Stuðlagil canyon - Private tour

Name: Stuðlagil canyon - Private tour
Brand: East Highlanders
Price: 1537.39 EUR
Availability: InStock

by East Highlanders · East Iceland

from €1,537.39 per vehicle

No published departures in the coming months — ask us

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Stuðlagil canyon - Private tour — East Highlanders

Stuðlagil canyon - Private tour, photo 2

Stuðlagil canyon - Private tour, photo 3

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Duration
5 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Season
All year
Starts in
Egilsstadir
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Guide
Guided in English, Icelandic
Start time
Time agreed after booking
Cancellation
Free until 2 days before

About this experience

Discover the raw beauty of East Iceland on this private 5-hour tour to one of the country’s most unique natural wonders – Stuðlagil Canyon.

Our journey begins with pickup in either Seyðisfjörður or Egilsstaðir, followed by a scenic drive through the Eastfjords. As we travel, your local guide will share stories about the people, the landscape, and the powerful forces that have shaped this remote part of Iceland.

The first stop is at Rjúkandi, the tallest waterfall in East Iceland. This often-overlooked gem offers a short and pleasant walk with rewarding views – a perfect introduction to the region’s dramatic nature.

From there, we head deep into the Jökuldalur valley toward the eastern side of Stuðlagil. A 30-minute hike takes us to the heart of the canyon, where striking basalt columns tower over the glacier-fed Jökla river. When the water is clear, it takes on an otherworldly turquoise hue that contrasts beautifully with the dark volcanic rock.

For those who prefer a shorter walk or have limited mobility, there is also an option to view the canyon from the west side, where a staircase leads down to a viewing platform.

Formed in secrecy and only revealed after the construction of the Kárahnjúkar hydro-dam, Stuðlagil has quickly become one of Iceland’s most captivating hidden gems. This tour gives you front-row access to this geological wonder – with the intimacy and insight that only a private, guided experience can provide.

Whether you're a photographer, nature lover, or simply curious traveler, this tour offers a powerful glimpse into Iceland’s elemental forces and untouched beauty.

Operated as a private tour for 1–7 passengers.

Description from the operator, East Highlanders. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

Where you go

Pickup & Departure
Scenic Drive with Guided Commentary
Stop at Rjúkandi Waterfall
Drive to Stuðlagil Canyon (East Side)
Hike to the Canyon Viewpoint (East Side)
Return Hike & Drive Back
Drop-off

Included

Private guided tour (for 1–7 passengers)
Enjoy a personalized experience with a knowledgeable local guide throughout the journey.
Pickup and drop-off in Seyðisfjörður or Egilsstaðir
Comfortable transport in a private vehicle, adjusted to your group’s needs.
Local storytelling and regional history
Hear engaging stories about East Iceland’s nature, people, and past as you travel through the region.
Visit to Rjúkandi waterfall
A short walk to admire the tallest waterfall in East Iceland.
Hiking experience to Stuðlagil Canyon (30 min each way)
Walk along the Jökla river to reach the basalt formations on the east side of the canyon.
Photo stops and scenic viewpoints
Opportunities to take photos and enjoy the stunning East Iceland landscape at your own pace.
Flexible canyon access options
West-side viewing available for those who prefer not to hike.
Free water bottle for each guest
Stay refreshed during your adventure with a complimentary bottle of water provided for every passenger.

Not included

Meals or snacks
Food is not provided on this tour. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch or snacks. Light refreshments may be available for purchase if the food truck near the canyon is open.
Clothing or personal gear
Guests must bring appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and any personal gear needed for the hike or changing weather.
Free restroom access at all stops
Some rest stops may require payment to use restroom facilities. We recommend bringing small change or a credit card just in case.
Entrance fees (not applicable)
All sites visited on this tour are natural and free to access – no entrance fees apply.

Good to know

Warm, layered clothing
Include a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Even in summer, temperatures can be low in the highlands.
Good walking shoes or hiking boots
Closed-toe shoes with a sturdy sole are essential for the uneven ground near the canyon.
Hat and gloves (even in summer)
Especially useful on windy days or if the weather shifts.
Reusable water bottle (we provide one, but bring more if needed)
Stay hydrated during the hike and travel.
Camera or smartphone
You’ll want to capture the beauty of Stuðlagil and the East Icelandic landscape.
Your good mood 😄
Positive energy makes every adventure better.
Tag us on social media
Share your experience with #easthighlanders and #creatememories

The hike to Stuðlagil Canyon takes about 30 minutes each way
The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow but can be uneven in places. Good walking shoes are essential.
Weather in East Iceland can change quickly
Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and be prepared for wind or rain, even in summer.
Not everyone in the group has to hike
If you prefer not to walk to the canyon, it's possible to visit the west side for a shorter stop with a viewing platform.
Restroom access is limited
Facilities may not be available at all stops, and some restrooms may require payment. Please plan ahead.
Tour duration is approximately 5 hours
This includes driving, sightseeing, and hiking. The pace is relaxed and flexible to suit the group.
Complimentary bottle of water per person is provided
You’re welcome to bring additional drinks or snacks for the journey.
Limited mobile signal in remote areas
There may be little to no cell service during parts of the tour, especially in Jökuldalur.
Bring your camera or phone
Stuðlagil and the surrounding landscape are incredibly photogenic – don’t miss the chance to capture it. And feel free to tag us #EastHighlanders or @easthighlanders

Cancellation for this tour

Free cancellation until 2 days before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.

If the weather cancels this tour

Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is a forecast the operator judges unsafe. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.

1East Highlanders decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.

What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 2 days before departure, the operator's policy after that.

Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →

Who this is not for

Priced per vehicle, so it is poor value for one or two people and good value for four or more sharing.

Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.

Why we list it

East Highlanders is one of 207 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →

Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

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