Studlagil is a stunning gorge with columnar basalt formations and turquoise waters that is hailed as one of Iceland’s most beautiful sights. It is located just over 70km from the nearest town, Egilsstadir, and 225km from the capital, Reykjavik.
Until 2006, this awe-inspiring gorge had never appeared in any tourist guides or maps because it was completely hidden by the Jokla River. The river’s current was so fierce that the communities of sheep herders and villagers living on either side of the river were completely cut off from each other.
Surreal canyon in Iceland.
The rocks in the canyon have magical colors.
The area has a lot of basalt.
The water turned turquoise.
The Jökla River was once so violent that it split the Jökuldalur Valley in two. Farmers and villagers on either side were completely cut off from each other. To solve this problem, locals built a dam across the river, which reduced the water level. The dam was controversial because of its negative environmental impact, but without it, the canyon would never have been explored.
The construction of the Halslon reservoir was the beginning of the discovery of the beauty of this place. The reservoir project diverted the river flows, causing the water level of Jokla to drop significantly. The flow structure and the river water also changed, changing from a murky brown (of glacial sediment) to a unique turquoise color.
However, it took some time for this completely hidden gem to become a place of interest. In 2016, landscape photographer Einar Pall Svavarsson visited the canyon and captured some of its stunning images. Soon after, Studlagil began to gain popularity and attract tourists to explore.
Basalt columns in the canyon create a strange scene.
Volcanic sediments form beautiful spirals.
The canyon takes on a colorful hue in autumn.
Tourists take photos in the canyon.
Lying on either side of the crystal-clear blue stream are spectacular hexagonal basalt columns. The columns are similar in shape and uniform in appearance, looking man-made rather than the result of solidified lava formed over centuries.
The contrasting colors of the river water and the rocks on both sides create a surreal beauty of Studlagil Gorge. Visitors can come here early in the morning to take the best photos when the sun is just rising, shining down on the gorge.
Tourists visit surreal canyon in Iceland.
Blue water in the canyon.
On the other hand, with its unique beauty, visitors can also easily catch magical moments to take magnificent photos of Studlagil. Visitors can reach Studlagil by car from the west or by walking for 2-3 hours from the east. The visit should be carefully planned as this is a remote area. To admire the impressive turquoise water, you should avoid visiting Studlagil in August and September. At this time of year, the river flows rapidly and turns brown due to water from the Vatnajokull glacier pouring into the river and starting to fill the canyon.
