From Seydisfjordur: Studlagil Canyon Shore Excursion

Exploring East Iceland: A Shore Excursion to Stuðlagil Canyon and Gufufoss Waterfall

Traveling to Iceland and looking for a memorable day trip from Seydisfjordur? This Studlagil Canyon Shore Excursion offers a fantastic glimpse of some of Iceland’s lesser-known but breathtaking natural wonders. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have, and I can tell you it’s a solid choice if you’re craving jaw-dropping geology, scenic drives, and tranquil waterfalls.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on unspoiled scenery—you get to see the basalt column cliffs of Stuðlagil, which are truly awe-inspiring, and Gufufoss, a waterfall that’s often overshadowed by Skógafoss but just as impressive in its own right. Plus, the fact that the guides are praised for their knowledge makes this trip feel educational as well as visually stunning. One thing to consider is the drive time—it takes about 90 minutes to reach the canyon from Seydisfjordur, which means you should be comfortable on a bus for a while, especially since you want to make the most of the stops.

This tour is best suited for those who love geology, scenic drives, and want to see some of Iceland’s quieter but no less stunning spots. It’s a good pick if you’re okay with a bit of walking and climbing stairs—there are around 239 steps down and up at Stuðlagil—and if you’re seeking a peaceful, nature-focused experience away from crowds. Families with older children should find it manageable, but the stairs and uneven terrain might not be ideal for very little ones.

Key Points

• Spectacular basalt formations at Stuðlagil Canyon create unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Comfortable bus transport with knowledgeable guides makes the journey relaxing and informative.
• The scenic drive through East Iceland offers views of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls along the way.
• Gufufoss Waterfall provides a tranquil setting and a chance to enjoy Iceland’s calming natural flow.
• Tour duration of about 5 hours fits well into most cruise schedules, with some flexibility.
• Limited food options mean you should bring snacks or water for the trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience: A Closer Look at the Tour

When you book this shore excursion, it’s designed to fit within your cruise’s limited time docked in Seydisfjordur. Once you step off your ship, you meet your guide, who will accompany you through this scenic journey. The tour starts with a pickup at the cruise terminal, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free beginning.

The Scenic Drive to Stuðlagil Canyon

The drive from Seydisfjordur to Stuðlagil takes around 90 minutes. According to reviews, the drive itself is part of the appeal. Travelers have raved about passing snow-topped mountains, shimmering lakes, and waterfalls, making the journey feel like a scenic tour in itself. The guides seem to excel at sharing Icelandic stories and details about the landscape, which adds an educational layer to the experience.

Visiting Stuðlagil Canyon

Once you arrive, you’ll spend about an hour exploring the canyon. The basalt columns are truly iconic—columns that rise up to 30 meters high create a striking contrast against the turquoise water of the river. Many visitors have highlighted the colors and textures of the rock formations, which change depending on the light and weather conditions.

It’s worth noting that to get a good view, you’ll need to descend approximately 239 steps to the canyon floor, as noted by those who’ve done it. While this involves a bit of climbing, many reviewers found it worth the effort. One reviewer described the water as “azure blue” and the rocks as “amazing colors,” emphasizing how captivating the scenery is.

Learning About the Canyon’s Hidden History

A neat fact about Stuðlagil is that it was relatively unknown until the construction of the Hálslón dam. This adds an interesting layer—sometimes, natural spots remain hidden until human activity reveals them. Guides often share stories like this, making the visit more engaging.

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Gufufoss Waterfall: Iceland’s Hidden Gem

After the canyon, the tour heads back east toward Gufufoss, which is only a short 25-minute stop. While smaller than Skógafoss, Gufufoss’s 27-meter height offers a peaceful spot for photos and reflection. Travelers have shared how serene and beautiful this waterfall is, especially in less crowded seasons. The surroundings are quiet, and the view from various angles is quite picturesque.

Return Journey and Optional Exploration

The final part of the tour involves returning to Seydisfjordur, roughly 5 minutes from the waterfall. If time permits, you might get a chance to explore Rainbow Road, a popular local landmark, before heading back to your cruise.

Practical Details & What to Keep in Mind

The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide, which enhances the experience through storytelling and answering questions. The small group size means more personalized attention, and the guide’s knowledge is frequently praised.

You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs, as well as rain gear, since Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Bringing water and snacks is advisable because there are no food or drinks included.

The entire excursion lasts about 5 hours, making it a good fit for most cruise schedules. It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 2, mainly because of the walking involved.

Price and Value

While pricing isn’t explicitly detailed here, reviews suggest that some travelers find the cost a bit high. However, considering the included guide, the transportation, and access to spectacular sights, many feel it’s a fair value—especially since you’re avoiding the hassle of organizing transport yourself.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviewers emphasize the expertise of the guides. Jacqueline praised Petra and Michael for their safety and knowledge, highlighting the “gorgeous drive” and the “amazing colors in the rock formations.” Elizabeth pointed out how her guide shared personal stories, making the experience more engaging. Monique appreciated how her guide Kjartan was friendly, patient, and flexible, especially with a small child in tow.

On the scenery front, travelers consistently mention how stunning the basalt columns are and how the waterfalls, particularly Gufufoss, offer peaceful, photo-worthy moments. The views at Stuðlagil are described as “wonderful” and “breathtaking,” confirming that this tour delivers on scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves geology, scenic landscapes, and prefers a relaxed, well-guided experience, this trip is worth considering. It works well for travelers who are comfortable with some walking and climbing stairs, and who want to see less crowded, more authentic Icelandic sights.

While children over 2 can participate, the stairs and terrain might make it less suitable for very young kids. It’s ideal for those who want a day filled with nature’s quiet beauty, away from busier tourist spots.

Final Thoughts

This Studlagil Canyon Shore Excursion offers a solid way to experience some of Iceland’s most mesmerizing natural features without the hassle of planning your own trips. The combination of spectacular basalt formations and peaceful waterfalls, guided by knowledgeable locals, makes for a memorable Icelandic adventure.

It’s a tour that provides good value for those who appreciate scenic drives, geological marvels, and expert insights—and it’s an especially good pick if you’re eager to see a quieter, less-visited part of Iceland. Expect stunning views, informative guides, and a peaceful, natural setting that will leave you with plenty of photos and stories to share.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Seydisfjordur to Stuðlagil Canyon?
The drive takes about 90 minutes each way. Travelers have described the journey as scenic and enjoyable, passing mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially since there are stairs involved at the canyon. Rain gear is recommended due to Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Bringing water and snacks is also a good idea because food isn’t included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 2 years old. Older kids should have no problem, but be aware of the stairs and uneven terrain.

What’s included in the tour?
The guide, pickup and drop-off from the cruise ship terminal, and free WiFi are included. Food and drinks are not.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts around 5 hours, so it fits comfortably into most cruise schedules.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviewers consistently mention how engaging and informative the guides are, sharing stories and details about Icelandic nature and history.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The basalt formations at Stuðlagil are the star feature, along with the peaceful Gufufoss waterfall—both offer fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of Iceland’s raw beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: