Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon

The Hafrahvammagljúfur walk leads to the edge of one of the deepest canyons in Iceland, just below the Kárahnjúkar dam in the eastern highlands. The measured route is 3 km out and back, takes about 45 minutes and involves around 80 m of ascent, reaching roughly 570 m. It is an easy walk across open heath to viewpoints above a sheer gorge.

The canyon, about 8 km long and up to roughly 200 m deep, was carved by the glacial river Jökla, and its walls drop steeply into a narrow, dark chasm. Since the dam was built, much of the river's flow has been diverted, but in late summer when the reservoir Hálslón is full, water can spill over the dam and plunge into the canyon in a large waterfall known as Hverfandi. The landscape is stark and empty, with wide highland views.

Highlights

• Looking down into one of Iceland's deepest canyons
• Views of the huge Kárahnjúkar dam
• The chance to see the Hverfandi spillway waterfall in late summer
• Wide, empty highland scenery

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Hafrahvammagljúfur is near the Kárahnjúkar dam, reached by road 910 from Fljótsdalur, south of Egilsstaðir. Road 910 to the dam was built for the hydropower project and is fine for any car in summer, though it climbs into the highlands where weather can be harsh. The trailhead itself is reached beyond the dam on F910 (Austurleið) and a rough track north of the dam, which need a 4x4. The roads may close in winter. Check road.is for current conditions.

Where to stay

There is no accommodation at the dam itself. Most visitors stay in Egilsstaðir or the Fljótsdalur valley, which have hotels, guesthouses and campsites. The drive from Egilsstaðir takes around an hour and a half each way.

Best time to hike

June to September is the season, when the road is usually open and snow-free. The spillway waterfall Hverfandi typically appears in late summer, often August and September, when the reservoir is full, though this varies year to year. Weather in the highlands is changeable even in summer.

Safety

The canyon edges are sheer and unfenced in places; keep well back and keep children close. Wind can be strong on the open plateau. Weather changes quickly at this altitude, and fog can reduce visibility. Mobile coverage may be limited. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is for weather and road conditions before setting out.