Guide de Voyage : Cascade Studlafoss

Studlafoss waterfall, spelled Stuðlafoss in Icelandic, is a spectacular waterfall surrounded by basalt rock columns. Located in the Jokuldalur glacier valley, it marks the start of a remote hiking trail in East Iceland.

This ten-day self-drive tour of the Ring Road and this two-week Northern Lights winter road trip are examples of itineraries that provide opportunities to visit Studlafoss waterfall while in the East Fjords. Those who choose to rent a car can also visit Studlafoss waterfall during their trip to Iceland.

Studlafoss is off the beaten track, making an excellent stop-off for anyone wanting to get to know Iceland's more undiscovered natural features. Anyone driving around Iceland's Ring Road should visit.

Photo from Flickr by Oliver Wittenburg No edits made.

Physical Features of Studlafoss Waterfall

The Studlafoss waterfall is a fantastic East Iceland attraction. The hexagonal basalt columns that form this landmark are its most striking feature and give the waterfall its name. Its towering stones embody the geology for which Iceland is famous.

The basalt in the canyon creates unique landforms, and the waterfall is just the start of the impressive landscape surrounding it. This magical waterfall formed naturally by solidified lava from nearby volcanic activity.

The waterfall's lower columns are shorter and stacked in front of each other. They are covered with green vegetation, further enhancing the waterfall's colors.

You can enjoy panoramic views of the water and the surrounding basalt columns. Ideally, it would be best if you visited on a clear day to make the most of the views. Clouds can make the area more difficult to navigate.

How to Get to Studlafoss Waterfall

Studlafoss is relatively isolated, so it is more challenging to get to than some of Iceland's other attractions. You may not be able to find its location on some maps or satellite navigation systems.

Note there are two waterfalls with the same name in East Iceland. This one is not listed on Google maps and is near the Studlagil canyon.

Reaching the waterfall involves driving along rocky terrain and gravel roads, so be sure your vehicle is suitable for the journey before you set off.

From Egilsstadir, you should follow the Ring Road until you get to Skjoldolfsstadir. After about 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers), turn left onto road 923. Road 923 is a bumpy gravel road, and you should continue down here for around 8.7 miles (14 kilometers).

You will eventually get to a bridge on the river Jokla by a farm called Klaustursel. Here you can park your car and cross the bridge on foot. Here you'll find the start of a hiking trail that will lead you to Studlafoss waterfall.

This easy hike is around 1.2 miles (two kilometers) one way. You can continue after the waterfall to Studlagil canyon. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and good hiking shoes or boots.

Things to Do Near Studlafoss Waterfall

Studlafoss waterfall is close to Studlagil Canyon, another of Iceland's spectacular natural features. The canyon has the most basalt rock columns found in Iceland and a beautiful blue-green glacial river running through it. Don't forget your camera for this one!

If you haven't had your fill of waterfalls, you can head to the nearby Rjukandi waterfalls, 14 miles (23 kilometers) north of Studlagil Canyon. These are a series of waterfalls that vary in height. The biggest is Rjukandafoss which is 456 feet (139 meters) high.