4x4 only (F-road). Requires a legal 4x4 — F-road access with possible river crossings. Standard rental cars are not permitted.
Sigöldugljúfur is on Fjallabaksleið nyrðri (F208), a mountain road that opens for summer only. Opening dates change every year: confirm on road.is.
Hidden deep within the Icelandic Highlands, this surreal, off-the-beaten-path canyon features countless pristine blue waterfalls weeping directly from the volcanic walls into a vibrant turquoise river.
Story & Legend
Because it was heavily obscured by massive glacial river flows for centuries, Sigöldugljúfur was largely ignored by early settlers. It is often referred to locally as the 'Valley of Tears' due to the sheer number of small waterfalls seemingly crying out from the porous rock faces.
Geology & Science
The canyon is a dramatic showcase of Iceland's hydrology and human engineering. The water weeping from the cliffs is spring-fed, filtered through porous lava fields for decades, which strips away glacial silt and leaves it striking blue. The canyon was originally carved by the mighty Tungnaá river, but the construction of the Sigalda hydroelectric dam in the 1970s diverted the main glacial flow, suddenly revealing these hidden spring-fed waterfalls.
Safety
Accessing Sigöldugljúfur requires driving on Highland F-roads (specifically a rough section of F208), which mandate a 4x4 vehicle by law. The gravel roads are incredibly rough, corrugated, and subject to sudden closures. There are no guardrails at the canyon edge, and the volcanic rock overhangs can be crumbly and unstable. Stay well back from the sheer drop.
Photo Tip
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sheer scale of the numerous waterfalls lining the canyon walls. A polarizing filter is absolutely essential here to cut the glare on the turquoise water and to deeply saturate the vibrant green moss contrasting against the dark rock.
Insider Tip
You cannot see the canyon from the parking area. You must park your car near the Sigalda power station pipelines and walk over the hill for about 10 minutes. The canyon suddenly opens up beneath your feet in a jaw-dropping reveal.
Best Time to Visit
Late June to early September, when the F-roads are legally open.
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking boots for the rocky walk and layers to protect against Highland winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4x4 to reach Sigöldugljúfur?
Yes, absolutely. The canyon is located in the Highlands and requires driving on F-roads. It is illegal and highly dangerous to drive a standard 2WD rental car on these roads.
Are there river crossings to get to Sigöldugljúfur?
If you approach from the north (Route 26 to F208), there are no major unbridged river crossings to reach the canyon parking lot. However, continuing south on F208 towards Landmannalaugar involves several deep rivers.
