In Iceland’s remote northeastern region is Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the many examples of basalt columns in Iceland.

Basalt columns form when lava cools and cracks, forming pentagonal or hexagon shapes. This cracking continues downward, forming the columns that give basalt columns their name. If they are exposed to air, they are usually hexagonal. If they are underground, they can also be pentagonal or even rosette shaped. You then see these ones if the softer rock around them is eroded, which is why they are more common around water and waterfalls.

The basalt columns at Stuðlagil Canyon are most likely between 2 and 3 million years old and formed during a time when Iceland was extremely volcanic. These ones are hexagonal, so must have been formed when exposed to air.

The basalt columns can be viewed most easily by driving to this location and parking at the parking lot. The parking lot (and area) costs 1,000 ISK (Icelandic Króna) to visit but covers the entire day.

From the main access point, there are metal walkways and viewpoints that you can use to see the columns. Note that while these are prepared walkways, the gradient is steep, so make sure you are wearing good footwear.

Please also note that the lower set of walkways is rarely open due to conditions. The riverr comes from the glacier and usually floods, especially in the warmer months. In the winter you have the problem of snow and ice, resulting in their closure during the winter months as well. As a result most of the “famous photos” are actually aerial photography using drones. You cannot get to a position yourself to see those photos.

There is a street food vendor as well as a local shop selling handmade and homemade goods from the area.

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