Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

The Rauðfeldsgjá walk is a short detour on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland that leads to a deep crack in the mountainside. The measured route is just 1 km out and back, takes about 30 minutes and involves roughly 100 m of ascent to a high point of around 190 m. It is easy, but once inside the gorge the walk turns into a short, wet scramble for those who want to go further.

The gorge splits the cliffs of Botnsfjall, and a stream flows out of its narrow mouth. Inside, the walls close in overhead and moss-covered rock frames a small waterfall. Local saga tradition links the place to Bárður Snæfellsás, who is said to have pushed his nephew Rauðfeldur into the gorge in a rage, giving it its name. Most visitors spend only a few minutes here, but it is worth lingering inside the cleft.

Highlights

• Stepping inside a narrow, cathedral-like cleft
• Moss-covered walls and a hidden waterfall
• Views across Breiðavík bay and the south coast of Snæfellsnes
• A short outing close to Arnarstapi and Búðir

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Rauðfeldsgjá is on the south side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, signposted off Route 574 between Búðir and Arnarstapi. There is a small car park at the foot of the slope. The drive from Reykjavík takes roughly two and a half hours. Public transport on Snæfellsnes is limited, so a car is the easiest way to visit.

Where to stay

Arnarstapi and Hellnar, a short drive west, have guesthouses, a hotel and a campsite, and Búðir has a hotel a little to the east. Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður and Stykkishólmur on the north side of the peninsula offer more choice.

Best time to hike

Rauðfeldsgjá can be visited all year, but the gorge is most comfortable from late spring to early autumn, when water levels are lower and the rock is free of ice. In winter the stream and walls can ice up, making the interior hazardous. After heavy rain the stream rises and the scramble becomes difficult.

Safety

Inside the gorge, rocks are wet and slippery and the stream can rise after rain or snowmelt. Watch for falling stones, especially during thaw, and do not climb on loose walls. Turn back if the scramble feels uncomfortable. The approach path can be icy in winter. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is for weather and conditions.