Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike – the ultimate backpacker guide (2024)

Tucked away in Iceland’s wilderness, Múlagljúfur Canyon is a geological masterpiece sculpted over millennia. Its soaring cliffs and the gentle Múla River create a pristine oasis. Múlagljúfur is nature’s grandeur, an invitation to explore Iceland’s captivating wilderness.

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Backpacking Iceland – Everything you need to know

October 29, 2023

What is Múlagljúfur Canyon?

Múlagljúfur Canyon, often referred to as Múla Canyon, is a striking natural wonder located in Iceland. This canyon is known for its rugged beauty, dramatic cliffs, and pristine wilderness.

The Múlagljúfur Canyon is situated in the southern region of Iceland, next to the Fjallsárlón Glacier and not far from the popular Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach. It’s a part of the country’s South Coast, which is famous for its remarkable natural landscapes.

Like many other canyons in Iceland, Múlagljúfur was carved out by the powerful forces of nature over thousands of years. Múlagljúfur is renowned for its steep, narrow canyon walls, lush greenery, and the Múla River that meanders through its depths. The canyon’s cliffs can reach impressive heights, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors often remark on the canyon’s raw, untamed beauty, which epitomizes the remote and pristine landscapes that Iceland is famous for.

Do you like natural canyons like Mulagljufur? Check out Hafrahvammagljúfur – one of Iceland’s best kept secrets.

How to get to Múlagljúfur Canyon?

To reach Múlagljúfur Canyon, the easiest way is to take Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, which encircles Iceland. Afterward, you’ll turn onto an unnamed unpaved road leading to the canyon’s parking area. The hike to the canyon’s edge starts from there.

The unpaved section is only 2km long, and while it can be a bit rough, you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to drive on it. Below are the exact location of the turn to the canyon and the drive to the parking lot from the ring road:

Turn to Múlagljúfur Canyon

Drive to the parking lot

Múlagljúfur Canyon: Hike Details

Overall, you’re looking at a 6km hike round trip, with a total elevation of about 300-350 meters, both positive and negative. To our surprise, even on maps.me there is only one section of the trail, with the second one missing.

The hike’s difficulty level is easy, as there are no sections that require specific care or skills. Expect the trip to take you about 1h-1.5h for the way up (including some breaks for pictures at the viewpoints), and about 45 minutes on the way down.

It is not a loop trail, which means you will have to retrace your steps on the way back. Below you can see the maps for the section 1 (trek to the Hangandifoss waterfall viewpoint) on the left and the furthest point you can reach on the right.

Section 1

Section 2 (furthest point you can reach)

NOTE: Although not present on google maps nor maps.me, the trail of the second section is easily recognizable. From Hangandifoss, just keep walking up following the path and you won’t have problems.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Section 1: from the parking lot to Hangandifoss

The hiking trail starts right from the parking lot. Although the path isn’t heavily marked with signs at the beginning, it’s quite easy to follow, and you’ll spot wooden sticks that show you the way. This simple guidance ensures you won’t get lost.

The hike is renowned for being one of the most scenic in Iceland. In fact, at all times you will be able to see a glacier, the ocean, the gorge and stunning waterfalls.

As you walk up following the wooden sticks, you’ll have to cross a stream before finally reaching the picture-perfect view of the Mulagljufur Canyon. This is one of the best views of Mulagljufur canyon, so make sure to spend some time around here. The waterfall you can spot on the right side of the canyon is Hangandifoss.

From this point, the initial segment of the hike unfolds just a stone’s throw from the canyon’s precipice. With every step, the path reveals a fresh vista of awe-inspiring beauty.

Keep walking until you reach the Hangandifoss viewpoint, signaling the conclusion of this initial leg of the journey. At this point, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled view of the Hangandifoss waterfall, perfectly positioned on the opposite side of the gorge. It’s from this vantage point that you’ll enjoy the most stunning perspective of this natural wonder.

Here is also where the waterfall at the end of the gorge finally aligns with the canyon, creating this picture-perfect view you may have already seen online.

Section 2: from Hangandifoss to the top

The second part of the trail looks pretty much like the first. It’s a bit steeper in places, but not much different from the path to Hangandifoss. Your aim here is to reach two viewpoints, which are right next to each other at the end of the trail. The trail ends at the peak, which you can see in the middle of the image below.

Although the path is not marked on maps.me or google maps, it’s easy to follow once you’re there. From Hangandifoss, expect the hike to take you about 30-45 minutes to reach the top.

The left viewpoint stands higher among the two, providing a panoramic vista that includes a picturesque waterfall in the distance and the left branch of the Múlagljúfur Canyon.

On the opposite side, the second viewpoint offers a breathtaking sight, showcasing the Múla waterfall and the glacier that gave birth to the entire Múlagljúfur canyon.

Best time to visit Múlagljúfur Canyon

The best time of day to visit Múlagljúfur Canyon is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During these times, the canyon is often less crowded, and the lighting can be especially beautiful for photography.

When planning your visit to Múlagljúfur Canyon, consider the summer months as the most favorable period. These months typically span from June to September and offer the ideal conditions for exploration. During this time, the canyon’s accessibility is at its peak, as the roads are usually free of snow and open to vehicles. The Icelandic landscape adorns itself with lush greenery, and the weather is generally pleasant.

Furthermore, the extended daylight hours in the Icelandic summer create a picturesque backdrop for your adventures.

Entrance Fee

There is no entrance fee to visit Múlagljúfur Canyon. The car park is also free of charge.

