Matkaopas: Múlagljúfurin kanjoni

Mulagljufur, spelled "Múlagljúfur" in Icelandic, is a hidden canyon situated at the edge of Southeast Iceland. 

Those who love the outdoors can explore this beautiful haven through a self-drive tour to the south like the 8-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour, which also takes visitors to other popular attractions in South Iceland such as the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Mulagljufur, whose name translates to "Mules canyon," remains unknown to average adventurers due to its remote location. There are no signs to guide visitors to the site, making the canyon seemingly inaccessible. Still, Mulagljufur is widely considered one of the best hiking locations in Iceland by those who have already visited this beautiful site.

Exploring Mulagljufur

Mulagljufur canyon is a concealed place in a rather much-frequented region. The area is covered in green moss and overgrown bushes, brimming with various types of wild flora and fauna, and has narrow tracks comprised mainly of gravel.

The site is ideal for hiking, especially during summer. However, such activity is not advisable during autumn and spring as the trails become muddy and slippery, which is unsuitable for exploring the area.

The same goes for winter when snow replaces the vibrant green moss, and the terrain becomes nearly impossible to navigate.

Hidden Gems within a Hidden Gem

Nestled within the Mulagljufur canyon are hidden waterfalls known as Hangandifoss and Mulafoss. They make hiking at Mulagljufur an even more rewarding experience with their cascading waters and spectacular views. 

These two waterfalls might be among the tallest and most beautiful in Iceland. But due to the lack of proper signages and information about the area, these falls are often left unnoticed. 

Aside from the Hangandifoss and Mulafoss waterfalls, visitors will also get a view of the Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon, Vatnajokull glacier, and Hvannadalshnukur mountain when hiking up the Mulagljufur canyon, thus offering a unique overall experience to nature enthusiasts who choose to visit this breathtaking site.

How to Get to Mulagljufur?

Mulagljufur canyon is situated 231 miles (372 kilometers) from Reykjavik City. Visitors coming from Iceland's capital will have to drive approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach the canyon via the Ring Road. 

First-timers may find the journey challenging because there are no signages along the way to point toward the canyon's location. 

It's a long drive, and visitors will pass some of South Iceland's other famous attractions along the way, such as the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. 

As visitors get closer to Mulagljufur on the map, they should keep an eye out for a small gravel road off Ring Road. The parking lot of the canyon is just next to this rough path. If they reach Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond beach, they've gone 15 minutes too far and will have to turn around.

Other Popular Sites Nearby

South Iceland is home to many natural wonders and hidden gems. Aside from the Mulagljufur canyon, other less-known attractions in the region worthy of being visited include Fosslaug hot spring and Thakgil canyon. 

On the other hand, popular attractions in the area include the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Reynisfjara black-sand beach, and the Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon, which can be explored thru many tours like the Fantastic 6.5 Hour Glacier Hiking Tour.