Fjaðrárgljúfur

South coast, Iceland

Photos

Video

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.

Climate

The South Coast of Iceland is known for its unpredictable and ever-changing weather. The region is characterized by a subarctic oceanic climate, which means that the temperatures are relatively mild, but the weather can be quite stormy and windy.

Data source

Temperature Wind Rain Snow

Temperature averages

Lighting

The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).

Data source

Daylight Sun Position Clouds

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

Permits

Want to film hassle-free? Partner up with the local production studio through Massif and let them handle all the paperwork. Learn more

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 our 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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