208, you will eventually (after ca. 23 kilometers) end up at Landmannalaugar, where you will have access to a wide selection of hiking trails.
What to Do Close to Sigöldugljúfur
There are plenty of things to do around the southern parts of the Icelandic Highlands. Just next door (in wilderness terms), you’ll find multiple hiking trails that will take you to and through breathtaking Icelandic scenery.
Landmannalaugar
The local Mecca for hikers is the People’s Pools – or Landmannalaugar in Icelandic. From here, you can go on hikes that last from a couple of hours to multiple days. Your base will be Camp Landmannalaugar, with the option of either sleeping in mountain cabins or on the campground in a tent or campervan.
In this area, there are plenty of hot pools and hiking trails, so pack swimwear and a towel as well as the standard camping gear.
Go Fishing
There are plenty of opportunities to go fishing in Iceland, as the lakes in the Highlands are filled with fish. These lakes are managed by different clubs and organizations, so make sure you talk to the right people before you throw in the line.
Staying Close to Sigöldugljúfur
If you want to stay over for a night or two, you have accommodation options not far from Sigöldugljúfur. Along F26, close to the first dam before you turn off on F208, there are two accommodations ready for you:
- Hotel Highland | Hótel Háland – for those who want to sleep indoors and eat at a restaurant.
- Þóristungur Highland Fishing Lodge by Fish Partner – if you want to go fishing in Iceland.
- Camping at Landmannalaugar will be the best choice for those looking for the ultimate budget-friendly stay while immersing themselves in the incredible nature.
Embrace Nature at Sigöldugljúfur
There are few hidden gems in Iceland, but Sigöldugljúfur is one of them. This is an excellent place to have an amazing hiking experience and snap some jaw-dropping photos. It’s not hard to get here compared to many other places in the Highlands of Iceland. The first thing you need to do is rent a car in Iceland; just make sure it’s 4x4 so you can drive the F-roads.
