Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
Sigöldugljúfur Canyon is a must-visit near Landmannalaugar. If you take Route F208 to or from Landmannalaugar, this beautiful canyon is on the way!
Located north of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland, Sigöldugljúfur Canyon is a dramatically beautiful canyon boasting numerous waterfalls. Hence its nickname “Valley of Tears.”
While getting to this gorgeous canyon requires driving on an F road (you’ll need a 4X4), the beautiful canyon is worth the effort!
Some Landmannalaugar tours may have Sigöldugljúfur Canyon as a stop if you are based in Reykjavik and plan to visit Landmannalaugar without having to drive.
What can you see and do at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon?
When you see photos of Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, it’s hard to accept that this is a real place, it looks so otherworldly.
The ice blue river at the bottom of the canyon and the numerous cascades flowing down the right wall of the canyon as you approach create a picture postcard you’ll want to photograph from every angle.
Mossy green cliffs, rugged tan canyon walls, the surreal blue river, and numerous pretty cascades make for a memorable scene.
It’s an oasis set in the midst of a barren landscape, something you would not expect to find here!
And admiring the view and capturing photos and video are the top things to do at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, once you hit the viewpoint.
Although there are no marked trails, you can also walk along the rim of the canyon to see it (and the river and waterfalls) from different angles. Hiking down to the canyon bottom is not advised.
Birdwatchers should bring their scopes or zoom lens: many species nest in the canyon cliffs, including Arctic terns and other waterfowl.
If you have the time and are up for more exploration, you can also visit nearby Sigöldufoss, a small but lovely waterfall with a beautiful setting. The water in the pool below is a surreal ice blue. Sigöldufoss is accessible from F208.
How to get to Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
From Reykjavik, take Route 1 to F26 and F208 (see map).
F208 is one of the roads leading to Landmannalaugar, making the Sigöldugljúfur Canyon a nice stop en route.
On F208 south as you head towards Landmannalaugar, you will pass a power plant. The dirt parking area and access road for Sigöldugljúfur Canyon come up within a few kilometers of the power plant. Watch for a yellow sign at the start of the access road.
If the access road is open to public vehicles, you can turn onto it and drive right up to the canyon viewpoint and park there.
If not, park in the parking lot, cross F208, and walk down the access road (about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) one way) to reach the rim of Sigöldugljúfur Canyon.
How long to spend at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon?
We would allow about one hour at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, to walk around, admire the views and take photos.
If you have to walk from the parking area along F208, allow for time to complete the walk to and fro, about 30-40 minutes.
Are drones allowed at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon?
Yes, flying a drone is usually permitted at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, but you should verify local drone regulations before your visit to make sure you are in compliance.
The Best Time to Visit Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
Since Sigöldugljúfur Canyon is located in the highlands and access is via F roads that are usually open only in the summer months, plan to visit this beautiful canyon during that time (mid June- mid September).
Is there an entrance fee for Sigöldugljúfur Canyon?
No, you can visit beautiful Sigöldugljúfur Canyon for free. There is no entrance fee and no parking fee.
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