Studlagil Canyon and Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur

Basalt columns and turquoise water make this a memorable Iceland day. The Studlagil Canyon and Waterfall Tour takes you from Seydisfjordur across East Iceland to one of the country’s most unusual geological sights, then returns by way of Gufufoss, an 88-foot waterfall near town. I like the clean, comfortable bus and the guides’ local stories, especially when guides such as Eva, Heidi, Victoria, Stainin, and Ivy add music, folklore, and practical help along the way. I also like that the tour fits neatly into a cruise stop and ends back at the port meeting point.

The important catch is the canyon viewpoint. This is not a hike into Studlagil Canyon or a walk along its floor. You view it from the upper side, usually after tackling roughly 100 to 240 steps, and some people find the platform narrow. At $214 per person, that distinction matters. You are paying for transport, a guide, and a carefully timed visit to a remote sight, not a full canyon hike.

Key points before you book

• Studlagil is viewed from above: This tour does not take you down into the canyon or along its full length.
• Expect many stairs: Reports range from about 100 to more than 240 steps, depending on the access point and how far you go.
• About three hours are spent driving: The five-hour outing includes long road stretches, though the East Iceland scenery is part of the appeal.
• Gufufoss is close to Seydisfjordur: The 88-foot waterfall makes a pleasant second stop after the canyon.
• Guides receive much of the praise: Eva, Heidi, Victoria, Stainin, Ivy, Matthew, and others are noted for local stories, humor, music, and helpful pacing.
• Pack food and water: Lunch is not officially included, though some departures have provided sandwiches and bottled water.

The long road to Studlagil Canyon

The first major stop is roughly an hour from Seydisfjordur. That sounds simple, but the full outing includes about three hours of driving, so you should think of this as a scenic road excursion rather than a quick sightseeing shuttle.

The bus is air-conditioned, has WiFi, and has been described as new, clean, and comfortable. A capable driver is especially useful on rougher sections of road. One account praised the driver’s smooth handling on bumpy ground and around high sections of the route, which matters if you are uneasy with steep roads.

The drive gives your guide room to explain Icelandic nature, local customs, history, and music. Several guides have added personal touches, from Icelandic bands to a traditional lullaby. That kind of commentary can make the long ride feel purposeful instead of simply filling time.

Still, do not pretend the driving is a minor detail. About three of the five hours are spent on the road. If you want several short walks and a fast succession of sights, this may feel slow. If you enjoy watching East Iceland pass by and hearing stories between stops, the pace works better.

What makes Studlagil Canyon special

Studlagil was largely hidden beneath higher river levels until construction of a nearby dam lowered the glacial river by about 10 meters. The change revealed tall basalt columns, formed in striking geometric patterns along the canyon walls.

The river can look turquoise against the gray and black rock, though color depends heavily on light, weather, and water conditions. On a cloudy or rainy day, the blue-green tone may look muted. Photos taken in bright sun can set an unfair standard, so expect a beautiful natural setting rather than a guaranteed postcard match.

The geology is the real reason to come. The columns give the canyon a distinctly structured appearance, with repeated vertical shapes that look almost built rather than formed by cooling lava. You do not need a geology lecture to enjoy it, but I would welcome more explanation at the site. Some guides focus more on local stories and general Icelandic facts than on the rock formation itself.

The stairs and the upper viewpoint

This is the most important practical issue. The tour takes you to the upper viewing area, not down into the canyon. Depending on the route and how far you walk, you may face roughly 100 to 240 stairs, followed by a steep return.

The staircase is generally described as regular and manageable if you take your time. Resting platforms help, but this is not a flat stroll. Wear shoes with good traction, especially if the ground is wet. Bring water, since there may be no bins or convenient facilities at the site.

The view from above is worthwhile, but it has limits. The viewing platform can feel narrow, and on a busy visit you may not want to linger for long. You also cannot simply wander along the canyon edge or choose your own route in the way you might on the opposite side.

That explains the mixed reactions to this excursion. If your mental picture comes from photographs showing the canyon walls close at hand and the river below, you may feel let down. Those images often show a different access point or a longer walk. One alternative route is reported to involve about 3.5 miles of walking, but that is not what this excursion provides.

I would describe the canyon stop as a strong scenic viewpoint with stairs, not a canyon hike. That wording should be printed in large letters before you pay.

Gufufoss, the waterfall near town

After Studlagil, the route returns toward Seydisfjordur and stops at Gufufoss. The drive from the canyon takes about 75 minutes, and the listed stop lasts about 45 minutes, though some accounts describe a shorter waterfall visit on certain departures.

Gufufoss drops about 88 feet. Its name comes from gufa, the Icelandic word for steam, a reference to the spray rising from the falling water. The waterfall sits near the outskirts of Seydisfjordur, so it is easy to combine with the return to town.

I like Gufufoss as a quieter counterpoint to the canyon. The water, spray, and open setting offer a simple Icelandic stop without the same stair climb. Yet expectations matter here too. If you have already seen powerful Icelandic waterfalls, Gufufoss may strike you as pleasant rather than astonishing. One unfavorable assessment called it plain, while many more positive accounts valued the chance to get close to the falls and photograph them.

