[2025 Mulathing Attraction] Travel Guide for Stuðlagil (Updated Oct)
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Stuðlagil, located in East Iceland, is a natural wonder renowned for its distinctive basalt columns. Hidden in the valley of the Jökulsá á Brú River, this canyon was only recently discovered due to a change in the river's course. Stuðlagil's name derives from the Icelandic word for "Canyon of Pillars," a fitting description of its spectacular landscape. The canyon's sides are framed by towering basalt columns, which are arranged in a breathtaking geometric pattern. The color of the river water varies depending on the season, from emerald green to deep blue, adding further visual interest to the canyon. The scenic hike into the canyon offers sweeping views of the Icelandic countryside. The best time to visit Stuðlagil is in summer, when the river water is lower and the colors are more captivating. Visitors can choose to enter the canyon from either the east or west bank. The east bank offers a closer view of the basalt columns, while the west bank offers a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the canyon. Stuðlagil is not only a photographer's paradise, but also an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The combination of tranquility and breathtaking scenery here offers every visitor an unforgettable experience. Whether hiking or simply sightseeing, Stuðlagil allows people to feel the magic and beauty of Icelandic nature.
Stuðlagil Address:
5M6Q+HP, 701 Eiriksstadhir, Iceland
Canyon Wonders🌄
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Stuðlagil Canyon: Iceland’s Hidden Basalt Wonderland
Tucked away in East Iceland, Stuðlagil Canyon is a breathtaking natural masterpiece carved by glacial rivers. Its towering basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, line the turquoise Jökla River, creating one of the most striking contrasts in Iceland’s landscape.
The canyon remained hidden beneath glacial waters for centuries, only revealed after a hydroelectric project lowered the river’s flow. Today, it feels like stepping into a secret world of geometric rock walls and serene blue waters. Whether admired from the viewing platforms or experienced up close on a riverside hike, Stuðlagil Canyon is a surreal reminder of nature’s quiet artistry.
Travel-ing-
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🇮🇸 10 Unique Attractions in Iceland 🌋❄️
#postandearn
Iceland is full of dramatic landscapes, hidden gems, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If you want something more unique than the usual tourist stops, here are 10 special attractions worth adding to your list:
1. Húsavík 🐋 – Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, this charming town is the perfect place to spot humpbacks, orcas, and even blue whales.
2. Stuðlagil Canyon 🌈 – A stunning canyon with tall basalt columns and turquoise-blue waters that feels like another planet.
3. Westfjords 🏔️ – Remote and untouched, with breathtaking cliffs like Látrabjarg where puffins nest in summer.
4. Rauðasandur Beach 🏖️ – Unlike Iceland’s famous black sand beaches, this one glows with red and golden sand.
5. Askja Caldera 🌋 – A volcanic wonder where you can hike into a surreal lunar-like landscape used by NASA for astronaut training.
6. Kerlingarfjöll ⛰️ – A geothermal mountain range with steaming hot springs, colorful rhyolite hills, and amazing hikes.
7. Siglufjörður 🎣 – A picturesque fishing village with rich history and a great herring-era museum.
8. Gjáin Valley 💚 – A hidden fairytale-like valley filled with waterfalls, lava formations, and lush greenery.
9. Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) 🌿 – A hiker’s paradise surrounded by glaciers, rivers, and mountains. Perfect for nature lovers.
10. The Arctic Henge ❄️ – A mystical stone monument in Raufarhöfn, inspired by Norse mythology, especially magical at midnight sun.
Exploring Iceland is like stepping into a fantasy world where fire meets ice. These unique spots go beyond the usual Golden Circle and let you experience the raw, wild side of the island. Whether it’s whale-watching, hiking through geothermal valleys, or finding hidden beaches, Iceland never fails to surprise. 🌋🌊
Ana Gashtarova
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📅 Itinera
📅 Itinerary
Day1：REYKJUVIK
Day2: Golden circle
Day3: Vik and black beach
🏨 Accommodation :
🍴 Food Recommendations
📌 Tips
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Admiring the Striking Beauty of Stuðlagil Canyon
#holidayitinerary Exploring Stuðlagil Canyon was an unforgettable experience, with its dramatic basalt columns and striking turquoise river winding through the valley. The walk to reach the viewpoint was part of the adventure, passing through peaceful countryside before the landscape suddenly opened up to reveal this natural wonder. Standing at the edge, the sheer walls of perfectly formed basalt looked like something crafted by an artist rather than nature.
The sunlight made the water shimmer in shades of blue and green, creating a stunning contrast against the dark rock. I took my time wandering along the paths, taking in the canyon from different angles and feeling amazed at how untouched it all seemed. The sound of the river flowing below added to the peaceful yet powerful atmosphere. Stuðlagil is the kind of place that reminds you just how unique and beautiful Iceland’s landscapes can be, especially when discovered in person.
Dinda.Pratiwi
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Stuðlagil Canyon, stunning basalt columns
The stunning Stuðlagil Canyon in Iceland, showing off amazing hexagonal basalt columns!
You can walk into the canyon and climb over the columns from the southern side - there's a car park and a short easy hike to it. Be careful, if you go to viewpoint on the bluebell northern side of the canyon you can't climb down into the canyon, you can only go down a steep set of stars to the viewpoint, so the hike is definitely recommended, the turning to cross the river a couple of kilometres north of the canyon itself.
This was one of the best things we did on our week in Iceland and I would absolutely do it again, great fun!
#iceland #hiking #geology