Múlagljúfur in Vatnajökull National Park

#5 of 50 sights in Vatnajökull

Sight · Vatnajökull National Park

Múlagljúfur

Glacial canyon with twin falls and jaw-dropping ridge views

Type
Sight
Nearest trail
1.4 km
  • Trailhead
  • Parking
  • Scenic viewpoint
Parkwolf audio tour102 stories across Vatnajökull’s roads

Overview

About Múlagljúfur

Múlagljúfur is a glacially carved canyon of cliffy walls, moss, and waterfalls—most famously Hangandifoss with Múlafoss deeper in the gorge. On clear days you’ll snag big‑sky views toward the surrounding glaciers, and you’ll often spot birds circling inside the canyon. It’s dramatic, photogenic, and still feels wilder than the South Coast’s headline stops.

Why stop

  • Signature views of Hangandifoss and Múlafoss in one canyon
  • Multiple route options from a short ridge viewpoint to a longer push
  • Quieter feel than nearby South Coast hotspots

Heads up

  • No facilities at the trailhead
  • Unsigned, pothole‑ridden gravel access road with paid parking
  • Steep, muddy sections and a small stream crossing

Map

Where it is

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SightMúlagljúfur63.98906, -16.46390
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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Múlagljúfur

  1. Arrive before 9 am or after 6 pm for lighter crowds and better light.

  2. Download offline maps and the parking app before leaving the Ring Road.

  3. Wear waterproof boots; there’s a short stream crossing and often mud.

  4. Bring layers—wind on the ridge can make it feel much colder.

  5. Follow the posts and stay on tread; don’t step on the fragile moss.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

  • Season: June–September offers the most reliable, snow‑free footing; winter conditions demand experience and extra caution. Shoulder seasons can be muddy and slick.
  • Day of week & crowds: Midday and early afternoon tend to draw more hikers; Fridays and mid‑week afternoons can be the busiest. Aim for early morning or after 6 pm for thinner crowds and gentler light.
  • Hours: Effectively open all day—plan around weather and light, not gates.

Getting There & Parking

Turn off Route 1 onto an unsigned gravel spur and drive slowly—potholes abound. Trailhead/parking is near 63.9888, -16.3957. Parking is paid (via app/QR), and cell signal can be spotty, so download the app and offline maps beforehand. In good weather most cars make it; in wet or winter conditions, a higher‑clearance/4×4 is the safer call.

1 active Vatnajökull alert

  • ClosureFosshvammur permanently closed at DettifossFosshvammur at Dettifoss is permanently closed to all traffic; do not enter.Official details
Vatnajökull alerts
A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone
Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Vatnajökull Tour Guide

Your drive to Múlagljúfur, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Vatnajökull National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

More stories near here in the app

  • Reading the Rivers: Clear vs. Grey
  • 102 audio storiesacross Vatnajökull’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
  • Wildlife heatmapsfor Grey Seal, Harbor Seal, Caribou, and 13 more
  • Works offlinemaps, 16 trails, 72 places, and audio download before you lose signal
  • CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
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Guide

More about Múlagljúfur

The HikeFrom the parking area, a mostly uphill path follows posts and a creek toward the canyon.

From the parking area, a mostly uphill path follows posts and a creek toward the canyon. Expect braided tread, a brief stepping‑stone stream crossing, and sections that are narrow, steep, and slick when wet. The classic ridge viewpoint is a shorter out‑and‑back (about 3.9 km roundtrip with ~180 m gain). Continuing above Hangandifoss toward Múlafoss lengthens it to roughly 5.8–6 km roundtrip and ~410 m of gain, with steeper, more exposed stretches. Plan anywhere from 1.5–2.5 hours for the standard outing, and up to 2–4 hours if you explore higher and linger.

Scenery & PhotographyThe iconic composition frames Hangandifoss in the foreground with Múlafoss beyond, all wrapped…

The iconic composition frames Hangandifoss in the foreground with Múlafoss beyond, all wrapped by green canyon walls. Morning light is usually kinder than harsh midday; angles often improve if you continue past the first viewpoint. Bring grippy footwear—slick rock and mud don’t play nice with tripods—and expect wind along the ridge.

Conditions, Safety & EtiquetteFooting: Rocky, sometimes muddy, and slippery when wet; sturdy waterproof boots help.
  • Footing: Rocky, sometimes muddy, and slippery when wet; sturdy waterproof boots help. Trekking poles are handy on the upper sections.
  • Weather: It changes fast. Pack layers, a warm hat/gloves even in summer, and rain protection.
  • Edges: Wind is common along the ridge—mind your footing near drop‑offs.
  • Leave No Trace: Stay on the marked path to protect fragile moss, and pack out everything. Drones require permission.
Nearby PairingsIf you’re road‑tripping the South Coast, this pairs well with Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón…

If you’re road‑tripping the South Coast, this pairs well with Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoons (plus Diamond Beach), or a half‑day at Skaftafell for more trails and services.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Vatnajökull

All Vatnajökull wildlife maps

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Vatnajökull. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Parkwolf’s Vatnajökull ranking

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