Fjaðrárgljúfur

South coast, Iceland
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Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent and picturesque canyon, located in the southeast of Iceland. The canyon was formed by the Fjaðrá river, which flows through it. It was created during a series of glacial floods thousands of years ago when meltwater from glaciers surged through the area, carving the deep and narrow canyon.

Fjarðárgljúfur stretches for approx 2 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 100 meters. The canyon features steep cliffs, rugged rock formations, and the meandering river that adds to its scenic beauty.

As a filming location, the canyon is excellent and offers a variety of viewpoints. You can enter from below and film upwards, putting actors, props and sets in the foreground. You can also choose different viewpoints on various edges along the path leading up to the canyon, filming down or upwards to the source.

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  • Climate

    Climate

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  • Lighting conditions

    Lighting conditions

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  • Accessibility, services and permits

    Accessibility, services and permits

    Learn about location regulations, how to get to the location, what conditions to expect, and what services are nearby.
  • Visitors and risk factors

    Visitors and risk factors

    Find out if location is frequently visited, if there is any danger in the location area and how to stay safe.

Accessibility

Route no 1 takes you to this area. The location lies 3.5 km off the main road. There are good walking paths up along the canyon, with small offshoots for filming or viewing on the way.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Good phone coverage
Generally good phone coverage without any major interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

Services nearby

Close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you can find hotels, a gas station and a convenience store. The south coast has many guesthouses and lodgings. Nearest hospital is in Selfoss, 199 kilometres away.
Accommodation
< 30 km
Gas station
< 30 km
Hospital or emergency room
More than 50 km away
Parking
< 1 km
Restaurants
< 30 km
Shopping
< 30 km

Permits

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You need a two-way permit, from the government and the landowners. Our location managers can help you get a permission. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a part of Katla UNESCO Global Geopark.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit

Basecamp and facilities

1 kilometer from the main road towards the canyon, there is a large parking lot and a holding yard for sheep that has been used before as big basecamps. 2.5 kilometer further lies the location itself with a medium/small size parking lot. There are basic facilities at this location and phone coverage is average.

Risk factors

The canyon walls are steep. The edges are crumbly and covered with grass that can become slippery in wet weather. The cliffs’ height varies from a few meters up to 100 meters. The area is delicate because of damage from too many visitors to this fragile environment.

Visitors

Fjaðrárgljúfur is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, because of its easy access and beauty. The land is privately owned and has been closed off for filming before.

Where does all this information come from?

In collaboration with a team of experienced producers, we scoured through every location on massif.network to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date information. We provide photos and videos and all other location information.

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