Kolugljúfur Canyon: Iceland's Hidden Waterfall Paradise

What is Kolugljúfur Canyon?

Kolugljúfur Canyon is a rugged gorge located in North Iceland's Víðidalur Valley, carved by the Víðidalsá River. The canyon is about 1 kilometer long and drops 40-50 meters deep in some parts. Its main feature is a series of waterfalls called Kolufossar that pour into bright blue pools below.

The name "Kolugljúfur" comes from Icelandic folklore. Stories say a giantess named Kola lived in the canyon. She would catch salmon from the river at night and cook them in the nearby hot springs. Some locals say she made the canyon herself while resting her feet in the gorge.

Formation & Geology

Like most of Iceland's landscape, Kolugljúfur Canyon was shaped by both volcanic activity and water. The canyon formed as the Víðidalsá River cut through layers of volcanic rock over thousands of years.

The canyon walls show typical Icelandic rock features, with basalt columns formed by old lava flows that cooled and split into six-sided shapes. These columns create distinct patterns in the canyon walls, similar to what you might see at more famous places like Svartifoss, but with fewer people around.

The contrast between the dark basalt rock and the bright blue water makes for great photos, especially when green moss grows on the canyon walls during summer.

Where is Kolugljúfur Canyon & How to Get There?

Kolugljúfur Canyon sits in Northwest Iceland, in the Húnaþing vestra area. It's about 200 kilometers northeast of Reykjavík (a 2.5-hour drive) and roughly 120 kilometers northwest of Akureyri (a 1.5-hour drive).

Getting to Kolugljúfur is easy if you have a rental car, which is the best way to see Iceland. The canyon is a short detour off the Ring Road (Route 1), making it a good stop on a trip around the country.

Here's how to find it:

• From Ring Road (Route 1), turn onto Route 715 near the town of Hvammstangi
• Follow Route 715 for about 5-15 kilometers (depending on which way you're coming from)
• Look for signs for Kolugljúfur Canyon and a small parking area
• Parking is free and a short walk from the canyon lookouts

The closest towns are Hvammstangi (30 minutes away) and Blönduós (30 minutes in the other direction), both on the Ring Road. These work well as bases for seeing the area if you want to stay nearby.

Unlike some places in Iceland, you can visit Kolugljúfur all year. In winter, the road might be snowy or icy, so a 4x4 vehicle is helpful from November through April. The road to the canyon isn't paved but is kept in good shape, so drive carefully, especially after rain.

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The Hike to the Canyon

One of the best things about Kolugljúfur is how easy it is to reach. From the parking area, it's a short walk (less than 5 minutes) to the main viewpoint. You'll cross a bridge over the canyon that gives you a full view of the waterfalls below.

If you want to see more, there's a 1.3-mile loop trail that takes about 30-60 minutes to walk with 160 feet of climbing. The trail follows the canyon edge and has several spots to view the falls and gorge. It's rated as moderate mainly because parts can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.

What makes this hike good is that you get great views right away, without much effort. This makes Kolugljúfur ideal for people with limited time or those who like shorter walks.

Weather at Kolugljúfur Canyon

Iceland's weather changes fast and often, and this is true at Kolugljúfur Canyon too. Here's what to expect throughout the year:

Summer (June-August)

This is the best season for good reason. Temperatures are mild (10-15°C/50-59°F), daylight lasts nearly 24 hours thanks to the Midnight Sun in June and July (good for evening visits when fewer tourists are around), and the landscape is green and lush. The roads are in their best shape, and all trails are open. The waterfalls flow strongly from melting snow, making for great views. This is when most people visit, but Kolugljúfur still sees fewer visitors than more famous spots.

Fall (September-October)

Early fall has nice conditions with fewer tourists. The landscape turns gold and red, temperatures drop slightly (5-10°C/40-50°F), and daylight hours are still decent (11-14 hours in September). By October, you might see the Northern Lights on clear nights. The trail can be muddy, so waterproof boots are helpful.

Winter (November-March)

The canyon turns into a winter scene with snow-covered banks and sometimes partly frozen waterfalls. Daylight is short (4-6 hours in December/January), but this is the best time for Northern Lights. Road access gets harder, so it requires a 4x4 vehicle with winter tires. The viewing platforms may be icy, and the trail is often covered in snow, making hiking the full loop tough. Temperatures range from -2 to 4°C (28-39°F).

Spring (April-May)

As the snow melts, the waterfalls reach their strongest flow. Spring brings more daylight (13-20 hours by May), warmer temperatures (2-10°C/36-50°F), and fewer visitors than summer. Wildflowers start to bloom, and birds return. The trail can be very muddy from melting snow, and the unpaved road may have holes from winter damage.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is June, when you can enjoy good weather, full access, green scenery, and nearly 24-hour daylight, allowing for more flexibility in your schedule. September is the next best choice for those who prefer fewer crowds and a chance to see the Northern Lights.

For photography, early morning or evening light creates the best shots, with the sun highlighting the canyon walls and creating rainbows in the waterfall mist.

Things to Do at Kolugljúfur Canyon

Kolugljúfur won't take a whole day to see, but it offers several good activities:

Marvel at Kolufossar Waterfalls

The main attraction is the series of waterfalls known as Kolufossar. From the bridge and viewing platforms, you can watch the calm Víðidalsá river suddenly change into powerful waterfalls as it drops into the canyon. The white rushing water against dark rocks creates a striking sight.

