Eldgjá stretches 40 kilometers across Iceland’s interior, a massive volcanic fissure created during eruptions around 934-940 AD. The name means ‘Fire Gorge,’ and standing on its rim reveals a otherworldly canyon up to 270 meters deep and 600 meters wide in places. Waterfalls cascade into the fissure, and the scale is genuinely humbling — this ranks among the largest volcanic canyons on Earth. Access is via F208 through Landmannalaugar region.
The viewing area requires a short hike from where F208 crosses the fissure. Road conditions vary drastically with weather and season — what’s passable in a modified 4WD can become impassable overnight. Best accessed June through September when F208 is generally open. No facilities, no cell service, and weather changes fast here.
40km volcanic fissure, Earth's largest fire gorge
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Gjátindur, Skaftárhreppur, Iceland Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland |
| Miles from pavement | 32 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD |
| Access road surface | Rocky |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | June-September |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |