Múlagljúfur Canyon with the Múlakvísl River flowing through moss-covered cliffs in South Iceland.

    Múlakvísl River winding through the steep green walls of Múlagljúfur Canyon in South Iceland.

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    Múlagljúfur Canyon

    Landmark

    Múlagljúfur Canyon is a steep glacial gorge located east of Skaftafell on Iceland’s South Coast. The canyon cuts deeply between moss-covered volcanic slopes and contains multiple waterfalls descending from hanging valleys. The composition resolves through vertical cliff walls, layered depth, and waterfall elements framed within a confined green ravine.

    63.98918, -16.46942

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    Gallery

    Múlagljúfur Canyon with the Múlakvísl River flowing through moss-covered cliffs in South Iceland.

    Múlakvísl River winding through the steep green walls of Múlagljúfur Canyon in S…

    Waterfall cascading into the moss-covered cliffs of Múlagljúfur Canyon, South Iceland.

    Aerial view of waterfalls inside Múlagljúfur Canyon in South Iceland.

    Múlagljúfur Canyon during a stormy afternoon with river and waterfall framed by moss-covered cliffs in South Iceland.

    Storm light over Múlagljúfur Canyon with Hangandifoss waterfall in South Iceland…

    Autumn view of Múlagljúfur Canyon with waterfall and river winding through steep green cliffs in South Iceland.

    Múlagljúfur Canyon with Hangandifoss waterfall and the Múlakvísl River in South …

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Moderate Hike

    90–180 min

    Elevation Gain

    300 m

    Best Light

    Overcast

    Light works best when overcast conditions reduce harsh shadows because diffused light preserves detail within the canyon’s steep walls.

    Why This Light

    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Year-Round Stable

    The trail is accessible throughout the year but conditions vary with weather and snow cover. Slippery sections and mud can affect footing after rain.

    Crowds

    Busy Sunrise/Sunset

    Restrictions

    Seasonal Access Risk

    Photography Notes

    From the main rim viewpoint, position slightly forward to align both waterfalls within the canyon frame. Moving laterally changes how the waterfalls stack against the rear walls and alters perceived depth. Shooting too high flattens the gorge and reduces vertical scale. Foreground ridges provide structural layering but should not block the canyon interior. Direct sunlight creates strong contrast between illuminated slopes and shaded canyon walls, reducing visible texture and compressing tonal range.
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    Nearby Places

    View all on map
    Fjallsárlón — 5.8 kmDiamond Beach — 15.1 kmJökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon — 15.4 kmSvínafellsjökull Viewpoint — 19.7 kmVestrahorn — 75.7 km(Eastfjords)Stokksnes Beach — 78.4 km(Eastfjords)Stjórnarfoss — 80.7 kmDverghamrar Basalt Columns — 81.4 km