Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike
Múlagljúfur
A hidden mossy canyon with twin waterfalls near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
- Distance
- 5 km
- Out & back
- Time
- 2–3 hours
- Ascent
- 350 m
- Max 230 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
The Múlagljúfur canyon hike leads to one of the most beautiful hidden gorges in south Iceland. Tucked into the mountains between Skaftafell and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Múlagljúfur is a deep, moss-lined canyon with a pair of tall waterfalls, often called Hangandifoss, plunging down its far wall. The canyon was little known until recent years, and it still feels wild compared with the busy Ring Road stops nearby.
The out-and-back trail is about 5 km with around 350 m of ascent and takes two to three hours. It starts from a small car park at the end of an access track off the Ring Road and climbs along the southern rim of the canyon to a viewpoint overlooking the waterfalls. The path is narrow, steep in places and muddy after rain, with some sections close to the edge.
On a clear day you also get views back towards the coast and up to the glaciers of Öræfajökull. It is an excellent stop on the drive between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón if you want a real hike rather than a roadside viewpoint, but it is unfenced and not suitable for anyone uncomfortable near drops. Allow a little extra time, as the view of the falls is worth lingering over.
Highlights
- A deep, moss-lined canyon with twin waterfalls
- Views of Öræfajökull and the coast
- A quiet alternative to the busy Ring Road stops
- Close to Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell
The route
Car park to the canyon rim
From the car park, the path heads up the valley and climbs onto the southern rim of the canyon. The path is narrow and steep in places, with loose gravel and mud after rain. Views into the gorge open up as you climb, with moss-covered walls dropping to the river far below.
Along the rim to the waterfall viewpoint
The trail continues along the rim to a viewpoint overlooking the waterfalls on the far side of the canyon. Some sections are close to the edge and exposed, so take care, especially in wind or wet conditions. The viewpoint is the turnaround; return the same way, carefully on the steeper descents.
Getting to the trailhead
Múlagljúfur is off the Ring Road between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, roughly 30 minutes' drive east of Skaftafell. A gravel access track of about 2 km leads to a small car park, where a parking fee of about 1,000 ISK applies; the track is usually fine for a normal car in summer, but drive carefully. There is no public transport to the trailhead.
Where to stay
Hotels and guesthouses are found at Hof, Svínafell and Freysnes, and near Jökulsárlón. The Skaftafell campsite is about 30 minutes west. Wild camping near the canyon is not permitted.
Best time to hike
Late spring to autumn is best, when the trail is snow-free. The waterfalls are strongest in early summer with snowmelt. In winter the trail can be icy and dangerous. Early morning and evening are quietest and have the best light.
Safety
The trail is narrow and close to unfenced edges in places; keep well back and take extra care in wind or wet conditions. The path is muddy and slippery after rain. Check vedur.is before setting out, and call 112 in an emergency.
Plan & book
Book your Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike hike
Glacier hikeGlacier Hike in Skaftafell
Crampons, ice axe and helmet on a Vatnajökull outlet glacier. A certified guide is required on glaciers.
Certified glacier guides3–5 hours
Guided tourSouth Coast Tours
Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík and the glacier lagoon. Multi-day versions reach Skaftafell.
Licensed Icelandic operators1–3 days
Online booking opens soon. Press any button to get notified when it does.
Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike FAQ
How long is the Múlagljúfur canyon hike?+
The out-and-back trail is about 5 km with around 350 m of ascent and takes 2–3 hours.
Is the Múlagljúfur hike difficult?+
It is moderate. The path is narrow, steep in places and close to edges, but not technical.
Where is Múlagljúfur?+
Múlagljúfur is off the Ring Road between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón in southeast Iceland.
Can I hike Múlagljúfur in winter?+
It is not recommended. The trail can be icy and is close to steep, unfenced edges.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
Private guide requests are coming soon
We are lining up licensed local guides. Sign up and we will let you know as soon as you can request a tailored quote.
