Múlagljúfur Canyon. A stunning place you don’t wanna miss

Múlagljúfur Canyon is simply a must do hike when in the area around the Glacier Lagoon in South East Iceland. Amazing trail along a magnificent canyon offering a few waterfalls and breathtaking views along the way. This trail has been relatively unknown until now, even though it’s only a short drive from the main road. In recent years its popularity has increased tremendously and I’m convinced it will explode in the coming years. 

A Big Favourite

The year 2020 is the year I decided to go all in on my nature explorations here in Iceland. During that summer I visited many different places for the first time. I also tried out multiple new hiking trails which I had never explored before. That year, a hike in the Landmannalaugar area was the one that amazed me the most. That was simply an out of this world experience. You can read all about that stunning hike here.

My second favourite hike that same summer was the hike along Múlagljúfur Canyon. What a place. I was simply blown away. Especially when I reached the top. I just sat there for over a half an hour as I simply couldn’t pull myself away from this place. So peaceful. So beautiful. And to top it all, there was no wind while I was there! Which is not a given let me tell you, and therefore in my mind a huuuge bonus.

When I arrived, at about 10 am, there were no cars in the parking lot. Which was awesome as it meant I had the whole place, all for myself. It wasn’t until on my way back down I started to meet some people. When I reached the parking lot again, there were six other cars there. I honestly don’t know if that is typical or not. If there usually are more or less people there on any given day during the summer. 

What I do know is that to this date, this hiking trail has been relatively unknown to others than the locals in the area. But in the recent years it has become better known and more people are hiking there as a result. So hurry up if you want to experience this place alone or with just a few other people. I’m certain the traffic there will increase tremendously in the coming years and then it won’t feel as secluded as it does today. But then again, the beauty of the canyon isn’t going anywhere so even though there will be many other people there, it will truly be worth a visit.

How to get to Múlagljúfur Canyon

The trail head is a short drive from the main road (route 1) but there is no sign or anything that leads the way. It’s a bumpy gravel road that isn’t marked on Google Maps. But if you enter these coordinates 63.9886667, -16.3971589 in Google Maps, you’ll know where to pull off the main road.

If you’re driving a small car, please be careful so you won’t damage it. This gravel road is sometimes in bad shape. I’m sorry to say that on some days, you might not even be able to reach the parking lot in a small car. Or any car for that matter. It totally depends on the road conditions on the day you’re there. 

The parking lot itself is small and not marked either. You just know you’re there when you can’t drive any further because of the glacier river retaining wall. If you want to be completely sure you’re in the right place, here are the coordinates for the parking lot: 63.993021,-16.436285.

Pay Close Attention to the Trail Markers

Now you’re there, it’s time to start this wonderful hike. The trail is marked but some of the trail markers are worn down and not much left of them. If you however pay attention to them you will find your way.

Just don’t be like me. I was so occupied by the view of Falljökull Glacier on the right hand side, that I forgot to pay close attention to the markers. So, I missed a turn (to the left) and ended up hiking the wrong trail One that was a little trickier but fortunately led to the right trail at one point. But still. Would have been better to have stayed on the right one the whole time. Which I did on the way down by the way. Or that was the plan at least. Actually I did get lost for a while on my way down too. Again because I didn’t pay close enough attention to the markers.

So my advice to you is: Pay close attention to the old and worn down markers!

This is so typical of me, being so amazed by the nature all around me that I forget to watch where I’m going. Not something I recommend though. Can definitely be dangerous. I’m working on this weakness of mine but it’s just so hard sometimes when exploring new places. I don’t want to miss anything! Other than markers I mean. Does this sound familiar or is it just me? 🙂

I guess it could be a good idea to use some kind of a hiking app when hiking this trail for the first time. It would at least have helped me. I haven’t tried it myself but I found a track called Hangandifoss – Miklaglúfur Canyon in an app called All trails. It looks to me though as that trail only goes to the waterfall you see on the picture here above, not all the way to the top. There are also a few tracks on Wikiloc, in different lenghts. I think the longest one there, the one by Gestur Snorra, is the same as I did. If it takes you all the way to the top, it’s the same one.

Tracks for Múlagljúfur on Wikiloc

The Breathtaking View from the top of Múlagljúfur Canyon

I strongly recommend to go all the way to the highest point. The view from there is something else. Maybe not for the faint-hearted but for everybody else it’s simply a must. I hadn’t seen any photos taken from the top beforehand and was totally blown away. Not that the hike until then hadn’t met my expectations, it definitely had. It’s amazing. But the view from the top, down to the very narrow canyon was magnificent. The mountain tops and the glacier on top, felt so close. Looked like something out of a fairy tail. I simply didn’t want to leave so I just sat there for over a half an hour. High on life.

It took me a little over an hour to reach the top. Including countless photo stops and moments just to enjoy the view and take it all in. I find it incredibly important to remember to be in the moment on a hike like this. To really experience the surroundings.

When I’m on a hike, I’m all about enjoying the journey. Never in a hurry from A to B. This trail truly offers some breathtaking views which you have to give yourself time to take in. As I mentioned before, you’ll see a glacier, the canyon itself is stunning and then there are a few waterfalls along the way.

I did the hike in mid August and there were delicious blueberries and crowberries everywhere. These two berry types grow all over the country and ripen in late summer/autumn (which means in August in Iceland). They are traditionally popular to eat with cream (whipped or unwhipped), skyr or both. They are also used to make jam. Especially the blueberries. Nowadays it’s also popular to use them in all kinds of smoothies, dairy or nondairy based. I didn’t bring a container so I just ate them on the spot. A nice fresh snack.

Hiking Múlagljúfur Canyon is a Must When in South East Iceland

When you visit Iceland, I’m guessing that you’ll be visiting the Glacier Lagoon. Right? If so, then you just have to do this hike too. The trail head is only about 20 min drive from the Glacier Lagoon so it’s a perfect combo. Can’t go wrong.

The hike all the way to the top and back is about 6.4km/4mi. The elevation is about 440m/1440ft (if you go all the way to the top). It might feel a little tough for some, but you’re in good physical shape so it will be no problem at all. And totally worth it. Totally.

Just grab a bottle of water, your hiking boots and your phone/camera and I promise you, it will be awesome. Would love to hear about your experience if you go there. Or if you’ve already been there. Write a comment here below or send me an email at siggadottir@siggadottir.com

Until next time!

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