Studlagil Canyon (Stuðlagil) or Basalt Canyon - this canyon impresses with its beauty from the first moment. Basalt columns take on unusual shapes and the whole unreality of the landscape makes you think that you are in some kind of movie and there are just decorations around.
Content:
- How to get to Studlagil Canyon
- The history of the Studlagil Basalt Canyon
- GPS coordinates of the Basalt Canyon in Iceland
How to get to Studlagil Canyon
The Studlagil Basalt Canyon is located in the Jokuldalur Valley in eastern Iceland. The path to Stuðlagil Canyon is relatively simple, but there are two options.
In both cases, you will need to turn off the first ring road onto road number 923, and from there onto the Jökuldalsvegur road going south. By the way, the Jökuldalsvegur road is passable for any type of car to the canyon and a little further.
The first option is an easy route
After turning onto the Jökuldalsvegur road, you need to drive about 16km and you will just arrive at the Grund farm. On the farm you will find parking and a path to the river bank (only about 250 meters and it takes about five minutes) and a narrow path to the river. Here, do not forget that the trail runs along a high and steep slope that descends to the river, so caution is necessary. The view from this side is quite impressive, but only from above the canyon, there is no way to go down. In winter, from September to April, special care is required, as the path and slopes are especially slippery.
The second option will require more effort and time
Turn off after the bridge over the river before reaching about 4 kilometers to the farm. There is a small parking lot in front of the bridge, its GPS coordinates are 65.189758, -15.250152. In this case, you need to cross the bridge and walk along the shore for about 4 km. On the way you will meet a waterfall with basalt columns.The trail constantly winds through the picturesque hills, just try to stay close to the riverbed and you will definitely not miss the canyon.
If you choose the second option, then you will have the opportunity to view the canyon from the eastern part and, most importantly, walk along the bottom of the canyon!
The history of the Studlagil Basalt Canyon
Despite the fact that this part of the Jökla River is very beautiful, thanks to the sheer walls of basalt hexagonal columns, but at the same time this place is not very well known among tourists. And it become available for tourists relatively recently.
The 150 km long Jökla River is one of the largest and most powerful glacial rivers in Iceland. The river was so big and powerful that for a long time there was no normal communication between its banks.
But in 2008, the Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric power station was built, and the Hálslón reservoir in the highlands was formed on the river. And like any hydroelectric power station and reservoir, these also led to a change in the landscape, as well as the fullness of the river. The river level dropped significantly and... exposed the beautiful Studlagil Canyon.
At first, a few tourists began to come to the canyon, and then there are more and more of them. But even now, you won't find a crowd at the canyon. This is usually no more than 10 people.
GPS coordinates of the Basalt Canyon in Iceland
65.163489, -15.307048
And if you have not yet decided on a list of attractions to visit, then we suggest using our map of attractions:
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