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Studlagil Canyon is among the most gorgeous and attention-grabbing locations I’ve visited in Iceland — but due to its distant location, it feels splendidly off the crushed monitor.
This canyon, situated within the Jökuldalur Valley (Glacier Valley) of East Iceland, is house to one of many best collections of basalt columns in Iceland. Actually, “Studlagil Canyon” interprets to “Basalt Column Gorge.” These lengthy, darkish streaks of rock kind uncommon geometric shapes all through Iceland.
Much more attention-grabbing? Individuals had no concept this place even existed till a decade or so in the past. Extra on that in a bit.
Studlagil Canyon was excessive on our record when Amanda and I visited Iceland. And whereas we spent a lot of the expertise soaking moist and sinking into mud, we completely cherished it.
It is best to positively put this in your record. Right here’s what you might want to find out about Studlagil Canyon.
(Observe: It’s spelled “Stuðlagil Canyon” in Icelandic, however I’ll be utilizing Studlagil Canyon right here. The “ð” is pronounced like “th.”)
How Did This Place Come to Be?
For hundreds of years, Icelanders had no concept the basalt rock columns of Studlagil Canyon had been lurking beneath the river’s floor. The turquoise Jökla River rushed wildly by the panorama, main no clue to what lay beneath.
Individuals didn’t even stay on this a part of Iceland. Simply sheep.
In 2009, the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkavirkjun opened close by and created the Hálslón Reservoir. A lot of the Jökla River was diverted into the reservoir as an alternative of speeding down its standard path, so the river stage decreased seven to eight meters.
In 2016 a gaggle of sheep herders found the newly revealed canyon. In 2017, Studlagil Canyon was featured in an promoting marketing campaign for Iceland-based WOW Airways.
WOW stopped its operations two years later, however the cat was out of the bag — Studlagil Canyon was the most popular new pure marvel of Iceland. In recent times, the canyon went from a hidden gem to a must-visit spot, drawing vacationers from everywhere in the world.
But nonetheless, this place may be very quiet in comparison with the tour bus-crammed Golden Circle, or the busy Mývatn area in Northern Iceland.
Studlagil Canyon FAQ
In case you park within the small parking zone on the east aspect, it’s a couple of two-hour out-and-back hike. In case you have a 4×4, you’ll be able to park within the nearer parking zone and save about an hour’s climbing time.
No information is critical at Studlagil Canyon. The climbing path is clear and easy to follow.
There’s a paid rest room on the west side only. There are completely zero services on the east aspect, which is the climbing aspect.
The east aspect is for the long hike. The west aspect is only a viewing platform.
Climbing to Studlagil Canyon
There are two sides of Studlagil Canyon: the east aspect and the west aspect. It would be best to know which aspect earlier than you begin!
The east aspect is the place you do the hike, and there are completely no services right here — not even bathrooms. There are two parking tons, one additional away and one nearer however on the finish of a tough highway.
The west aspect has an overlook which you could climb all the way down to {photograph} the canyon (greater than 100 stairs), and there are paid restrooms. That is subsequent to a farm referred to as Grund, and there’s a paid rest room. No climbing is accessible from the west aspect.
Amanda and I had been within the hike in the beginning, so we headed straight to the east aspect parking space.
Our Expertise Climbing Studlagil Canyon
When Amanda and I get to the Studlagil Canyon east aspect parking zone in entrance of the bridge, now we have our first resolution to make. We will see the second parking zone within the distance. May we get there in our little Toyota Corolla?
After weighing our choices, we determine no. This appears to be like like a tough highway with plenty of deep holes; whereas it’s technically not a 4×4-only highway like an F highway, it’s higher suited to 4×4 automobiles. (By the way, we made the correct resolution. We find yourself driving our automobile on a number of questionable roads in the course of the journey, however none the place the highway situation was this dangerous.)
Parking within the additional away parking zone provides on an additional half-hour to our journey, however we’re prepared. An hour’s hike every method is completely doable.
We gear up and begin climbing, climbing hills alongside the potholed highway.
About half-hour into our hike, near the second parking zone, we come throughout a ravishing waterfall — Studlafoss! Studlafoss waterfall reminds us of Svartifoss, the famously picturesque waterfall on Iceland’s southeast coast. It’s a beautiful shock alongside our path.
At this level it begins to rain. No drawback. We get out our rain jackets and I determine to not placed on my rain pants, as I have already got water resistant climbing pants on. That might be sufficient, wouldn’t it?
Expensive readers — that was a mistake. Waterproof is NOT waterproof. However by the point I understand I ought to have put my rain pants on, my climbing pants are so soaked that there’s no level. Alas, we trudge alongside the path, my tooth gritted in annoyance.
