Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike: Every thing you want to know

Múlagljúfur Canyon has the whole lot you would need whereas mountaineering in Iceland – waterfalls, glacial views and rugged landscapes. Climbing Múlagljúfur Canyon was one among our favourite days in Iceland, and among the best hikes of all our time on this stunning nation. It is a comparatively fast hike that nearly any customer can full and provides superb 360-degree views! However how lengthy does the trek take, how tough is it, what are the crowds like, and what do you have to count on in your day journey? We’ll break down all the main points right here!

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All in regards to the Múlagljúfur Canyon hike

You could have seen journey images in Iceland of a deep, rugged valley overlooking not one, however two magnificent waterfalls; That is Múlagljúfur Canyon! This 5.8 km round-trip path consists of an elevation achieve of 367 meters and could be accomplished by hikers of all ages. From the principle viewpoint, you will be rewarded with views of Hangandifoss and Múlafoss Waterfalls, two of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. To get a greater view of Múlafoss Waterfall, situated on the far finish of the valley, proceed previous the principle viewpoint alongside a steeper path.

One in every of our favourite issues about mountaineering Múlagljúfur Canyon is the sensation that it’s comparatively untouched and never crowded like many different vacationer websites in Iceland. You will not discover the everyday crowds or car parking zone filled with tour buses that may generally be present in different vacationer spots in Iceland; Actually, should you’re as fortunate as we have been, you will have nearly your complete path to your self!

We discovered that the trail was not all the time effectively marked, but it surely was simple to search out your approach. The trek begins with a gradual climb as you strategy the valley. On this strategy, additionally, you will encounter two creek crossings; The depth of the water on the time of our go to meant that we might simply cross the crossings with out getting moist in any respect.

Nevertheless, this may increasingly not all the time be the case relying on altering climate circumstances all year long. As you proceed strolling in the direction of the principle viewpoint, there are a selection of trails of various distances from the canyon rim; Relying in your consolation stage, it’s possible you’ll wish to steer clear of the sting as it’s a straight drop.

When you attain the principle viewpoint, you will be rewarded with views of two beautiful waterfalls and water operating throughout the valley ground. Alongside the path, you will additionally have the ability to get pleasure from a view of the close by Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon and the Fjallsjökull Glacier. As talked about earlier, you may additionally determine to increase your trek to get a greater view of Múlafoss Waterfall which could be seen within the distance on the finish of the valley.

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Getting ready in your journey

As with all exercise in Iceland, you will have to ensure you are ready with applicable clothes and footwear. The climate can change in a short time and hikers ought to all the time be ready for opposed circumstances reminiscent of sturdy winds, rain and even snow. You may get a little bit little bit of the whole lot in Iceland! Earlier than embarking on any hike, we frequently test AllTrails for evaluations and up to date path circumstances written by fellow hikers. When touring to Iceland, it’s advisable to concentrate to the climate Vedur.isAs a result of this hike will not be a lot enjoyable within the rain.

Sporting layers of clothes, together with a water-proof and windproof jacket, is a good suggestion. Ensuring to put on supportive mountaineering footwear or boots may also enable you to navigate tough and generally slippery terrain. In fact, it’s also vital to carry sufficient water and a small first help equipment containing important objects.

What to Pack for Iceland • Our Final Iceland Packing Listing

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How one can get to Múlagljúfur Canyon

The Múlagljúfur Canyon hike is definitely accessible from the ring highway within the southeastern area of Iceland. We visited the valley on a day after we have been touring between the cities of Vik and Höfn on a counter-clockwise tour on the ring highway. The turnoff to Múlagljúfur Canyon could be discovered about 180 km east of the city of Vik and about 92 km west of the close by city of Höfn. We relied on Google Maps to information us to the right location of the route, because the route shouldn’t be effectively marked.

After turning off the ring highway, one other 8-minute drive alongside the 2-kilometre highway will take you to the picnic parking space. It is very important observe that this 2 km highway shouldn’t be solely paved, and you’ll have to drive fastidiously alongside the tough, rocky terrain. We have been nervous after we first began driving alongside the highway, however we drove slowly and had no issues navigating with our 2WD truck. Preserve driving till you attain the top of the highway; Right here you’ll find a small parking space and path.

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How tough is the Múlagljúfur trek?

AllTrails charges the Múlagljúfur Canyon hike as tough, however we discovered this hike to be extra average. There’s nothing technical in regards to the path, and the incline is pretty regular the entire approach (however not too tough). The steeper sections are close to the top of the hike as we continued previous the principle viewpoint to get a greater view of Molavos. A lot of the path is simple to observe, nonetheless, a couple of occasions we reviewed the offline path map (which we had downloaded beforehand). There are some places the place the paths observe the sting of the cliff, so these with a worry of heights might really feel a little bit cautious and watch their step.

If you’re an skilled hiker, you’ll possible discover this path to be a reasonably quick and strenuous hike. We personally accomplished the hike to the top of the path in 2-3 hours, which allowed us to cease regularly to take images.

This brief, extra-day journey provides you further time to discover many different close by websites within the space reminiscent of Svínafellsjökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake, and Diamond Seashore (however extra on these later!). These with much less mountaineering expertise might discover this path tougher; Alter your time expectations based mostly in your expertise stage!

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How busy will you be in your Múlagljúfur Canyon trek?

We took benefit of the lengthy summer time days in Iceland and accomplished this hike within the late afternoon/early night in July. Happily, we had your complete path to ourselves and there have been solely two different automobiles parked on the trailhead after we arrived. In fact, relying on the time of day and season of your go to to Iceland, the route could also be roughly crowded than this.

