Studlagil Canyon: A Hexagonal Wonderland in Iceland

On this continuously changing island, we call Iceland, there are new wonders discovered every year. New waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, and canyons pop up all the time, as did Studlagil Canyon.

Even though the uncovering of Studlagil Canyon was a bit unorthodox, the results are the same, and what we are left with is an amazing geological wonder. In this article, we go through everything you need to know about Studlagil Canyon.

What is Studlagil Canyon

In a valley in the Icelandic Highlands, you’ll find striking geological formations created by Mother Nature and uncovered by humans. Studlagil Canyon is nothing short of magical, with massive hexagonal stone pillars that stand as a result of the geological events in the region.

In 2009, a massive reservoir for the nearby hydroelectric plant was finished and dammed up the otherwise ferocious river Jökla. This resulted in a mellower river with a significant drop in depth that led to the exposure of the giant basalt canyon in Iceland. Since then, it's been a popular place for visitors to experience Iceland's geology and the capabilities of its opposing natural forces.  What is the Geology of Studlagil Canyon?

Like many other areas in Iceland, Studlagil Basalt Canyon is a result of the country's violent volcanic forces. The hexagonal shape of the pillars is due to how the lava hardens after it becomes stagnant. After an eruption, much of the lava that comes out lies completely still and starts to cool down. When this happens, spots of lava begin to cool down and shrink, creating cracks in hexagonal patterns.

As these hexagonal cracks are formed, the lava field cools from the top down and creates these hexagonal columns. As the surrounding porous rock erodes away, the pillars are exposed.

Where is Studlagil Canyon?

You find Studlagil Canyon in the eastern part of the Icelandic Highlands. It’s far from most other attractions, and the main activity here is hiking and exploring the surroundings. The nearest town is Egilsstadir, about 70 kilometers away.

How to Get to Studlagil Canyon

You can reach Studlagil Canyon either by driving yourself or by joining a guided tour.

Join a Tour

The tours that include Studlagil Canyon will either be single-day tours from the nearby Seydisfjördur or multi-day tours that have the canyon as a stop between the north of Iceland and Egilsstadir.

Drive Yourself to Studlagil Canyon

If you are like us, driving yourself is the only way to have a proper adventure. From Egilsstadir, you can drive to either the White New York Bridge or the Main Parking Area. Both roads are almost the same, with the only difference being at the end of the trip.

Start by driving the Ring Road, heading north, until you reach one of many gravel roads in Iceland - Road 923. Take this road for about 15 kilometers until you reach the parking lot next to the bridge. If you continue on the same road (without crossing the bridge) for another 3 kilometers, you’ll end up at the Main Parking Area for Studlagil Canyon.

Hiking the Studlagil Canyon

When visiting the wilderness, you naturally want to feel the gravel under your feet when exploring the area. With spectacular landscapes and views, Hiking in Iceland is very popular, and hiking Studlagil Canyon is definitely a favorite.

There are two hiking trails at Studlagil Canyon, and both of them are easy hikes that won’t take up too much of your day. Despite this, remember to bring proper hiking boots and wind-and waterproof clothing since the ground can be a little uneven, and the Icelandic Wind is not to be trifled with.

Hike From the New York Bridge

This 10-kilometer hike will take about 4 hours to complete as a roundtrip and is considered an easy hiking trail. If you hike with the smaller members of the family or stop regularly to take pictures, you can count on a total of 5 hours. From the bridge, simply follow the river heading south until you reach the Studlafoss Waterfall. This will be the place to stop for a picture or two.

Hike from the Main Parking Area

If you want to hike on the northern side of Studlagil Canyon, you start at the main parking area and follow the trail heading north until you reach the Sudlafoss Waterfall. This is also an easy hike and will only take 2-3 hours to complete since it’s just 5 kilometers long.

Can You Swim in Stuðlagil Canyon?

If you want to, you can swim in Studlagil Canyon, but you can only do it once since the current will take you and give you an unwanted lift to the coast. For your own safety, don’t swim in Studlagil Canyon; rather, save the swimwear for the Vök Baths or any of the other hot springs in Iceland.

Other Things to Do Near Studlagil Canyon

Eastern Iceland is the least visited region in the country, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do here! Below are a few hot tips for both fun and relaxing places to visit and things to do in the vicinity:

• Spot Reindeer as they come down to graze in the winter, just north of Studlagil Canyon.

• “Shower” in the Laugarvellir Hot Pot north of Studlagil Canyon on a small mountain road. It’s a hot spring with a natural little waterfall that acts as a shower.

• Go horseback riding in the East Icelandic Wilderness.

Now It’s Your Turn to Visit the Hexagonal Marvel, Studlagil Canyon

Studlagil in Iceland is one of the best spots to visit if you want to see the magnificent capabilities of Mother Nature. This is believed to be the largest collection of hexagonal basalt columns on land in Iceland and worth a visit for anyone who is not afraid to drive for a bit.

If you want to get the most out of your holiday here on the island, ensure you rent a campervan in Iceland so you can explore freely and stay for as long as you like at places like Studlagil Canyon. There is no better way to brave the Land of Fire and Ice than on your own terms, so strap in and prepare for adventure!