Studlagil Canyon

We start the tour by driving north to Egilsstadir. The drive is beautiful with towering mountains, coastal views and charming fishing villages.

Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot. Iceland’s third largest lake, it is rumoured to be home to a lake monster, the Lagarfljotsormur (or lake worm).
The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and the Fljotsdalur valley.

We continue north to the Studlagil canyon, which features some of the most impressive basalt column formations in Iceland.
Created by the force of the Jokulsa glacial river flowing from the highlands, much of the canyon was under water and the area was considered dangerous until 2006. The construction of the Karahnjukavirkjun hydroelectric plant affected the water source and today the bright blue river flowing peacefully between the walls of basalt are a sight to behold.

We approach the canyon from the Western side from where it is possible to drive almost up to the viewpoint over the canyon.
It is a short walk of about 250m from the parking but the path is steep in some places so it is good to bear that in mind and also wear proper shoes.

If you would like to visit one of Iceland’s natural hot pools, it might be worth adding an hour to this tour for the geothermal Vok Baths overlooking the Lake Urridavatn.

Time permitting; we can stop at the Holmanes Nature Reserve before we get back to Eskifjordur. A bird watching haven with peculiar rock formations, it offers fantastic views of the fjord and a bit above the road is a huge cairn, believed to be a white witch.

*Please note that private tour bookings are classed as requests until availability can be confirmed by our staff. Prices shown are flexible and you may be offered different prices, subject to availability.