Eldgja is a large volcanic canyon, a fissure, in the southern Icelandic highlands. It is around 40 km long overall, up to about 600 metres wide, and reaches up to about 270 metres deep. The canyon was formed by a huge fissure eruption in the 900s AD, often cited as 934 AD, with recent research dating it to about 939 AD and likely ending around 940.
What and where Eldgja is
Eldgja means Fire Canyon in Icelandic. It lies in the Fjallabak area between Landmannalaugar and Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
Geologically, Eldgja is part of the Katla volcanic system, formed by fissure vents of the Katla volcano that sits beneath Myrdalsjokull. In practical terms, that means this is a volcanic fissure landscape in the southern highlands rather than a single crater site.
The 900s AD eruption that carved the canyon
Eldgja was formed by a huge fissure eruption in the 900s AD, often cited as 934 AD. Recent research dates the eruption to about 939 AD, likely ending around 940.
It was one of the largest effusive eruptions of the last few millennia, covering roughly 780 square kilometres with lava.
Size: one of the world's largest volcanic canyons
Eldgja is regarded as one of the largest volcanic canyons in the world. The scale is broad rather than local, with a total length of around 40 km.
At its deepest point, the canyon reaches up to about 270 metres deep. At its widest, it is up to about 600 metres wide.
Ofaerufoss and what to see in the gorge
Ofaerufoss flows into the Eldgja gorge and is a main attraction. In this part of the canyon, the focus is the waterfall and the surrounding volcanic gorge landscape.
Getting there: the F208 and the Fjallabak highlands
Eldgja is reached in summer only by 4x4 on highland F-roads such as the F208. The F208 crosses the Fjallabak highlands past Landmannalaugar and Eldgja.
Access facts for this route are straightforward: highland F-roads, 4x4 only, summer only, and river crossings. For road conditions and travel safety information, check road.is and safetravel.is.
Visiting Eldgja on a highland tour
If you want to compare options, see highlands tours.
Plan for changing conditions
Iceland road conditions provides the current road information to check before a trip that includes Eldgja: canyon facts, access, and what to see.
