Stuðlagil Canyon & Vök Baths: East Iceland shore excursion

Rjúkandi Waterfall, canyon viewpoints, and a float in heated lake water

This six-hour shore excursion through East Iceland combines three distinct stops: a short walk to Rjúkandi Waterfall in Jökuldalur Valley, viewing platforms and trails on the west side of Stuðlagil Canyon with views of dramatic basalt columns, and a soak in the geothermal pools at Vök Baths floating on Lake Urriðavatn. Admission to Vök Baths and air-conditioned transport are included. A live English-speaking guide leads the group. The tour does not include the hike down into the east side of the canyon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore East Iceland's natural highlights

• Drive to Rjúkandi Waterfall
• Walk to Rjúkandi Waterfall viewpoint
• Travel to Stuðlagil Canyon west side
• Walk scenic trails and view basalt columns
• Visit viewing platforms over canyon and river
• Head to Vök Baths geothermal pools
• Relax in floating pools and enjoy facilities

The experience

The route starts in the rural countryside of East Iceland, driving through Jökuldalur Valley to Rjúkandi Waterfall. You'll make an easy, accessible walk up to the waterfall before heading toward Stuðlagil Canyon. The valley itself is the draw here: open land and the sense of moving deeper into remote Iceland set the tone for what comes next.

At Stuðlagil Canyon, you spend roughly an hour on the west side, where scenic walking paths and viewing platforms look out over the dramatic basalt columns and the glacial river below. The walk from the parking area includes uphill and downhill sections and a fairly long staircase leading down toward the canyon overlook. Most of the summer the river runs clear with turquoise color, though by early August it shifts to grey-ish glacial water. This is a viewing experience, not a descent into the canyon itself.

After the canyon, you head to Vök Baths, a geothermal oasis on Lake Urriðavatn. The pools float on the water, and the facility includes a steam bath, cold mist tunnel, and a restaurant with views across the lake. Admission is included in your tour price. Bring or arrange swimwear and a towel if you plan to enter the water. The warm, mineral-rich pools are the natural end to a day of walking and viewing.

What’s included

• Admission to Vök Baths.
• air-conditioned vehicle with a live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Jun 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tanni Travel

Is this one for you?The canyon viewing involves a walk with uphill sections and a long staircase, and you'll spend time on your feet at each stop, so this suits travelers who are comfortable with moderate walking and don't need to descend into the canyon itself to feel satisfied by the visit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the walk like at Stuðlagil Canyon?

The walk from the parking area to the main viewpoints involves uphill and downhill sections plus a fairly long staircase leading down toward the canyon overlook. You spend roughly an hour total at the canyon exploring the platforms and trails on the west side. It's not a descent into the canyon itself.

Is food included in this tour?

Food and snacks are not included. Vök Baths has a restaurant on-site if you want to eat there, and the facility includes a bar at the main pool.

What should I bring to Vök Baths?

Bring or arrange swimwear and a towel if you want to enter the geothermal pools. Vök Baths has guest facilities on-site.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs six hours total, including stops at Rjúkandi Waterfall, Stuðlagil Canyon, and Vök Baths, plus driving time through East Iceland.