For the best views, walk to both sides of the bridge and follow the path along the canyon rim. Each angle shows a different view of the falls.

Photography

Kolugljúfur is great for photos, with its rough canyon walls, flowing water, and often dramatic sky. Here are some good spots:

• From the bridge for direct waterfall shots
• Along the canyon rim for views of both the falls and the gorge
• The upper platform for wider shots, including the surrounding countryside
• Near the river before it drops into the canyon for calm water reflections

Morning and evening light works best, casting shadows that show the texture of the canyon walls. If you visit during the Midnight Sun (June-July), the golden light creates a special mood with few other visitors around.

A tripod helps for long-exposure waterfall shots, and a polarizing filter cuts glare from the water. Wide-angle lenses capture the scale of the canyon, while a zoom lens lets you focus on details of the falls.

Explore Local Folklore

As you look at the views, think about the giantess Kola living here, fishing salmon from the river. Look for features like "Kola's Bed" (Kolurúm), a ledge in the gorge, and "Kola's Cauldron" (Koluketill), a rock formation shaped like a cooking pot.

Signs near the parking area share some of these stories, helping you connect with Iceland's rich storytelling tradition.

Wildlife Watching

The canyon supports various wildlife. Look for Arctic terns and other birds flying above the gorge in summer. The Víðidalsá is a salmon river, so you might see fish jumping below the falls (though they can't pass the upper waterfall, which is why Kola supposedly fished here).

The surrounding farmland has many sheep, so you'll likely see Iceland's woolly residents grazing nearby.

What to Bring

Visiting Kolugljúfur Canyon requires some planning. Here's what to pack:

• Waterproof hiking boots: The trail can be muddy and slippery in all seasons
• Waterproof jacket and pants: Iceland's weather changes quickly, and the waterfall spray can get you wet
• Warm layers: Even in summer, temperatures rarely go above 15°C (59°F), and wind can make it feel colder
• Camera gear: Including a tripod for waterfall photos and lens cloths for spray
• Water bottle: There are no facilities at the site, so bring what you need
• Snacks or picnic supplies: The canyon rim is a nice lunch spot
• Binoculars: For seeing birds and wildlife
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: Summer sun can be strong, especially with reflections off the water
• Map or offline GPS: Cell service can be spotty in rural Iceland

If you’re visiting in winter, also bring ice cleats for your boots, extra warm clothes, and a headlamp since daylight hours are limited.

Things to Do Nearby

Kolugljúfur Canyon is somewhat remote, but there are several good attractions nearby that can be combined for a full day of exploration:

Hvítserkur Sea Stack (40 minutes northwest)

This 15-meter basalt rock formation sticks out from the sea off the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Looking like a drinking dragon or rhino (depending who you ask), it's one of North Iceland's most iconic photo spots. Visit at low tide to walk right up to it on the black sand beach. The location is also good for seal-watching, so look for curious faces in the water.

Borgarvirki Fortress (30 minutes north)

This natural basalt formation served as a Viking fortress in ancient times. The volcanic plug, with its six-sided columns forming natural walls, shows how early Icelanders used the landscape for defense. A short hike leads to wide views of the surrounding highlands.

Grettislaug Hot Pools (1 hour and 20 minutes northwest)

After hiking around the canyon, soak in these natural hot pools near the coast. Named after Grettir, a character from one of Iceland's sagas, these stone-lined hot pots let you relax in warm water while looking at the sea. They're less crowded than more famous hot springs, offering a more authentic experience.

Seal Watching on Vatnsnes Peninsula (45 minutes west)

The western coast of the Vatnsnes Peninsula is one of Iceland's best places to see seals in their natural habitat. Several marked viewing points allow you to watch harbor seals resting on rocks or swimming in the surf. The Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi provides information about these mammals.

Accommodation Options

The nearest places to stay near Kolugljúfur Canyon include:

• Dæli Guesthouse: Just 4 kilometers from the canyon, this farm accommodation has cottages, huts, and a café serving farm-fresh food. It's the closest place to stay if you want to visit at sunset or sunrise.
• Hvammstangi Cottages: Located in the nearest town, these self-catering cottages provide a comfortable base for exploring the region.
• Glaðheimar Cottages: These wooden cottages in Blönduós, just 35 minutes away, offer hot tubs. It’s a great place for warming up after a day of exploring.
• Hotel Laugarbakki: A nicer option with a restaurant serving local food, located about 20 minutes from the canyon.

Final Tips for Visiting Kolugljúfur Canyon

• Time needed: Allow 30-90 minutes to fully explore the canyon, depending on how much of the trail you want to hike.
• Safety first: The canyon edges lack fences in many areas. Stay on marked trails and keep back from the rim, especially in wet conditions when the ground can be slippery.
• Best photography time: Early morning for calm conditions or evening for golden light. The Midnight Sun (June-July) creates special lighting around 10 PM-midnight.
• Road conditions: Check road.is before traveling in winter or after heavy rain, as Route 715 isn't paved.
• Combine with other sights: Kolugljúfur works best as part of a bigger North Iceland trip rather than a standalone destination.
• Leave no trace: As with all of Iceland's natural wonders, take only photos and leave only footprints.

Conclusion

Kolugljúfur Canyon is pure, unspoiled beauty. Unlike Iceland's more famous attractions, you might have this spectacular gorge almost to yourself, especially if you visit outside peak hours. It shows that some of Iceland's most memorable experiences are just off the main road, waiting for travelers willing to make a small detour.

FAQs about Kolugljúfur Canyon