Studlagil Canyon and Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur

Exploring the Studlagil Canyon and Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur

If you’re considering a trip to East Iceland and want a manageable, scenic excursion, the Studlagil Canyon and Waterfall Tour might catch your eye. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on reviews and details available, it offers a solid way to experience some of Iceland’s most striking natural sights in about five hours. It’s especially handy if you’re on a cruise, with the tour starting and ending right in Seydisfjordur, a charming port town that’s becoming more popular with travelers.

What we like about this tour is how it combines beautiful landscapes with the convenience of a guided trip. You get to enjoy stunning vistas of basalt columns and a secluded waterfall without the hassle of driving or planning logistics yourself. Plus, the guide seems to bring a friendly, local touch that makes the whole experience more genuine. One thing to consider is that the canyon view is from above—so if you’re hoping for a hike into the canyon itself, this might not be the right fit. Still, if breathtaking scenery and informative guides sound good, it’s worth thinking about.

This tour would suit travelers who want a quick, well-organized way to see some iconic Icelandic sights, especially if they’re limited on time or prefer to avoid complicated hikes. It’s also perfect for cruise passengers looking for a reliable shore excursion with easy logistics. However, if you’re after an immersive experience at ground level, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Convenient for cruise travelers: The tour starts and ends in Seydisfjordur, fitting easily into a port schedule.
• Includes two gorgeous stops: The basalt-filled Stuðlagil Canyon and the hidden Gufufoss waterfall.
• Scenic views from above: Expect to view the canyon from a platform, not from hiking inside it.
• Knowledgeable guides: Several reviews highlight the friendly and informative nature of the guides.
• Good value for the price: At $199 per person, it includes transportation, WiFi, and all fees.
• Limited hiking or ground access: The canyon viewing platform is narrow, and you won’t be walking down into the canyon.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off in the adorable port town of Seydisfjordur. From there, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with WiFi, which makes the drive more comfortable and informative. The total tour lasts about five hours, including approximately three hours of driving time, so it’s a nice half-day outing without feeling rushed.

Stop 1: Studlagil Canyon

The main event is Stuðlagil Canyon, a natural marvel that only gained widespread attention around 15 years ago. The dramatic basalt columns, formed by cooling volcanic lava, are up to 30 meters high. The water level of the Jökulsá river used to obscure much of this wonder, but a nearby dam lowered the water by about 10 meters, revealing the full extent of the canyon’s beauty.

Expect to spend about 60 minutes here. The view is best from the designated viewing platform, which involves climbing around 100 metal stairs and resting at several points along the way. While you can’t walk into the canyon, the vantage point offers enough to appreciate the scale and the striking contrast between the grey basalt and the turquoise waters.

Reviewers like Anne_G called it “a must for your cruise itinerary,” noting the surreal landscape and the extra stops along the way. However, some, like Hsiang_S, found the viewing angle limiting, describing the platform as narrow and the viewing time as short. So, if you’re hoping for an up-close hike, this isn’t the tour for that.

Stop 2: Gufufoss Waterfall

Next, the group heads to Gufufoss, a waterfall that’s somewhat of a local secret. Standing at 88 feet tall, this waterfall produces a lot of spray, which gives it the Icelandic name “gufu,” meaning steam or mist. It’s tucked away in a quiet valley, giving it a peaceful, less crowded vibe.

The drive to Gufufoss takes about 75 minutes. Here, you’ll spend roughly 45 minutes enjoying the quiet beauty of the falls. It’s a perfect spot to pause, take pictures, and soak in Iceland’s tranquil landscape.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your fare of $199 covers transportation in a comfortable vehicle, WiFi onboard, and all taxes and fees. This means no sneaky hidden costs or surprises. It’s a straightforward price for a well-organized trip. The only thing you’ll need to arrange separately is lunch, so plan for that if you’re hungry.

What Travelers Say

The reviews offer a balanced picture. Many praise the friendly guides and the breathtaking scenery. Anne_G raved, “The drive was incredible” and highlighted the extra stops, which adds value to the experience. Conversely, some travelers, like Hsiang_S, expressed disappointment with the limited views of the canyon and the narrow observation platform, feeling that it was not as immersive as they hoped.

Brian_G appreciated the good guide and driver but noted that the viewing was from above, not at ground level, which may be a letdown if you’re expecting to hike into the canyon. He said, “I would have liked to have known ahead of time that we would only see it from above.”

Why the mixed reviews?

The core issue seems to be expectations. This isn’t a hiking tour or one that takes you down into the canyon itself. It’s a scenic viewpoint experience, and the viewing platform is somewhat limited. Many reviews acknowledge that, so it’s best to go in with an understanding of what the experience entails.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a short, scenic excursion with reliable logistics and friendly guides. It suits cruise passengers or travelers who want a taste of Iceland’s geology without the physical exertion of hikes or long walks. Those interested in photography will appreciate the viewpoints, but should be aware that the views are from above, not close-up.

If you’re after a full hike into the canyon or a more immersive nature experience, you might want to seek out other options. But if you enjoy easy access to stunning landscapes with knowledgeable guides, this could be just right.

Final Thoughts

For a 5-hour guided trip, the Studlagil Canyon and Waterfall Tour offers a great snapshot of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes. The views of basalt columns and turquoise waters are genuinely striking, and the added visit to Gufufoss adds a peaceful, less crowded element. The inclusion of WiFi, comfortable transport, and a local guide makes this a convenient choice, especially if your time in East Iceland is limited.

That said, be clear about what you’re signing up for: this isn’t a hiking adventure but a scenic viewpoint tour. The narrow platforms and limited access to the canyon floor mean you won’t be getting into the action, but you’ll still leave with plenty of photos and a sense of the area’s natural grandeur.

Overall, if the idea of a well-organized, scenic drive with expert commentary appeals to you, this tour is worth considering—particularly if you value good value and reliable logistics over rugged exploration.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise travelers?
Yes, the tour is designed with cruise passengers in mind. It starts and ends at Seydisfjordur, fitting neatly into a port schedule.

What is included in the price?
The $199 includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, all fees, and taxes. You’ll need to bring your own lunch if you want to eat during the trip.

How long is the drive to the canyon?
It takes about 60 minutes to reach Stuðlagil Canyon from Seydisfjordur, with additional driving to Gufufoss afterward.

Can I hike into the canyon?
No, this tour does not include hiking into the canyon. The views are from a designated platform.

How much time do I get at each stop?
Expect about 60 minutes at Stuðlagil and around 45 minutes at Gufufoss.

Are the views worth it?
Most reviews say yes; the basalt columns and the canyon’s unique formations are impressive, even if seen from above.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the moderate walking and scenic stops could suit many travelers. Always consider your family members’ comfort with stairs and standing.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, scenic glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic landscapes with friendly guides and reliable logistics, this tour fits the bill. Just keep your expectations in check—it’s about the views from above, not inside the canyon.