By this level the climbing path is an easy-to observe gravel highway, and largely stage — a welcome growth after the hilly starting to the hike.
We’ve been hoping that we’d come throughout a rest room someplace in our hike. No, that constructing within the parking zone isn’t a rest room. Nor are the few buildings after that. Neither is the constructing the workmen are setting up. Nor have they got a porta-potty on website. “You must go to the opposite aspect of the River Jökla,” one of many workmen tells us.
It’s okay. We will do that!! We aren’t going to overlook Studlagil Canyon of all locations!!!
Quickly we start seeing basalt columns poke out alongside the riverbed. Lastly. They develop longer and longer. An hour into our hike, we’ve made it.
By now, it’s raining VERY arduous as we come to the primary a part of the basalt canyon. My hood is pulled tightly round my face and my digicam is an angular paunch beneath my rain jacket.
Nonetheless — that is astounding.
What surprises me probably the most is how so most of the basalt columns are curved into twisting shapes. They don’t all come out straight! That is the work of 1000’s of years of lava assembly a robust glacial river. And never all of them are hexagonal basalt columns — some have 4, 5, or seven sides.
The water? It’s actually that turquoise, vivid and milky. It jogs my memory of the brightly saturated rivers in Bosnia, the neon blue lakes in Slovenia.
We stroll all the way down to a tall, slim rock slab overlooking the river, and it’s crowded with folks. Who climbs a construction that harmful — within the rain?! One incorrect step in both route and also you’re lifeless!
I refuse to go up there — however the water’s edge could be good. I have to get a shot from there.
Then I step into the mud, and my foot is engulfed almost to my ankles. Why did I not put on my waterproof boots?! (Nicely, straightforward, Kate. You’ve dangerous arches and may’t hike in your Hunter wellies, even with insoles. You selected your climbing boots for at present. You didn’t know it will be THIS muddy.)
I can’t get anyplace all the way down to the water’s edge.
Amanda, having chosen a pair of waterproof boots that she will really hike in, makes it all the way down to the sting of the water.
I attempt to placate myself with a selfie, smiling by the bathe.
After about half-hour on the canyon, we determine to move again. We trudge again in silence, the rain pounding down round us.
Fittingly, 20 minutes later or so, the rain slows to a drizzle, then stops.
Are we going again? Hell no. We have to pee.
Driving to the West Aspect
By the point we get again to our automobile, now we have one objective: get to the lavatory on the west aspect. Or any toilet, actually. Seven minutes later, we’re within the parking zone — the place a public restroom is ready. THANK GOD.
We run into the lavatory and ACK — we have to pay, and we left our wallets within the automobile! I seize my cellphone, pull up Apple Pay (extraordinarily helpful in Iceland), and scan my cellphone. We’re in.
Lastly, we’re in a position to leisurely discover the west aspect of the canyon. Right here you’ll be able to climb down stairs to a platform. I determine to move down; Amanda sticks to the highest.
After an extended climb down, I’m left with a shocking view in each instructions of the gorge, together with improbable views of the weird curving basalt columns. Sure, it was well worth the go to.
Nonetheless, these stairs aren’t any joke. I rely them as I ascend and I’ve to cease at round 130. Lengthy earlier than that I’m stopping to catch my breath.
I meet up with Amanda on the high. The views from the parking zone are nowhere nearly as good because the views on the platform.
And I feel to myself, Would this have been value it if I had solely gone to the west aspect and never executed the hike?
And even with out waterproof pants or waterproof sneakers, I’m so glad I did the total hike.
There’s nothing like seeing this place up shut.
(For the report, I’m vigilant about rain pants and waterproof boots for the remainder of the journey. They come in useful on the waterfalls that soak you want Kvernufoss and Gljúfrabúi.)
Security at Studlagil Canyon
One factor that strikes me at any time when I go to Iceland is how few security precautions are in place. Whether or not you’re strolling on smoking floor at Hverir or standing on the sting of a cliff at Múlagljúfur Canyon, Icelanders have outstanding confidence in folks’s potential to remain protected.
You would possibly get a rubber mat on the pathway. That’s it. Railings? Ha. Workers? Nearly by no means.
It made my palms sweat seeing how many individuals teetered on the slim sheet of canyon within the rain. So lots of them may have simply fallen to their deaths.
On the west aspect of the river is an indication from Grund Farm urging security. “This gorge is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and demand nice care; additionally, the river is chilly and has a quick present. By no means go to the cliff edges — falling off can imply dying.
When on the gorge and anyplace else on this farm, you’re liable for your self.”
I couldn’t assist however suppose that it may be useful to have this signal on the aspect the place folks really hike.
