Stuðlagil Canyon hike and Vök Baths: East Iceland shore excursion

Basalt columns, a turquoise river, and a geothermal soak in one day

This seven-hour shore excursion from East Iceland combines a hike to Stuðlagil Canyon (a remote gorge carved through dramatic basalt formations) with a stop at Rjúkandi Waterfall and time in Vök Baths' geothermal pools. You walk approximately 5 km total along mostly flat gravel paths with two gradual inclines, reaching the canyon floor to stand among the columns and glacial river. Vök Baths admission is included. An English-speaking guide leads the group, and hotel pickup is provided. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Stuðlagil Canyon and Vök Baths

• Drive to Rjúkandi Waterfall
• Walk to Rjúkandi Waterfall
• Drive to Stuðlagil Canyon
• Hike east side of Stuðlagil Canyon
• Explore canyon for 2-3 hours
• Travel to Vök Baths
• Relax in geothermal pools at Vök Baths

The experience

Stuðlagil Canyon sits deep in the remote Jökuldalur Valley of East Iceland, accessible only by driving through countryside most visitors never see. The tour starts at Rjúkandi Waterfall, where you take an easy walk up to the falls before the drive continues to the canyon itself. The real hike (about 2.5 km each way on mostly flat gravel) descends the east side of the gorge with two gradual slopes that feel manageable for anyone in normal walking condition. What makes it worth the walk is what waits at the bottom: towering basalt columns stacked like organ pipes, and the glacial river running between them. In most of summer the water runs clear and turquoise. By early August it shifts to grey as glacial melt increases. You have roughly two to three hours to explore, photograph and simply stand in the presence of the formation.

After the canyon, the tour heads to Vök Baths, a geothermal complex on Urriðavatn Lake. The pools float directly on the water, and the facility includes a steam bath, a cold mist tunnel, a bar, and Vök Bistro serving food based on local and sustainable ingredients. Admission is included in the tour price. You bring your own swimwear and towel. The contrast between the remote hike and the warm, developed comfort of the baths is deliberate: the day moves from wilderness to ease.

What’s included

• Admission to Vök Baths.
• English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and transport through East Iceland.
• short walk to Rjúkandi Waterfall.
• approximately 5 km hike to Stuðlagil Canyon and time to explore the basalt formations.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (2 to 5 years): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tanni Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day combining canyon hiking with a geothermal soak. The hike is mostly flat with two gentle slopes, and the warm water follows the walk rather than standing alone.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (2 to 5 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the hike to Stuðlagil Canyon?

The hike covers 5 km total (2.5 km each way) on mostly flat gravel paths with two gradual inclines and declines. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the canyon floor and is generally easy and manageable for anyone in normal walking condition, though the slopes may feel slightly challenging for some.

What is Stuðlagil Canyon actually like when you get there?

Stuðlagil Canyon is a gorge carved through basalt columns that rise dramatically from the glacial river below. In summer the water is often clear and turquoise. By early August it turns grey as glacial melt increases. You stand on the canyon floor surrounded by these formations, with roughly two to three hours to explore and photograph.

What does Vök Baths include, and what do I need to bring?

Vök Baths admission is included in the tour. The facility has floating pools on the lake, a steam bath, a cold mist tunnel, a bar, and a restaurant. You need to bring your own swimwear and towel.

How long is the whole tour, and when does it start?

The tour runs seven hours total. Hotel pickup is included, and an English-speaking guide leads the group throughout the day.