Guide de Voyage : Nauthúsagil

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir.

Nauthúsagil is a narrow ravine in South Iceland, located beneath the glacial volcano Eyjafjallajökull. 

Explore this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland.

Location and History

A true hidden gem of Iceland's South Coast, the Nauthúsagil ravine sits behind the farm Stóra-Mörk, past the famed waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. The name of this natural pearl translates to ‘Bull Shed Ravine’ and references an outlying estate of Stóra-Mörk called Nauthús, that got abandoned in 1770. 

Environment and Vegetation 

One of Nauthúsagil’s most famed characteristics is the wild rowan tree which grows on its ridges. The rowan’s many trunks grow over the ravine in places, sometimes horizontally, creating a roof of leaves. The main trunk of the tree broke off in 1937 and part of it is currently on display at the nearby Skógar Museum. 

The ravine is furthermore dotted with waterfalls. Hikers can traverse through, but the rocks are slippery at points, which is why you will see several chains and ropes lining the walls of the ravine, meant for holding onto while hiking through.