Recently Discovered Canyon

September 17, 2025 -- Stuðlagil Canyon is a basalt column canyon located in East Iceland. It is known for its towering hexagonal basalt formations and vivid turquoise river. It became visible when a hydroelectric project significantly reduced the flow of the Jökla river in 2009. Prior to that, the canyon remained submerged and hidden from the public eye.

The River Jökla 

Cloudy gray water

It was cold!

The Path

Basalt columns

Waiting for me

The canyon is 1640 feet long.

Viewing platform

The color of the river differs between seasons. The water wasn't very pretty when we visited in mid-September. It was a cloudy gray caused by the release of water by the dam.

Video of canyon

Lara at the canyon

Steps and paths