Best tips for visiting Múlagljúfur

Here are some valuable tips for visiting Múlagljúfur Canyon:

Plan Your Timing: Opt for early morning or late afternoon for your visit to avoid crowds and benefit from beautiful lighting conditions for photography.
Summer Exploration: The ideal time to visit Múlagljúfur is during the summer months, typically from June to September, when the roads are free of snow, the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is lush and vibrant.
Sturdy Footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes suitable for unpaved terrain and changing weather conditions.
Canyon’s Edge Caution: Exercise caution when approaching the canyon’s rim. The rocks along the edge may not always be stable, posing potential danger. Stay a safe distance from the precipice to ensure your safety.
Layered Clothing: Iceland’s weather can change rapidly. Dress in layers to adapt to varying temperatures, and don’t forget waterproof clothing.
Mind the Environment: Respect the pristine environment. Do not leave any trash or litter behind and follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
Trail Safety: Stay on designated trails and paths to preserve the natural habitat, and be cautious around the canyon’s edge, particularly on windy days.
Carry Essentials: Pack essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a fully charged phone in case of emergencies.
Explore Nearby: Consider exploring the Fjallsárlón Glacier nearby for a more complete experience of the area’s natural wonders.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to Múlagljúfur Canyon

Nearby places of interest

While Múlagljúfur Canyon itself is a breathtaking natural wonder, the surrounding area offers additional attractions and activities to enhance your visit. Here are some nearby points of interest:

1) Lakagígar Craters

Explore the stunning Lakagígar Craters, a volcanic fissure system with a unique landscape of craters, lava fields, and colorful rock formations. This visit requires a long detour and a 4×4 vehicle, but it’s a fascinating geological site and a great addition to your itinerary.

2) Eldhraun Lava Field

Just a short drive away, you’ll find the Eldhraun Lava Field, one of the largest lava fields in Iceland. Its moss-covered lava rocks create an otherworldly, ethereal landscape that’s perfect for exploration and photography.

3) Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

If you’re captivated by canyons and you want to explore more, make sure to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This gorge is known for its steep, serpentine shape and lush green surroundings, and it’s a remarkable location for hiking and photography.

4) Skaftafell National Park

A bit further to the east, you can discover Skaftafell National Park, a vast wilderness area that offers a wide range of hiking trails, including routes to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall and panoramic viewpoints overlooking glaciers.

5) Vatnajökull Glacier

The Vatnajökull Glacier, one of Europe’s largest glaciers, is a must-see natural wonder in the region. You can take guided glacier tours, ice cave explorations, and witness the impressive ice formations.

Be prepared: Iceland packing list

Make sure to be fully prepared for your trip and include the following:

Must-Have Items

A good rain jacket. You want to have a good rain coat with you when visiting Iceland, as the weather can change unpredictably. There’s plenty of shops in Reykjavik that sell – and even rent – rain jackets for your Iceland vacation.

We would recommend a good one like the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket or the Columbia Women’s Pouring Adventure II Jacket. Quality jackets can be a bit pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a trip to Iceland.

Waterproof overpants. It somehow seemed an unnecessary item to bring before reaching iceland, but it turned out to be one of those items we used daily. Bring a pair of those, you won’t regret it. Check out Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant and Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant.

Warm Socks: Packing merino wool socks for Iceland is crucial to keep your feet warm and dry in the diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. For summer, check out DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Liner Socks, they are great quality and quite thin. If you’re travelling in the coldest months, consider getting knee-high wool socks.

Warm clothing: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack thermal layers, including merino wool for its excellent insulation, insulated gloves (especially for winter), and a good quality winter hat.

Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain. For top-notch gear, you can’t go wrong with brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and La Sportiva. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Merrell and Altra have got you covered.

Please note: If you’re gearing up for glacier walks or ice caving, make sure to go for rigid boots that can fit crampons. Flexible boots offer greater comfort for hiking, but you might struggle if you need to use ice spikes.

Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland has clean, safe and free drinking water everywhere. Therefore, you don’t need a fancy filtration system like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz for Iceland.

Save money and cut down on waste by opting for a reusable water bottle. The ideal solution for Iceland is one that works well for both hot and cold beverages.

Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and sunscreen, as these can be expensive in Iceland.

Headlamp/Flashlight: In Iceland’s long winter nights or for exploring caves, for chasing auroras or for walking around your campsite, a reliable light source is crucial. We have this one and simply love it, it’s incredibly cheap, bright plus the battery lasts so long.

Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during outdoor adventures, especially if you’re planning to camp in Iceland. We recently picked up a fast-charging power bank from INIU that works like a charm. Just be sure to grab one with enough capacity for all your devices.

Additional Items

Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for relaxing in geothermal pools and hot springs.

Backpack: A sturdy, weather-resistant backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during outdoor excursions. If you plan on doing lots of hiking, we recommend a dedicated backpack. You have countless options on the market, but one like Men’s Osprey Talon 22L or Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L would be perfect.

Camera and Binoculars: Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, so bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.

Local Currency: Have some Icelandic Krona (ISK) on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. We never used cash in Iceland, so it’s not something you must bring around, but in a couple of situations it would have been handful.

Food and Drinks: Due to Iceland’s relatively high prices, especially for alcohol, and limited food options in some areas, consider carrying some essential snacks and beverages.

Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking, consider bringing trekking poles, a compact first-aid kit, and gaiters.

Wet Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when camping or on long road trips. These can easily be bought once you land in Iceland, or packed in your backpack before leaving. Check these flushable ones if you’re looking for some.

Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for various outdoor tasks, especially when camping or preparing food. Here is a cheap one.

Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives, flights or while camping. The provided ones aren’t always the best. Here is a good one.