Description
Summary
Description
Step off the tourist trail and experience the pure beauty of East Iceland on this immersive 8-hour Studlagil Canyon and Highland circle day tour from Egilsstadir or Seydisfjordur. Explore Iceland’s most dramatic basalt canyon, soak in a wild hot spring with no crowds, and visit a record-breaking hydroelectric power plant in just a single day.
Perfect for nature lovers, curious travelers, or cruise passengers, this tour takes you off the beaten path to explore some of East Iceland’s most scenic locations. With a knowledgeable local guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll experience pristine landscapes and remote spots that most visitors miss.
Your day starts with morning pickup from Seydisfjordur or Egilsstadir, two colorful towns tucked into the Eastfjords. From there, travel inland in a modern vehicle with an English-speaking guide, passing rugged terrain, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
You’ll head to Jokuldalur Valley to see Rjukandi, one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, at nearly 305 feet (93 meters). Fed by the Ysta-Rjukandi river from Sandfell Mountain, its split streams and misty spray create the waterfall’s signature smoky appearance.
The tour continues to Studlagil Canyon, home to Iceland’s most impressive basalt column formations. This remarkable gorge sat hidden beneath for centuries until a hydroelectric project in 2009 lowered the water level and revealed its towering basalt formations.
Take a short hike on the west side to reach the Grund viewpoint, mostly along a flat, gravel path that makes it easy for travelers of all ages. From here, you’ll see the unique columns and a glacial river that turns turquoise between March and July. Even outside these months, the canyon’s rock formations make it unforgettable.
After exploring Studlagil Basalt Canyon, the tour continues deeper into the remote highlands to Hafrahvammagljufur. Carved where two canyons meet, this raw natural wonder plunges nearly 656 feet (200 meters) deep.
Due to its sheer cliffs and narrow formation, the sunlight barely touches the canyon floor, earning it the nickname “The Dark Canyon.” From a designated viewpoint, you'll be able to appreciate the scale of this hidden gem.
Then it’s time to unwind in Laugarvalladalur, a secluded valley with a warm stream that forms a hot spring. The water is naturally heated by a nearby dormant volcano, and a gentle waterfall flows into the pool, creating a soothing, shower-like effect.
There are no changing rooms—just a sheltering wall, open skies, fresh air, and the unique chance to experience Iceland’s geothermal tradition the way locals have for generations.
On your way back, visit Karahnjukar Dam, one of Europe’s largest hydroelectric projects. From late August to early October, the overflowing Halslon reservoir creates Hverfandi, a seasonal waterfall at the dam’s western end.
Venture into the heart of East Iceland on this unforgettable Highland Circle and Studlagil Canyon tour and discover a land shaped by glaciers, volcanoes, and time. Check availability now by choosing a date.