Some guides have also added extra waterfall or scenic stops. These additions are not guaranteed as part of the formal itinerary, so treat them as a welcome bonus rather than a promise.

Guides make the difference

The strongest part of this experience is often the human element. Guides have been praised for keeping the group moving, answering questions, sharing local traditions, and making a long drive enjoyable.

Eva receives especially warm praise for her energy, helpfulness, music selections, and ability to explain how much time remained at each stop. Heidi was appreciated for inviting questions and adding personal details about Icelandic music. Victoria, Stainin, Ivy, Matthew, Petra, Carmen, and others are also singled out for humor, local knowledge, and thoughtful care.

That range of names suggests the experience can vary with the day’s guide, but the pattern is encouraging. The best guides do more than point at a waterfall. They explain what you are seeing, help with photographs, give clear return times, and keep the schedule from slipping.

Some guides have made small adjustments to improve the day, such as visiting the waterfall first to avoid a busier period or stopping at extra viewpoints. Those choices can make a difference during a cruise port call, when every minute matters.

A cruise-friendly outing with one warning

The meeting point is at Ferjuleira in Seydisfjordur, and the tour ends there. That makes it practical for a day in port. You may also have a little time afterward to walk around Seydisfjordur before returning to your ship.

But cruise passengers need to allow for tender delays. One person missed the departure after waiting about 90 minutes for a ship tender, and the tour could not hold the bus indefinitely. If your ship uses tenders, contact the operator as soon as you know there is a delay, but understand that the wider group schedule still controls the departure.

The tour has a maximum group size of 59 people. That is a fairly large coach group, not a private outing. A larger group can mean more waiting at stairs, platforms, and meeting points, particularly when everyone wants the same photograph.

The five-hour duration is approximate. Roads, weather, group pace, and stop arrangements can affect the day. The schedule is usually kept moving, but you should not expect unlimited time at the canyon.

What to bring, and what not to expect

Pack sturdy shoes with traction. The stairs and rocky sections are the main physical challenge, and smooth casual footwear is a poor choice in damp weather.

Bring water and a small snack. Lunch is not included in the formal price. Some departures have provided a sandwich and bottled water, and one account described a reasonably priced food option near the canyon, but you should not rely on either. A sandwich in your day bag is the safer plan.

Useful items include:

• Waterproof outerwear
• Gloves or a warm layer
• Water
• A packed lunch or snack
• Shoes with good grip
• A phone or camera with enough battery

Most people can take part, but the stair climb deserves honest attention. If you have difficulty with steep steps, narrow platforms, or a long day in a coach, the canyon viewpoint may not suit you. The tour does not offer the flexibility of a private guide who can change the route around your needs.

Is $214 a fair price?

At $214 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing ride. The value depends on what you would otherwise have to arrange from Seydisfjordur.

You are paying for round-trip transport to a remote canyon, an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, a guide, the driver, and the convenience of a fixed cruise-friendly schedule. Independent transport could be difficult to organize, and the route covers a substantial distance. For you, that convenience may justify the price.

The value drops if your only goal is a quick waterfall visit or a full hike into Studlagil. You may feel that too much money goes toward driving when the canyon viewing area is limited. The tour is strongest for someone who wants the famous basalt formation without arranging a car, navigating rural roads, or risking a late return to port.

The 4.4 rating from 58 ratings reflects that split. The best days combine a smooth driver, a lively guide, good weather, and manageable crowds. The weaker experiences usually involve a mismatch between the advertised canyon photographs and the actual upper viewpoint, or frustration with the amount of driving.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized way to reach Studlagil Canyon from Seydisfjordur, appreciate local storytelling, and accept that the canyon is viewed from above. It is particularly useful on a cruise stop, when a reliable return and simple meeting point are worth paying for.

Skip it if you want to walk along the canyon floor, spend hours exploring independently, or dislike long coach rides. You should also reconsider if a crowded upper platform and several hundred stairs would spoil the day.

My advice is simple: book only after accepting the viewpoint limitation. With that expectation set, the combination of basalt columns, glacial water, Gufufoss, and a good local guide can make this one of the better ways to use a day in Seydisfjordur.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

FAQ

How long is the Studlagil Canyon and Waterfall Tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours. Around three hours of that time is spent driving between Seydisfjordur, Studlagil Canyon, and Gufufoss.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Ferjuleira, 710 Seydisfjordur, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point.

Can I hike into Studlagil Canyon on this tour?

No. This excursion takes you to an upper viewing area. You cannot walk into the canyon or follow the longer route along its lower sections.

How many stairs are at Studlagil Canyon?

The number varies by access point and how far you go, but accounts describe roughly 100 to more than 240 stairs. You should be prepared for a steep walk back up.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not formally included. Some departures have provided sandwiches and bottled water, and food may be available near the canyon, but bringing your own snack or lunch is sensible.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.