A different kind of adventure in South Iceland – Nauthúsagil

Iceland’s most amazing attractions are the many waterfalls, and canyons found all over. But Nauthúsagil ravine is a special treat.

For a day of exploring otherworldly Icelandic attractions, we recommend you check out Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls, Nauthúsagil Ravine hike and then end with Skógafoss Waterfall and Skógar Museum.

Nauthúsagil

This canyon is one of Iceland’s magical sites. It’s a small ravine you can hike, with waterfalls and lush greenery. We recommend you wear sturdy shoes and waterproof clothing when going there since you will be walking beside a river and a waterfall the whole time. The walk can be treacherous, so be careful.

A wild rowan tree grows in the ravine, almost horizontally, giving the canyon an eerie look. The main trunk of the tree broke off nearly 100 years ago, but you can see it displayed in the nearby Skógar Museum.

The hike isn’t long, but there’s an elevation of about 1km and you will have to walk in water and on wet stones as well as getting sprayed by water from waterfalls. The hike is considered fairly easy but you will have to be sure on your feet to do the hike.

How to get to Nauthúsagil?

The best part about the ravine is that it is close to Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls.

To get to Seljalandsfoss, you take Route 1 (the Ring Road) to the South Shore from Reykjavík, past Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvöllur. Then you take a right turn, after about 1 hour and 46 minutes (signs point the way as well) and there you are at Seljalandsfoss, the famous waterfall of which you can walk behind.

Only a short distance away is Gljúfrabúi waterfall, a small waterfall inside a canyon. Then about 15-minutes down the road (249/F249) you come to a farm called Stóra-Mörk. There you find Nauthúsagil.

The famous picturesque waterfall Skógafoss is only a half an hour drive away from Seljalandsfoss. You can marvel at the waterfall both from the ground and up on the mountain. Skógar Museum, which is only a stone throw away, is also a recommended stop.

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