Eldgjá
Eldgjá is a volcanic fissure from the north east part of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which stretches about 50 km to the north east towards the Vatnajökulll glacier. Edlgjá formed during a massive volcanic eruption around 934 (934 to 936). The lava that flowed down from the fissure flowed all the way down to the coast line in Álftaver region in the south and down to the black lava sand area of Mýrdalssandur east of Vík. It also flowed to the south east towards the area west of the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Eldhraun lava field. The lava field covers around 700 to 800 square kilometers and it stores at least around 18 cubic kilometers lava.
Plan Eldgjá with route advice, nearby places, guided tours, map coordinates, itinerary ideas and practical FAQ.
Quick guide to Eldgjá Volcanic Fissure
| Location | Highlands of South Iceland, north of Mýrdalsjökull and east of the Katla area |
| Best for | Remote volcanic fissure scenery, Ófærufoss, highland routes and experienced summer travellers |
| Nearby places | Ófærufoss, Katla, Lakagígar route country, Skaftártunga and Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Typical visit time | Half day to full day once in the highlands; much longer from towns |
| Best season | Summer and early autumn only when highland roads are open |
| Good to know | Eldgjá is remote highland terrain; road access, river crossings and weather decide the day |
| Coordinates | 63.9819,-18.6650 |
What is Eldgjá Volcanic Fissure?
Eldgjá is a long volcanic fissure in the Icelandic highlands, linked to one of the great eruptions of the early settlement period.
For travellers, the most practical anchor is often Ófærufoss waterfall inside the fissure area, plus the raw feeling of a remote volcanic landscape.
Eldgjá is a volcanic fissure landscape, not a quick Ring Road crater stop.
Why visit Eldgjá?
Visit Eldgjá only if you have the time, vehicle, weather window and route confidence for highland travel.
It rewards travellers who want a quieter and more serious volcanic landscape than the easier Golden Circle or South Coast stops.
How to visit Eldgjá
Use highland road information before committing. If you want a handled day, look at Iceland highland tours rather than forcing a self-drive route.
Pair Eldgjá with Ófærufoss and Skaftártunga/Kirkjubæjarklaustur planning, not with a rushed Ring Road schedule.
Tours that fit an Eldgjá highland route
Direct Eldgjá tours are limited, so use highland, Hekla/Landmannalaugar and volcanic route tours as the closest bookable matches.
Compare Iceland highland tours
A strong highland route for lava landscapes, Hekla views and rhyolite scenery.
A focused South Iceland volcano day for travellers who want Hekla context.
A seasonal highland day that can connect Hekla, lava fields and colourful mountains.
A varied volcanic highland-edge route with waterfalls and geothermal bathing.
Places near Eldgjá
Eldgjá works best when it is connected with nearby nature stops and route anchors.
Towns and villages near Eldgjá
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Ófærufoss and Eldgjá focus
Build the day around Ófærufoss and the fissure itself only when highland conditions are suitable.
Highland volcanic alternative
If Eldgjá is impractical, choose Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano Tour for a more bookable volcanic highland day.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur base
Use Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík as route bases depending on where your highland approach starts and ends.
FAQ about Eldgjá
Is Eldgjá worth visiting?
Yes, if it fits your route. Eldgjá is strongest for travellers who want volcanic context rather than only a quick photo stop.
Can you hike Eldgjá?
You can walk in parts of the area, but the main challenge is reaching Eldgjá safely rather than the short walks once there.
What tours fit Eldgjá best?
Use highland tours or volcanic Landmannalaugar/Hekla tours as the closest practical booking paths.
What should you combine with Eldgjá?
Ófærufoss, Skaftártunga, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Katla route country and other highland stops if conditions allow.
Can you visit Eldgjá from Reykjavik?
Not as a normal day trip. It is too remote for a simple Reykjavík out-and-back plan.
Do you need a 4x4 for Eldgjá?
Yes, highland access requires suitable vehicles and confident route planning.
Is Eldgjá good in winter?
No for normal travellers. Highland roads are typically closed or unsuitable outside the summer access window.
How long should you spend at Eldgjá?
Treat it as a full highland day or part of a multi-day plan.
Ofærufoss waterfall is located in Eldgja canyon in Iceland
Canyon floor of Eldgja in Iceland
The surroundings is beautiful in Eldja Canyon
Eldgja formed during a massive volcanic eruption around 934
Ofærufoss is a beautiful waterfall and can be found near Eldgja canyon
Icelandic sheep in Eldgja Iceland