Free Tours

Múlagljúfur

Múlagljúfur Canyon

Múlagljúfur is a must visit, and is listed among Iceland’s most scenic attractions. The hike offers breathtaking views of the trail and canyon, as well as Vatnajökull glacier, Hangandifoss, Múlafoss, and Fjallsárlón.

Season
Late April - Early October
Distance from Skyrhúsið
29 km
Duration
2-3 hours
Type
Hike, Canyon
Difficulty level
Moderate
Suitability
Family-friendly
Popularity
Moderate
Parking
Paid
Toilet Facilities
No

Tour Highlights

Driving to Múlagljúfur from the east, you take a right turn on a gravel road, and drive over one river stream, until you reach the parking lot. The path is accessible for every car, though we recommend a 4×4. Make sure to check the water level in the stream before crossing.

Generally, people take around 2-3 hours exploring Múlagljúfur Canyon. The main path is around 7,6 km round-trip with a 320m elevation, even though many turn back at the viewpoint of Hangandifoss. 

The trail from the parking lot is marked, and while the first part has wooden posts to walk on, is also the most challenging part of the hike. After passing that segment, you will see the first waterfall, Hangandifoss. This is the ending point of the shorter hike, and where you can decide if you want to continue.

Hangandifoss, the first waterfall on the path, is nearly 130 meters, one of the highest in Iceland. Further, at the end of the canyon, is Múlafoss which is fed by the glacial meltwater of Öræfajökull and sits on Rótarfjallsá River. This waterfall measures around 101 meters from top to bottom, and the visible drop is about 53 meters. 

The best time to visit Múlagljúfur is late April to early October. In autumn, the rain can make the trails slippery and muddy. In winter, the trail is not safe to navigate due to ice and snow. As always, we recommend checking the weather forecast throughout all seasons.

Múlagljúfur Canyon is located 29 km from Skyrhúsid off highway 1 to the south. It takes around 27 minutes to drive from the guesthouse to the start of the trail. You can find directions in Google Maps here

Our favorite suggestion for enjoying Iceland is to take it sloooow. When enjoying the beautiful nature around you, this includes packing a tasty meal to eat for snacks or lunch. 

The closest grocery store to Skyrhúsið is Nettó in Höfn. You can get directions here

For an easy pick-up, there are prepackaged sandwiches, pastas, and salads usually available. Check out the pastry section for delicious sweet treats. 

Trail mix is always a good idea to pack, as well as Hleðsla protein drinks for a boost. 

For an easy breakfast or snack, don’t forget a few packages of Skyr, and enjoy the variety of flavors available in the dairy aisle.

No matter where you’re going in Iceland, it’s important to choose the right clothing and dress according to the weather. We strongly recommend dressing in layers for the most comfort. 

  • Good waterproof shoes with ankle support (hiking boots )
  • Thermal underwear
  • Wool/fleece thermal mid-layer
  • Hiking pants.
  • Waterproof pants & jacket
  • Gloves & hat
  • Socks (wool or synthetic)
  • Sunglasses
  • Backpack
  • Reusable Water-bottle
  • Light Snack
  • Camera (optional)

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