Eldgjá, Volcanic fissure and canyon in South Iceland
Eldgjá is a 75-kilometer-long canyon in South Iceland that runs from the Katla volcano to Vatnajökull. The gorge reaches depths of 150 meters and widths of 600 meters in places, with rock walls that visibly show how massive lava flows carved this valley.
The canyon formed through one of the largest eruptions in recorded history between 934 and 940 CE, releasing enormous volumes of lava. This eruption permanently altered the landscape and affected regions far beyond Iceland.
The name Eldgjá means 'fire canyon' in Icelandic, reflecting the volcanic forces that shaped this landscape. Today, visitors walk marked trails to reach the Ófærufoss waterfall and experience the steep walls of the canyon firsthand.
A four-wheel drive vehicle is needed to reach the area via the mountain road F208, as the location is remote and rugged. Marked hiking trails guide visitors to attractions like the Ófærufoss waterfall and make exploring the canyon easier.
The event that created this canyon was one of the largest volcanic eruptions of all time, releasing more lava than most modern eruptions combined. The impact of this ancient event remains visible through Iceland's ice sheets and altered terrain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
