Myvatn > Dettifoss, Selfoss, Hafragilsfoss, Stuðlagil Canyon > Egilsstaðir

It was snowing in the morning, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. We couldn’t resist stepping outside, feeling the fresh snowflakes gently falling onto us, a magical start to the day.

Before breakfast, we visited the cow milking area, which was open to guests of Vogafjos Farm Resort for a more immersive farm experience. It was fascinating to observe the process up close and gain a deeper appreciation for the farm daily operations.

We then enjoyed breakfast at the resort restaurant, which boasted one of the best views of the trip. Savoring a delicious meal while overlooking the lush green farmland, partially dusted with fresh snow, made for an unforgettable and peaceful morning.

Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss are located in Vatnajökull National Park in northeast Iceland, along the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River. This powerful river originates from the melting Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe.

Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, is an awe-inspiring sight. It spans 100m in width and plunges 45m into the rugged Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. With an average water flow of 193 cubic meters per second, its immense force generates a constant mist and a thunderous roar that can be heard from afar.

The 800m trail from the parking lot to the waterfall was uneven and rocky, with thin layers of ice forming due to the freezing temperatures, making the walk both challenging and thrilling.

Standing before the thunderous cascade of Dettifoss was a breathtaking experience. Don’t forget to take a moment to admire the raw beauty of the surrounding Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, its dramatic landscapes make this place truly unforgettable.

Another stunning waterfall, Selfoss, lies upstream along the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River. To reach it, we traced our steps back to the main trail and continued along the rocky path. As we approached, the terrain gradually shifted from rough rocks to softer ground, dotted with pools of water and striking layers of exposed soil, nature own artwork.

Though only 10m tall, Selfoss is no less impressive. Its elegant, curtain-like cascade provides a striking contrast to the raw power of Dettifoss. The smooth, flowing water adds a sense of serenity to the dramatic landscape, making it a must see in this incredible region.

Unfortunately, we were only able to visit the west side of the falls, as the road to the east side was closed.

Hafragilsfoss lies downstream of Dettifoss, a hidden gem tucked within the breathtaking landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park.

We drove along a dirt road until we reached a small parking area. From there, a short trail led us to an incredible viewpoints. The panoramic view of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon was absolutely jaw-dropping, rugged basalt cliffs, untouched wilderness, and the raw beauty of Iceland on full display.

Unlike its more famous neighbors, Hafragilsfoss has a unique charm. Spanning approximately 91m in width, it plunges 27m into the canyon below, surrounded by dramatic volcanic rock formations. Its remote and less visited location makes it feel all the more special, an awe-inspiring reward for those who venture off the beaten path.

We continued our journey along the road, treated to an incredible scenic drive. A vast, snow covered landscape stretched endlessly on both sides, creating a mesmerizing winter wonderland. The untouched white expanse, interrupted only by distant hills and rugged cliffs, made the drive feel almost surreal, like traveling through a postcard perfect Arctic scene. Every turn offered a new breathtaking view, a reminder of Iceland raw and ever changing beauty.

For lunch, we stopped at Beitarhúsið, a small restaurant tucked away along Road 1, quite literally in the middle of nowhere. It was the perfect place for a short break during our drive. We warmed ourselves with a hearty bowl of Icelandic lamb soup, a comforting dish packed with rich flavors, perfect for the chilly weather. Of course, we couldn’t miss trying icelandic hotdog bun, a simple yet satisfying treat. With good food and a cozy atmosphere, it was a great pit stop before continuing our journey through Iceland stunning winter landscapes.

Stuðlagil Canyon, Iceland Basalt Wonderland. Located in eastern Iceland, Stuðlagil Canyon boasts one of the largest concentrations of basalt rock columns in the country. Stretching 500m in length, the canyon is flanked by towering 20-30m high basalt formations on both sides of the river. With the vibrant turquoise waters of the Jökla River flowing through, this hidden gem is undoubtedly one of the must visit spots on this trip.

For many years, Stuðlagil Canyon remained submerged beneath the powerful currents of the Jökla River. It wasn’t until 2009, when a hydropower plant was built, that the river water level dropped by approximately 8m, revealing the breathtaking canyon. Though the canyon had long existed, it was only in 2016 that it was truly discovered. A year later, in 2017, it gained widespread recognition after being featured in an Icelandic airline advertising campaign, quickly becoming a sought after destination for travelers worldwide.

Upon arriving, we found the parking area packed with visitors. Basic toilet facilities were available, but it was clear that this once hidden spot had now become a popular attraction.

Our first stop was Stuðlafoss, a unique and beautiful waterfall surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns. Unlike typical waterfalls, Stuðlafoss is formed from solidified lava flows, making it a rare and fascinating geological wonder.

The 2km trail (one way) to the canyon was relatively easy, following a gravel path. However, on the day of our visit, strong winds made the walk more challenging. The ground was wet and slippery from earlier rain, making it difficult to explore the canyon up close. For safety reasons, we decided to admire the view from a distance rather than descend further to the riverbed.

Even from above, the twisted and curved basalt columns rising at various heights were absolutely breathtaking. The canyon sheer scale and the contrast between the dark basalt formations and the turquoise river made it look almost surreal, like something straight out of a fantasy world.

Stuðlagil Canyon journey from being hidden underwater to becoming one of Iceland top attractions is truly remarkable. For those exploring the east, this geological wonder is a destination not to be missed.

For the night, we stayed at Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir, a charming hotel surrounded by lush greenery and set beside a beautiful, tranquil lake. The peaceful atmosphere made it a perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant, savoring a warm and hearty meal that felt especially comforting after the chilly outdoor adventures.

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, Lady Aurora made her appearance in the night sky! The dancing green lights mesmerized everyone, filling the night with excitement and wonder. It was a magical end to an already incredible day in Iceland.

Overnight at Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir (twin room)