Stuðlagil

Stuðlagil Canyon is located near Ovari Jökuldalur in Fljótsdalur in East Iceland. The place is a marvel of nature. 
 
The canyon was uncovered when the large Kárahnjúkar Hydro Power Plant, started up. The creation of the Hálslón reservoir drastically reduced the volume in the fierce Jökulsá á Dal River, known as Jökla. 
 
Jökla is the longest glacier river in Iceland. It flows approximately 150 km from Vatnajökull out to sea in East Iceland. 
 
Stuðlagil is one of the largest basalt column areas. When water levels are high, the river acquires a blue green hue, but when it flows across the dam it turns grey-brown. 

It takes about one hour to drive from Egilsstaðir to Stuðlagil. From Mývatn the trip takes about one and a half hours. Travellers must veer off the Ring Road along a gravel track. The stretch is passable for all ordinary cars, though you may need a sturdier vehicle on a winter’s day. 

There are two different routes to the canyon:  
 
Route one
Turn south off the main road, road number 1, across Jökuldalur over to road number 923. From there you are 19 km away from the Grund Farm, which is north of the canyon. Here there are parking lots, toilets and access to the canyon via stairs. 

It takes five minutes to walk down to the viewing platform. A variety of basalt column formations are visible from there. In order to continue down into the canyon, you have to walk from the parking area south of the canyon. 

Route two
Turn south off the Ring Road, road number 1, across Jökuldalur over to road number 923. 

Then drive towards Klaustursel Farm, here you can park either at the bridge across Jökla, from where the walk down to the viewing platform and back is about 10 km, or by Stuðlafoss, where the total stretch is 5 km. 

Walking down into the canyon to observe the majestic Stuðlafoss, which tumbles down knife-sharp basalt columns is well worth the walk. Please take extra care to mind the environment in the period from May 1st to June 10th, because at that time pink-footed geese are nesting in the area. You should always, and especially during this period, stick to the path!
  
In summer you can drive an ordinary vehicle along road 923 into the highlands to the east and to Kárahnjúka, Laugafell and down into Fljótsdal along another road, which is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. 
 
More detailed information is available on the Stuðlagil website.