Matkaopas: Hafrahvammar

Hafrahvammar is a vast canyon, north of Dimmugljúfur Canyon in East Iceland. 

Hafrahvammar is also known by the diminutive Hvammar. At Hvammar’s most southern point you can locate the cave Magnahellir. It is believed that shepherds from the ancient farmstead Brú resided in this cave. Since 2008, the canyon has been a popular hiking destination, but hiking through the area wasn’t possible before the damming of Kárahnjúkar. 

Photo from Scenic 9 Hour Canyon Hiking Day Tour of Hafrahvammar with Transfer from Egilsstadir

Hiking

To reach the area, you can drive north of the Kárahnjúkavirkjun Reservoir until you reach the crossroads at Laugavellir. From there, a road leads to a parking area by the neighbouring canyon of Dimmugljúfur. From there, signs point to different hiking routes leading to both canyons.