Stuðlagil Canyon

"Studlagil Canyon is the nature dimond at “Efri-Jökuldalur” and has become a popular site to visit, particularly after the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkavirkjun was built 2007. The section of the river which is named Stuðlagil (Basalt Columns) is considered to have one of Iceland’s largest collections of basalt columns on land. Today, the river itself is hardly comparable to former times, when it was a gushing glacial river transporting tonnes of sediment. This is because the river was re-directed with Kárahnjúkar dam. The canyon is 500 m long and with 20-30 m basalt columns on both side of the river. The colour of the river differs between seasons, from blue-green during the summer to grey-brown when Karahnjukar dam is on overflow status and also when snow melts into the river. Basalt Columns: The formation of columnar jointing happens when still magma cools down. When it cools down it contracts and separates into columnar joints, often hexagons. The separation begins where the cooling is at the most and continues as the magma cools down. Little by little the columnar joints form. They stand perpendicular on the cooling surface and therefore stand vertically on the lava surface and the diapir surface. There is about a 10 km roundtrip walk. 2 to 3 hours to explore due to hiking time."

"This was our favorite thing in Iceland besides the volcano. The river is a gorgeous turquoise color. After August, though, the color might change based on weather conditions. The hike is moderately short and easy. The first part goes through private property, but you're allowed to go through. Just be respectful. The whole thing is surrounded by basalt columns, and was just really really cool to see in person. There are 2 different ways to see the canyon: To visit the canyon from the north side of the river, you drive about 18 km on road 923 to the farm Grund. From the parking lot there is about 250 m walk to a viewpoint above the water (we didn't do this way). To visit the canyon from the south side of the river, you drive about 14 km on road 923 to the farm Hákonarstaði and turn left at the sign “Klaustursel”. Drive down to the river and park on a parking lot by the bridge. From the parking lot, there is about a 10 km roundtrip walk. You can make this shorter if you are comfortable off roading the first 2-3 km to the second parking lot. This would be easier if you had a 4x4 vehicle! PHOTO TIP: Visit the SOUTH side of the canyon to get down near the water for the best photos. You can also fly your drone here which makes for epic shots of the columns. "

"Located in the East of Iceland this canyon is becomming more and more iconic. You can either see it from a newly built platform on the East side (but the view is not great unless you launch a drone from there that allows you to get any angle you like) or the West side. PHOTO TIPS The best views on the canyon you have from the West side, while it involves a 30 mins hike and some bumpy driving to get to the parking lot, it is absolutely worth it. If you go in Summer you will encounter two annoying things in front of your lens: people and flies. The former you can avoid by going in off hours (which are the best light anyways thanks to the very long summer days), but the flies, especially if you shoot from river level, may need to be photoshopped out. Alternative get a longer exposure time to avoid the little black dots. The best spot to shoot from involves a little bit of climbing but brings you right into the middle of the basalt canyon, allowing you to frame the river (and a potential subject standing next to it) with the basalt framing the shot and guiding the eye."