A new spot on the traveler trail in Iceland, Mulagljufur Canyon deserves its status as a rising star along the Ring Road. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Canyon!
About the Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon, a lesser-known treasure in South Iceland, is gaining popularity as a premier hiking destination. Carved by the Fjaðrá River, the canyon is distinguished by its craggy black rock formations enveloped in lush green moss, adding a vibrant contrast to the stark landscape. The canyon features two majestic waterfalls, Hangandifoss and Mulafoss, which cascade from the charcoal cliffs, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.
The canyon’s proximity to natural wonders enhances its appeal. Not far from the canyon, you can explore renowned glacier lagoons like Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón, providing a comprehensive experience of Iceland’s unique geological features. These lagoons are known for their stunning blue waters and floating icebergs, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
Furthermore, Múlagljúfur is close to Skaftafell National Park, offering a gateway to more of Iceland’s rugged beauty, including additional hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views.
This combination of dramatic waterfalls, proximity to glacier lagoons, and national parks makes Múlagljúfur Canyon not just a hiking spot but a full-fledged nature retreat, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in Iceland’s natural splendor.
Where is Múlagljúfur canyon?
The Mulagljufur Canyon is nestled among the rugged landscapes of South Iceland. Situated just a few kilometers from the famous Ring Road (Route 1).
How to get to Mulagljufur canyon?
Getting to Mulagljufur Canyon isn’t difficult, but you’ll likely need a rental car! A higher chassis 4×4 SUV is your best bet as you’ll need to navigate a short, gravel road for part of the journey.
Head south out of Reykjavik along the Ring Road (Route 1), following it in a counterclockwise direction. It takes just under five hours of driving to reach the gravel road along Route 1. Follow it for a few kilometers until you reach the parking lot.
These coordinates (63.9886667; -16.3971589) will help you find the gravel road because there isn’t any signage. You’ll see trail markers after you park, simply follow these and they’ll lead you down the trail to Mulagljufur Canyon.
Location of the Canyon
How long is the hike to Mulagljufur Canyon? Is it difficult?
The hike to múlagljúfur Canyon is just under 5 miles and takes about 40 minutes to an hour one way and anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours roundtrip.
Overall the trek through the canyon is considered moderate with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain.
The path through Múlagljúfur is less frequented compared to other popular hikes in Iceland, offering a more secluded and intimate experience with nature. Unlike well-trodden paths, the trail here is sporadically marked with stakes, many of which are worn down or minimally visible, necessitating good navigational skills or a reliable GPS to stay on track.
The terrain includes narrow pathways, overgrown bushes, and sections filled with loose rocks and stones. After rain, these sections can become particularly slick and muddy, adding to the challenge. Importantly, the hike involves river crossing two streams.
The first crossing involves a small creek, easily stepped over, while the second crossing can become a bit more challenging, especially when swollen with rain or glacier melt. This second stream requires careful navigation to ensure safety.
Overall, while the hike to Múlagljúfur Canyon is moderately demanding, it is immensely rewarding. Hikers are advised to wear sturdy boots and prepare for varying weather conditions. The natural beauty, coupled with the physical demands of the hike, makes it a memorable part of any Iceland adventure.
A hiking map to Hangandifoss Waterfall in Mulagljufur Canyon
How long do you spend at Mulagljufur Canyon?
Plan for at least three hours to hike the entire trail and explore around the beautiful waterfalls. You’ll want extra time to take pictures!
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Mulagljufur Canyon is in the summer months, from May to September. Although it’s technically accessible year round, the road to get to the parking area is treacherous in winter and the hiking trail can become difficult to find, buried beneath snow and ice.
What weather and road conditions are possibly encountered?
The road to Múlagljúfur Canyon is uneven and mostly made of gravel. It’s hard to find because there are no signs pointing to it from the highway.
In winter, the road can become very difficult to travel on. It might be blocked by snow and ice, or it could be flooded from nearby streams filled with melting snow. This makes it tough to visit the canyon during winter.
However, summer is a much better time to visit. The roads are easier to drive on, especially with a 4×4 vehicle, which is recommended because of the rough terrain. The weather is also warmer in summer, making the trip more comfortable. Plus, there are more hours of daylight, giving you plenty of time to hike and explore the beautiful views of the canyon.
Safe travel tips for visiting Mulagljufur Canyon
Here are a few quick tips for making sure you stay safe while visiting Mulagljufur Canyon!
Choose the right car.
You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to safely access Mulagljufur Canyon. The gravel road to reach it is uneven and you’ll want a higher chassis to avoid risking any damage.
Check road.is and vedur.is before heading out.
Check road and weather conditions before making your way to Mulagljufur Canyon. Snow and ice can make roads difficult to navigate in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Similarly winter weather can make the trail difficult to find and slippery.
Follow trail markers closely
The trail to Mulagljufur Canyon can be difficult to follow. Be sure you’re paying attention to the trail markers and consider downloading a trail map ahead of time.
Be careful near cliff edges.
There are dangerous cliff edges at Mulagljufur Canyon. Watch your footing when taking pictures of the beautiful canyon and waterfalls below.
Wear appropriate clothing and shoes!
Wear appropriate clothing for your hike to Mulagljufur Canyon! That means multiple layers. Even in summer, Iceland can be colder than most expect.
Be sure to wear warm wool socks and sturdy hiking boots as well. The trail can be damp and muddy.
Is Mulagljufur Canyon worth it?
Yes, visiting Mulagljufur Canyon is absolutely worth it! Considering how close it is to the Ring Road, this is one landscape you can’t miss if you’re visiting Iceland in the summer months.
Ending
You won’t be disappointed adding Mulagljufur Canyon to your Iceland itinerary! Book your 4×4 SUV through Firefly Iceland Car Rentals and get started planning your adventures through East Iceland.
