Embark on a shore excursion through East Iceland and explore the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon, the popular Instagram spot, along with the beautiful Rjúkandi and Gufufoss waterfalls.
About Tour
Stuðlagil Canyon has quickly become a symbol of East Iceland’s natural beauty. On this 5-hour shore excursion from Seyðisfjörður, we take you on a scenic journey through the countryside to visit this stunning wonder.
Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque coastal village, has become a popular port of call for cruise ships. Upon disembarkation, your friendly local guide will be ready to greet you. Don’t worry about your return time—the tour is carefully planned to align with your cruise’s schedule.
Our first stop is the Rjúkandi Waterfall, located near Egilsstaðir. This tranquil, multi-tiered waterfall is easily accessible from the Ring Road and surrounded by moss-covered cliffs and wildflowers. It offers a peaceful alternative to Iceland’s more famous waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Next, we visit Stuðlagil Canyon, where the Jökulsá River flows between towering basalt columns reaching heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet). Revealed only in the past 15 years after the river’s water level dropped due to the opening of the Kárahjnúkur Dam, this spectacular canyon offers breathtaking views of turquoise glacial waters.
On our return, we stop at Gufufoss waterfall, a lesser-known gem. At 27 meters (88 feet), it may be smaller than Iceland’s more famous falls, but it is equally impressive and provides perfect photo opportunities.
Finally, we return to Seyðisfjörður, where you’ll be dropped off at your ship. If time allows, you may want to explore the famous rainbow road before you depart, leaving with lasting memories of the beauty of East Iceland.
Included
- Expert local guide
- Pickup and drop-off at Seyðisfjörður harbor
What to bring
- Warm clothing and a raincoat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- E-tickets (no need to print)
Activities
Good to know
- Difficulty level: Easy, but please note there are some stairs to descend and ascend at Stuðlagil
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours. The tour schedule is tailored to fit your cruise’s docking time.
- Cancellation Policy: 100% cancellation fee applies if canceled within 24 hours of the tour.

Itinerary
Seyðisfjörður
Our tour begins at Seydisfjordur harbor, with start times designed to align with the docking schedule of your cruise ship, ensuring you won’t miss your embarkation time.
Rjúkandi Waterfall
Our first stop is the serene Rjúkandi Waterfall (Rjúkandafoss), a hidden gem near Egilsstaðir, conveniently located along the Ring Road (Route 1). This multi-tiered waterfall cascades gracefully down a rugged mountainside, shrouding the area in a mist that inspired its name, meaning “steaming.”
Unlike Iceland’s more popular waterfalls, Rjúkandi offers a peaceful, less crowded experience—perfect for nature lovers seeking a quiet retreat. Accessible by a short walk from the parking area, the waterfall is framed by mossy cliffs and basalt formations, with bursts of wildflowers in late spring to early autumn. Rjúkandi is a must-see for photographers and anyone wanting to connect with the tranquil beauty of East Iceland.
Stuðlagil Canyon
Next, we head west across the picturesque countryside to Stuðlagil Canyon, a dramatic natural wonder formed by towering basalt columns that rise to 98 feet (30 meters), overlooking the vibrant turquoise waters of the Jökla river. The canyon has become a popular attraction in recent years but remains far less crowded than the more famous southern spots. This breathtaking location offers fantastic photo opportunities amidst stunning scenery.
Gufufoss Waterfall
Our final stop is Gufufoss, a peaceful waterfall tucked away in a quiet valley. Standing at 88 feet (27 meters), Gufufoss is the largest waterfall in the fjord and offers a similar charm to Skógafoss in the south, though it remains off the beaten path. This serene spot provides a perfect end to our tour, where you can capture the natural beauty of the area in a tranquil setting.
Seydisfjordur
After our memorable journey, we’ll return to the picturesque town of Seydisfjordur, where your cruise ship will be waiting to take you on the next leg of your journey.
