The „entrance“ into Fjadrara canyon. Very inviting and very impressive. PIC Andrea de Podo
T here is no shortage of canyons in the beautiful country of Iceland. The country practically carved through and through with mountains, valleys and canyons of amazing variety. While hard to recommend one above any other it is certainly worth your while to visit Fjadrargljufur canyon while driving in the South of the country.
Only recently did Fjadrargljufur, which literally means Feather River Canyon, make it onto tourist maps for the simple reason that locals have long wanted it to be a secret. But it was always a badly kept secret and when megastar Justin Bieber discovered the place a few years back he promptly shot his next music video right there (see below.)
Why you should visit is evident as soon as you come close.
Why you should visit is evident as soon as you come close. From the flat lowlands suddenly arise high grassy hills reaching all the way to the highland and carved neatly for two kilometers or so, one of Iceland´s most lovely sights. The small river Fjadrara runs through the canyon but for quite a distance it is possible to walk into it alongside the slow river almost up to its deepest point at over hundred meters.Why you should visit is evident as soon as you come close.
Care should be taken at all times and the river in places is quite deep and very cold but sensible folks know when to stop and just gaze in wonder up and down the jagged walls of the cliffs on both sides. No less awesome is to trek up the hills and follow alongside the canyon. Again, utter care should be taken.
Another reason to visit here is how close the canyon is to the Ring Road in the South. Since most travelers make that journey anyway this place will just be the icing on the cake to other fascinating sights in that part of the country. It is possible to camp nearby and some locals do rent out cabins not far away either. But a quickie, three to four hour stop, should suffice if you are in a bit of a hurry as most tourist are.
