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Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Easy Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
2h15 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
5.6km
out and back
Elevation gain
440m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
455 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Moderately
Marked
Yes
Popularity
Moderate
Region
South
Start point
63.99299, -16.43641
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Múlagljúfur Canyon, also known as the "Secret Canyon," is a must-see destination in southeastern Iceland. Located near the renowned glaciers of Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón, this natural wonder remained a closely guarded secret among locals until the early 2020s. However, its popularity continues to grow, and it is poised to become a major tourist destination in the coming years. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore this exceptional place now!

Inside this magnificent, narrow canyon are the Hangandifoss and Múlafoss waterfalls. At 123 meters high, Hangandifoss is one of Iceland's largest waterfalls, offering a breathtaking spectacle. The final viewpoint has a few surprises in store, as very few photos of this location exist.

Once you reach the canyon's banks, the trail winds along the edges, providing an extraordinary hiking experience. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of Iceland's most stunning landscapes!

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike

Difficulties of the hike

The trail is clearly marked and does not present any particular difficulty except for a short, narrow passage along the side of a slightly vertiginous cliff. The climb is relatively steep in places but remains accessible to most hikers.

What you'll love

  • The exceptional views of the canyon and its two majestic waterfalls, especially Hangandifoss, which plunges 123 meters.
  • The relative tranquility of the site: Despite its growing popularity, Múlagljúfur remains much less crowded than major attractions in southern Iceland.

Practical information

Access and parking

From Route 1, take the unmarked gravel track located about 5 km west of the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon. A 4x4 vehicle is not necessary. Free parking is available at the end of the track, at the foot of the canyon.

Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Hangandifoss waterfall
Hangandifoss waterfall
Hangandifoss waterfall
Hangandifoss waterfall
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Hangandifoss waterfall
Hangandifoss waterfall
Múlafoss waterfall
Múlafoss waterfall
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Canyon de Múlagljúfur
Canyon de Múlagljúfur
Múlagljúfur canyon (drone shot)
Múlagljúfur canyon (drone shot)
Múlagljúfur canyon (drone shot)
Múlagljúfur canyon (drone shot)
Múlafoss waterfall (drone shot)
Múlafoss waterfall (drone shot)
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon – photo 18
Hangandifoss waterfall
Hangandifoss waterfall
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Northern Fulmar, a species of seabird that nests in the canyon
Northern Fulmar, a species of seabird that nests in the canyon

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/iceland/mulagljufur-canyon/