Eldgjá Canyon — Volcanic Fissure Chasm and Ófærufoss Waterfall Viewpoint

Eldgjá is a 40-kilometre-long, 600-metre-wide volcanic fissure that erupted in 934 AD and reshaped southern Iceland’s landscape permanently. Deep in the canyon, Ófærufoss waterfall drops in two tiers through a basalt gorge — it’s the kind of scale that makes your rig look like a toy. The F233 track connects this place to the Landmannalaugar-Þórsmörk corridor, making it a legitimate spur or detour for overlanders running the Laugavegur highland loop. Crowds are real in July and August, but nothing like the coast.

Access is via the F233 from the Ring Road near Kirkjubæjarklaustur — a genuine F-road requiring 4WD and a river crossing at Sveinstindur that can run thigh-deep in snowmelt. The fissure itself is a short walk from the parking area. Snow closes this route from October through early June. No fuel, no services, no cell signal. Tank up and top off your water before leaving the Ring Road.

Earth's largest volcanic fissure, still raw.