A mysterious, narrow gorge hidden inside a deep mountain crack on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, just minutes from Arnarstapi.
Story & Legend
From the road, this looks like a mere crack in the mountain wall. Up close, it is a deep, narrow gorge you can walk inside. Legend says Bárður Snæfellsás (the guardian spirit) pushed his two nephews into this canyon in a fit of rage after they played a prank on his daughter, causing them to fall to their deaths. The canyon is named after one of them, Rauðfeldur (Red Cloak).
Geology & Science
A massive crack in the Botnsfjall mountain, likely deepened by glacial water erosion over millennia. Inside, a stream flows, and the walls are covered in vibrant green moss, creating a natural cathedral. The further in you go, the narrower and darker it gets.
Safety
You WILL get your feet wet. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential as you must step on slippery stones in the stream to enter. In winter, the entrance is often blocked by a wall of snow/ice and is impassable. Inside, there is a risk of falling rocks, so don't linger too long directly under the overhangs.
Photo Tip
It is very dark inside. You will need a high ISO. The best shot is actually looking OUT from inside the gorge, capturing the silhouette of the crack walls framing the bright sky and landscape outside. A person standing in the entrance provides great scale.
Insider Tip
You can climb up the small waterfall inside the gorge to go deeper into the mountain, but only do this if you have highly waterproof boots and are comfortable scrambling on slippery wet rocks.
Best Time to Visit
Summer. In winter, the gorge is often completely choked with deep snow and thick ice, making entry impossible or extremely dangerous.
What to Bring
Waterproof boots are mandatory. To actually get inside the crack in the cliff, you have to step on wet stones in the middle of a shallow stream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go inside Rauðfeldsgjá?
Yes, you can walk through the narrow opening in the cliff face and follow the stream into a mossy, echoing cavern hidden inside the mountain.
Who is Rauðfeldsgjá named after?
According to the Bárðar Saga, it is named after Rauðfeldur, a boy who was pushed into the ravine by the half-troll Bárður Snæfellsás after a tragic accident involving Bárður's daughter.
