Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Basic Information

Location: Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon is located on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, about 2 km east of Arnarstapi.
Parking: A small parking area is available near the start of the trail. The canyon entrance is visible from the parking lot.
Hiking Time: The hike to the canyon entrance takes about 10-15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit: The canyon can

Nestled within the rugged landscape of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon is one of the region’s most mysterious and enchanting natural attractions. Known for its narrow, dramatic gorge and rich ties to Icelandic sagas, this hidden gem offers visitors a unique combination of history, geology, and adventure. The canyon is relatively easy to access, yet it maintains an air of secrecy due to its off-the-beaten-path location and the fact that it can only be fully explored by hiking into its depths.

For those seeking to experience the wild, untouched beauty of Iceland, Rauðfeldsgjá is a must-visit. The canyon’s towering cliffs, covered in moss, and the stream that flows through the narrow crevasse make for an unforgettable hiking experience. Additionally, its connection to the Saga of Bárður Snæfellsás, a half-man, half-troll guardian of the Snæfellsnes area, adds a layer of mystique and Icelandic folklore to the visit.

Where is Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon?

Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon is located on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, just a short drive from the village of Arnarstapi. The canyon is situated on the slopes of Botnsfjall Mountain, part of the larger Snæfellsjökull National Park, which is home to the iconic Snæfellsjökull Glacier. The canyon is easy to access from the Ring Road (Route 1), making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—often called “Iceland in Miniature” due to its diverse landscapes.

Distance from Reykjavik: Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles)
Driving time: Around 2 hours

The History and Legend Behind Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon

Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon is not only a natural wonder but also a place steeped in Icelandic folklore, particularly connected to the Saga of Bárður Snæfellsás, one of Iceland’s most famous sagas. According to legend, the canyon was named after Rauðfeldur, a nephew of Bárður Snæfellsás, a half-human, half-troll figure who was believed to protect the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

The story goes that Rauðfeldur and his brother Sölvi played a prank on Bárður’s daughter, Helga, by pushing her onto an iceberg, which drifted to Greenland. While Helga was eventually rescued unharmed, Bárður became enraged at the boys’ actions. In his fury, Bárður pushed Rauðfeldur into the canyon, hence giving the place its name: Rauðfeldsgjá (“Rauðfeldur’s Gorge”). He then pushed Sölvi off a nearby cliff, which later became known as Sölvahamar.

This tale adds a mythical atmosphere to the canyon, making it an even more intriguing destination for those interested in Iceland’s sagas and folklore.

Guided tours to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

0 Reviews

 0.0/5

Private Snaefellsnes Peninsula Luxury Tour

From 168,000 ISK

17 Reviews

 5/5

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Small Group Tour | Explore Snæfellsnes National Park

From 18,900 ISK

2 Reviews

 5/5

Snæfellsnes Private Tour

From 130,000 ISK

The Hike to Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon

Visiting Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon requires a short hike, but it is well worth the effort. The canyon’s entrance is visible from the parking area, with the cliffs towering above the landscape. As you approach, the gorge seems like a small crack in the mountainside, but as you venture inside, it opens up to reveal a dramatic, narrow crevasse that invites further exploration.

1. Starting the Hike

The hike to the entrance of Rauðfeldsgjá is a relatively short and straightforward walk, around 10-15 minutes from the parking lot. The path leads you gently uphill toward the narrow opening in the cliff face, with moss-covered rocks and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the vast Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

2. Entering the Canyon

Once you reach the mouth of the canyon, you’ll notice that it quickly narrows into a steep, dark crevasse. Inside, the walls rise dramatically on either side, covered in lush moss and dripping with water from the stream that flows through the canyon. The atmosphere is cool, damp, and mystical, creating a sense of adventure and discovery as you continue deeper into the gorge.
While the canyon’s entrance is wide enough for easy access, the further you go, the narrower it becomes. In some sections, you will need to climb over rocks or wade through shallow streams to explore the depths of the canyon fully. Wearing waterproof shoes or hiking boots with good grip is recommended, as the rocks inside can be slippery.

3. Exploring Inside the Canyon

For those willing to venture deeper into the canyon, the reward is a hidden world of towering cliffs, soft moss, and flowing water. The canyon walls become tighter and steeper, and in some areas, you may need to scramble or climb carefully over rocks to make your way through. The experience of walking between these massive, moss-covered walls and hearing the echo of the water as it trickles down the canyon walls is both exhilarating and serene.
At certain points, the light filters in beautifully from above, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Some visitors stop halfway, while others challenge themselves to reach the deepest parts of the gorge. Exploring the canyon can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how far you wish to go.

Hiking Tips:

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on how far you explore inside the canyon).
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The hike to the entrance is short and straightforward, but exploring inside the canyon requires some scrambling and crossing streams.
What to Bring: Waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good grip, layered clothing (as the canyon can be cooler inside), and possibly a headlamp if you want to explore further into the darker sections of the canyon.

Why Visit Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon?

1. A Hidden Natural Wonder

Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon is one of the more hidden gems on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience for visitors looking to explore Iceland’s lesser-known natural wonders. Its towering moss-covered walls and narrow crevasses make it feel like a secret world waiting to be discovered.

2. Ties to Icelandic Folklore

The connection to the Saga of Bárður Snæfellsás adds a layer of mystery and historical intrigue to the canyon. For fans of Icelandic sagas or those interested in the country’s mythology, visiting Rauðfeldsgjá provides a deeper connection to the stories that have shaped Iceland’s cultural heritage.

3. Adventure and Exploration

While many of Iceland’s natural attractions can be appreciated from a distance, Rauðfeldsgjá offers a more immersive and adventurous experience. The opportunity to hike into the narrow gorge, climb over rocks, and wade through streams makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a bit of adventure.

4. Accessibility

Despite its hidden nature, Rauðfeldsgjá is relatively easy to access, making it a great stop for travelers exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The short hike and proximity to other popular attractions like Arnarstapi and Snæfellsjökull National Park make it a convenient addition to any itinerary.

Nearby Attractions

Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon is part of the larger Snæfellsnes Peninsula, an area often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it features a little bit of everything Iceland has to offer: glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, and black sand beaches. Here are some nearby attractions to explore:

1. Arnarstapi and Hellnar

Just a short drive from Rauðfeldsgjá, the coastal villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar are known for their dramatic sea cliffs, basalt columns, and natural rock arches. A scenic coastal walk connects the two villages, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

2. Snæfellsjökull National Park

The nearby Snæfellsjökull National Park is home to the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, a dormant volcano topped by a glacier that serves as the setting for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. The park offers numerous hiking trails, lava fields, and volcanic craters to explore.

3. Búðakirkja (The Black Church)

A short drive east of Rauðfeldsgjá, the Búðakirkja is one of Iceland’s most famous black churches, set against a stunning backdrop of lava fields and mountains. It’s a popular spot for photography and a great place to visit while exploring the peninsula.