Raudfeldsgja Gorge on Snaefellsnes is reached off Route 574, with a short uphill walk of about 500 metres that typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Inside, visitors can scramble a short way along the stream, and going deeper means wading through ankle-deep water.
What and where Raudfeldsgja gorge is
Raudfeldsgja is a deep, narrow cleft in the Botnsfjall mountain on the southern side of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It lies near the fishing village of Arnarstapi on the south coast of Snaefellsnes.
The gorge is a mossy fissure with tall cliffs and light coming through a narrow slit.
The Bardar saga folklore behind the name
Raudfeldsgja is tied to the Bardar saga Snaefellsass, set on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The name relates to Bardur Snaefellsas throwing his nephew Raudfeldur into the gorge.
According to the saga, Bardur acted in revenge after Raudfeldur pushed his daughter onto drifting ice.
Scrambling into the narrow canyon along the stream
A small stream runs out of the gorge, and a river called Sleggjubeina flows through the narrow walls. Visitors can scramble a short way into the narrow canyon along the stream.
Getting there: the car park and uphill walk off Road 574
The gorge is reached off Route 574 on the southern Snaefellsnes coast. From the car park, a short uphill walk of about 500 metres leads to the canyon entrance.
The walk to the entrance typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
What to wear and expect inside the wet gorge
Exploring deeper means wading through ankle-deep water, so you will get wet. The rocks inside are wet and slippery, and waterproof footwear is recommended.
It is not advised outside summer.
Visiting Raudfeldsgja on a Snaefellsnes tour
If you want to compare options, see Snaefellsnes tours.
Allow time for the road
Check the Driving Distance Calculator when deciding how Raudfeldsgja Gorge: what to know before you go belongs in the rest of your itinerary.
