Eldgjá

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Eldgjá, Volcanic fissure and canyon in South Iceland

The Eldgjá canyon stretches for 75 kilometers from Katla volcano to Vatnajökull, reaching depths of 150 meters and widths of 600 meters.

The massive eruption of 934-940 CE produced 18.6 cubic kilometers of lava, affecting 780 square kilometers of land across the northern hemisphere.

The name Eldgjá translates to 'fire canyon' in Icelandic, reflecting the geological forces that shaped this volcanic formation through centuries.

Access to Eldgjá requires a four-wheel drive vehicle via mountain road F208, and visitors can reach the Ófærufoss waterfall through marked hiking paths.

The Eldgjá eruption stands as the largest recorded volcanic outflow in human history, creating extensive lava fields that redirected river courses.

Width: 600 m

GPS coordinates: 63.96667,-18.60917

Latest update: May 13, 2025 00:06

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