Even so — I didn’t go close to the scary edges. I like to recommend that you simply steer clear of them, too. No Instagram shot is value your life.
A Warning on Water Coloration
You’ll be able to go to Studlagil Canyon year-round, however you could be dissatisfied for those who are available late summer season. Studlagil Canyon’s green-blue water is one among its foremost attracts, however it’s solely that shade when the Jökla’s water stage is low.
In late August or early September, the plant runs water by the dam, which turns the river grey or brown. This may additionally occur when there’s extreme rain or glacier soften, often in the course of the summer season.
Amanda and I visited in August 20, 2022, and this was a legit worry we had as we deliberate our go to. Even so, we didn’t want to fret — the water was nonetheless vivid turquoise. We lucked out.
You might need to verify circumstances by taking a look at Instagram or Google Maps for current updates. And you may at all times head to the west aspect first to take a look at the colour earlier than doing the hike.
Find out how to Get to Studlagil Canyon
Studlagil Canyon is a brief drive from the Ring Street, however you may not get to the correct place with out the assistance of Google Maps. The East Aspect, which is marked “Stuðlagil Canyon (East Aspect Parking)” on Google Maps, is a 16-minute drive from the Ring Street.
From the Ring Street, flip onto highway 923. From right here you drive previous Hákonarstaði Farm and switch left on the signal for Klaustursel Farm. You’ll quickly see the parking zone subsequent to the white bridge.
The West Aspect, which is marked “Stuðlagil Canyon” on Google Maps, is a 20-minute drive from the Ring Street. As a substitute of turning left at Klaustursel, proceed driving till you see Farm Grund, the place the point of view is.
The 2 sides are a seven-minute drive from one another.
Please understand that there are bathrooms ONLY on the west aspect.
Both aspect of Studlagil Canyon is about an hourlong drive from Egilsstaðir.
The place to Keep Close to Studlagil Canyon
In case you’re seeking to keep close to Studlagil Canyon, I like to recommend staying within the city of Egilsstaðir, which is the most important metropolis in East Iceland (admittedly, with a inhabitants of 2500, it’s extra of a village than a metropolis).
We stayed at Lyngás Guesthouse in Egillsstaðir, and it was an important alternative. This finances lodge felt lots like a school dorm, however in a great way. We had a easy room with twin beds, and there was a kitchen and several other particular person bathrooms and showers on the ground, so we by no means needed to wait to make use of them. Every thing was glowing clear.
See more places to stay in Egillsstaðir here.
Extra Issues to Do in East Iceland
I used to be stunned how a lot I loved East Iceland. It’s excess of only a place to drive by shortly.
The Vök Baths in Egilsstaðir are my favourite sizzling springs in Iceland — significantly! I went to so lots of them, however this one stood out for its distinctive sizzling swimming pools inside a lake, fashionable and cozy services, scrumptious meals within the cafe, and slashes you can order!
We went to the Vök Baths proper after climbing Studlagil Canyon and it was simply what we would have liked after an extended, moist hike.
Be sure you go to the beautiful city of Seyðisfjörður. Seyðisfjörður is a couple of 30-minute drive from Egilsstaðir on the coast of Jap Iceland. It turned one among my favourite small cities in Iceland, filled with rainbows and artwork and hovering mountains!
In case you in a single day in Egilsstaðir, seize breakfast on the 50’s-style Skálinn Diner the following morning! It’s not fairly an American diner, however it scratched my itch for a diner breakfast!
And the drive alongside the Eastfjords from Egilsstaðir to Djúpivogur was probably the most lovely stretch of our Iceland highway journey! Each flip was a jaw-dropper, with mountains and fjords so far as the attention may see.
Is Studlagil Canyon Value It?
I admit that I used to be depressing for lots of my Studlagil Canyon expertise. It wasn’t the most effective time on the journey by far. Even so, I’m so glad that I did it. Sure, it was well worth the aggravation — even within the rain! Even having to pee the entire time! That’s how you understand a vacation spot is particular.
However is it value it for you? It relies upon. Do you could have a minimal of three.5 hours free to drive right here from the Ring Street, stroll all the best way to the canyon and again, and drive to the opposite aspect for a glance? Do you could have the bodily potential to do the two-hour hike or climb the 130+ stairs to the western viewpoint?
And let’s not neglect the climate! Does the climate look okay? If not, are you okay strolling within the rain? Do you could have applicable rain gear? (It is best to.)
I don’t suppose Studlagil Canyon is for each traveler. However for those who acquired by this publish and your response was, “Hell sure!” I feel you’re going to take pleasure in your self right here.
Extra on Iceland:
My Favourite Locations in Iceland:
Have you ever been to Studlagil Canyon? Any suggestions? Share away!
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