Should you go to within the late morning and early afternoon, it’s possible you’ll discover the path extra crowded. Though this path was one of many lesser-known websites in Iceland, it has gained recognition lately because of its engaging nature. Nevertheless, you can be removed from the tour buses and crowds that may be present in lots of Iceland’s different pure wonders; Perhaps that is why Múlagljúfur Canyon is one among our favourite stops on our Ring Street journey.

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How lengthy does it take to hike Múlagljúfur Canyon?

We accomplished the journey in about two hours with loads of stops for images and breaks. Any of the viewpoints could be an important place to cease for lunch or a snack. This hike was an important addition to our already packed day, together with Dyrhólaey Peninsula, Reynisfjara Seashore, Vik City, Fjadrargljufur Canyon and extra. Even with all the good sights to be present in Southeast Iceland, mountaineering Múlagljúfur Canyon is one we undoubtedly do not wish to miss.

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Issues to see in Mulagljufur Canyon space

As talked about earlier, one of many benefits of the Múlagljúfur Canyon trek is that it’s comparatively brief, that means we had loads of time to see different sights on the identical day. As a result of we visited in July, we loved the lengthy summer time days in Iceland, and touring in a campervan in Iceland meant that every one our meals could possibly be eaten on the highway.

Additionally it is vital to notice that our schedule was very busy, as we accomplished the Ring Street in simply seven nights; We have been capable of go to all of the websites talked about beneath in at some point whereas touring between Vik and Hofn. Relying in your itinerary, it’s possible you’ll contemplate visiting the websites talked about beneath on the identical day as visiting Múlagljúfur Canyon.

in you

Vik, a city in southern Iceland, was the primary in a single day cease on our Ring Street itinerary. The city includes a well-equipped (and widespread) campsite with stunning cliff views, in addition to the usually photographed Vík í Mýrdal Church. Should you’re staying the evening or simply passing by, do not miss the lovable Skool Beans Cafe (in-built an precise yellow faculty bus) on Vík Campsite.

Dearholai

This web site technically backtracks in your approach from Vík to Múlagljúfur Canyon (it’s situated west of Vík as an alternative of heading east in the direction of Múlagljúfur Canyon). Nevertheless, we did not have time to go to the day earlier than, and we did not wish to miss this web site. To succeed in this place, you’ll drive via a winding highway in your method to the lighthouse viewing level. Alongside the best way, it is possible for you to to see Reynisfjara Seashore within the distance.

From the perspective, it is possible for you to to see the well-known Dyrhólaey rock arch that reaches into the ocean. However the spotlight for me was the colony of puffins perched alongside the cliff. I might have spent all day watching and photographing a whole bunch of puffins right here, however we had a busy day forward of us!

Reynisfjara Seashore

Once more, Reynisfjara Seashore was a little bit of a let down as it’s west of Vík the place we had spent the evening earlier than, however that is one other place we did not wish to miss. Reynisfjara Seashore is legendary for its black sand, basalt columns and sea chimneys. On the day of our go to, we discovered many different vacationers right here having fun with the views. Though it could get crowded, I’d say this distinctive spot is widespread for a purpose.

We spent a while venturing alongside the seashore marveling on the volcanic black sand and located there have been fewer individuals as we made our approach away from the car parking zone. Right here you will notice indicators warning guests of the harmful and powerful waves alongside this seashore. All the time keep in mind to stick to security guidelines and by no means flip your again to the waves.

Fjaðrárgljuður Valley

One other hike with waterfall and valley views, we spent about an hour in Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Right here you’ll find a well-maintained path uphill to a viewing platform the place you may see the Mögáfoss Waterfall descending into the valley. Whereas the views have been much less spectacular from the Múlagljúfur Valley, this place was nonetheless value a cease.

Svennafell Glacier

One other brief detour from the Ring Street, the Svínafellsjökull Glacier was a worthwhile cease about 40 minutes from Múlagljúfur Canyon. Right here you will discover a small automobile park, and a brief stroll alongside a gravel highway will result in views of the Svínafellsjökull glacier and its icy lagoon. We discovered that the photographs didn’t do that place justice; It was superb to see the depth and coloration of this spectacular glacier.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Seashore

Final, however actually not least, we visited the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and close by Diamond Seashore to finish our day, two of the perfect issues to do in Iceland. As a result of we visited late within the night, none of those websites have been notably crowded. We took images and walked on the shore of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Subsequent, we crossed to the opposite aspect of the ring highway to go to Diamond Seashore, named after the massive chunks of ice discovered on the seashore. Visiting these well-known websites was an important finish to an epic day in South Iceland!

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Extra helpful journey suggestions for Iceland

• Icelanders converse the Icelandic languageHowever everybody I encountered spoke English.
• The native foreign money is the Icelandic Krona (ISK).. ATMs are situated all through the nation.
• Did I point out that Iceland is pricey? Lower your expenses by consuming out and cooking for your self. Take a look at our Iceland grocery retailer information for all the ideas!
• ISealand is without doubt one of the most secure nations on the earth; Nevertheless, it’s all the time vital to make use of widespread sense when strolling alone at evening.
• Iceland has a robust web infrastructureand you must have the ability to keep in contact simply.

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Even with so many superb sights to see in Iceland and alongside the Ring Street, mountaineering to Múlagljúfur Canyon stays one among our favourite actions! Múlagljúfur Canyon is unquestionably value a go to in your subsequent journey to Iceland, and is a spot I extremely advocate.

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