Stakkholtsgjá Canyon

The Stakkholtsgjá hike is one of the easiest and most rewarding short walks in the Þórsmörk area of Iceland. It is a 2.5 km out-and-back stroll of about 45 minutes into a deep, narrow canyon whose walls rise sharply on both sides, draped in bright green moss. The measured route gains around 100 m in total and tops out at roughly 340 m, but most of that comes gradually as you follow the stream bed upstream.

Near the end the canyon splits. The left-hand branch narrows to a slot where a slender waterfall drops into a dim, echoing chamber, and reaching it usually means hopping across stones in the stream. It is a popular stop for people driving or riding the bus to Þórsmörk, and a good leg-stretcher for hikers who have just finished a longer trek. Expect wet feet if the water is up.

Highlights

• Sheer, moss-covered canyon walls that close in as you walk
• A hidden waterfall at the end of the narrow left-hand branch
• Easy, mostly flat walking on gravel and stones
• A natural break on the way into Þórsmörk

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Stakkholtsgjá lies off road F249 toward Þórsmörk, east of Seljalandsfoss. The road beyond the end of the paved section crosses several unbridged glacial rivers, so a high-clearance 4x4 is needed and the fords should only be attempted by experienced drivers. Many visitors come on the summer highland buses to Þórsmörk, some of which stop here; check current schedules with the operators. Always check road.is before driving.

Where to stay

The nearest accommodation is in Þórsmörk itself, where several mountain huts and campsites sit in the birch-wooded valleys a short drive further on. Otherwise, base yourself in the Hvolsvöllur or Skógar area on Route 1 and visit as a day trip by 4x4 or bus.

Best time to hike

The trail is best from May to October, when the F-road toward Þórsmörk is usually open and the canyon is free of deep snow and ice. Early summer can mean higher, colder water in the stream from snowmelt. Late summer and early autumn are often calmest. Outside that window, access is difficult and conditions in the gorge can be icy.

Safety

The main hazards are on the way in: glacial rivers on the F-road rise fast on warm or rainy days, and rental cars have been swept away. Inside the canyon, watch for falling rocks from the steep walls, particularly after rain or during thaw, and do not linger under overhangs. Rocks in the stream are slippery. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is for conditions before setting off.