{"id":9537,"date":"2020-07-18T12:59:01","date_gmt":"2020-07-18T10:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fernwehmotive.de\/?p=9537"},"modified":"2025-05-24T16:31:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T14:31:27","slug":"mulagljufur-canyon-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fernwehmotive.de\/en\/mulagljufur-canyon-island\/","title":{"rendered":"M\u00falaglj\u00fafur Canyon - Tip for the Southeast of Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Impressive nature can be found almost at every corner in Iceland. But some places are especially fascinating and don't want to let you go. That's how I experienced it in M\u00falaglj\u00fafur Canyon, a breathtaking canyon in the southeast of Iceland. The canyon is not signposted and can only be reached after a short hike. Here you can read how to get to the magic canyon and what you can see on the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important! To make sure that the way to the viewpoint at M\u00falaglj\u00fafur Canyon remains as beautiful as it is: Stay on the well-trodden paths!<\/strong> The vegetation in Iceland is simply too sensitive. And where there are a few footprints, there are quickly more.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why visit M\u00falaglj\u00fafur Canyon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

M\u00falaglj\u00fafur is a beautiful canyon with steep rock faces and spectacular views. Two waterfalls plunge into the canyon where the glacial river M\u00falaa flows below. The river is fed by the melt water from the \u00d6r\u00e6faj\u00f6kull glacier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"M\u00falaglj\u00fafur
The Hangandifoss falls from 110 meters into the river M\u00fala.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u00d6r\u00e6faj\u00f6kull is part of the huge Vatnaj\u00f6kull glacier. The name refers not only to the glacier itself, but also to the volcanic massif below it, one of the largest in Iceland. The highest peak of the volcanic massif Hvannadalshn\u00fakur is with 2.110 meters the highest elevation of Iceland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the settlement of Iceland, the volcano \u00d6r\u00e6faj\u00f6kull has erupted twice. The ashes and glacier runs have destroyed many farms, the area became desolate and the glacier got a new name: \u00d6r\u00e6faj\u00f6kull. This means translated something like \"wasteland\" or \"desert glacier\". The volcano is still active, its last eruption was in 1727.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"M\u00falaglj\u00fafur
The glacial river M\u00fala carries little water in summer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A path leads you from the parking lot up to the upper edge of the canyon. For me it is one of the most beautiful views in Iceland. Because from up here you have not only the beautiful view into the canyon itself, but also a wide view over the two nearby glacier lagoons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Far view over the glacier lagoon Fjalls\u00e1rl\u00f3n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

M\u00falaglj\u00fafur Canyon is less well accessible and therefore much less visited than the better known Fja\u00f0r\u00e1rglj\u00fafur Canyon near Kirkjub\u00e6jarklaustur. It is also the much more beautiful of the both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to get there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The M\u00falaglj\u00fafur Canyon is located near the ring road between the village Hof and the Fjalls\u00e1rl\u00f3n glacier lagoon. About 3,4 kilometres west of the access road to Fjalls\u00e1rl\u00f3n the gravel road branches off. The canyon is not signposted. After about 2 kilometers the track ends at a small parking lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It was possible to drive on the track even with a normal car<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Parkplatz
The parking lot is located right next to the dam of the glacial river M\u00fala. This is also where the trail begins. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The gravel road was in July 2020 with some caution also with a normal car good to drive on. At the beginning of the track there were some strong bumps, but after that it got better. A four-wheel drive vehicle was not necessary. However, it is possible that the condition of the road will deteriorate, especially after rainfall. Just try it out. And if you have the feeling that the track is too bad, then it's also worth to do the extra kilometres by foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Description of the Hiking Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the parking lot, the trail starts on the left at the dam of the glacier river. Soon it forks, you take the left path uphill. Shortly after that a small creek comes up which you can easily jump over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Pfad
Here starts the path to the canyon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\"Pfad
The path is marked and clearly trodden out<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Later there is a bigger river to cross. This was possible simply by using some stepping stones. After heavy rain and after the snow has melted, this can of course look different. If you want to be on the safe side, take some wading shoes and trekking poles for the balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here you can see the bigger river that has to be crossed. In summer it had little water and was easy to cross.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After crossing the river the last ascent follows and after a few minutes you will reach the edge of the canyon. Here you have a great view of the first waterfall, the M\u00falafoss. If you turn right at the edge of the canyon, you will get the best view: from here you can see the whole canyon up to the waterfall Hangandifoss. The best place for a break! Enjoy the view!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quite a look, isn't it?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"M\u00falafoss
The M\u00falafoss is about 50 meters high. In sunshine a small rainbow forms in the lower part of the waterfall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can continue the way up the river. After a while you will come to a section littered with obsidian - also known as \"Dragonglass\" from Game of Thrones. But only look at it and take pictures - do not take it as a souvenir. The stones belong here and other hikers also want to enjoy the beautiful shiny obsidian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Obsidian
The shiny black obsidian is sharp-edged like glass.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Facts about the Hike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Length:<\/strong> about 4.7 kilometres return
Height difference: <\/strong>about 240 height meters
Duration:<\/strong> About 2 hours return
Difficulty: <\/strong>the path is marked and easy to find, some sections are steep, a river has to be crossed, but there are stepping stones (at least in summer, if it hasn't rained before, no wading is necessary)
Shoes:<\/strong> Ankle-high hiking boots are best suited, as it is a narrow path over rough ground.
GPS coordinates of the parking lot:<\/strong> 63\u00b059’34.9″N 16\u00b026’10.2″W (N63.993021 – W16.436167)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: Take enough water with you, the steep paths make you thirsty. There are also great places upstairs for a small snack with a view.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"M\u00falafoss
Up here at the edge of the canyon you will find many nice places for a little picnic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Tips for further Tours near the M\u00falaglj\u00fafur Canyon in Southeast Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A visit to M\u00falaglj\u00fafur Canyon can be combined with a trip to the glacier lagoons, the famous Diamond Beach or a hike in Skaftafell. You want to see puffins? Then I can recommend the guided puffin tour in Ing\u00f3lfsh\u00f6f\u00f0i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book Recommendations for Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. This does not make the product more expensive for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Guided Tours in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don't feel like wandering around on your own and would rather join a guided tour in Iceland? Nothing could be easier. If you book an excursion via the following affiliate links, you will support Wanderlust Motifs with a small commission. The tour will not be more expensive for you. Merci!<\/p>\n\n\n

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