Almannagjá Gorge (or Canyon) is a favorite amongst those taking on the Golden Circle route in Iceland. Many make Almannagjá one of the stops along their road trip around the island. And once you learn a little more about Almannagja and its geological significance, it’s easy to understand why.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about Almannagjá Gorge: what it is, where to find it, and what you can expect from visiting this magical place. Let’s dive into the golden child of Iceland's Golden Circle.
What Makes Almannagjá Gorge So Special?
Almannagjá Gorge is one of the most exciting things to see on the Golden Circle in Iceland. Almannagjá is much more than just an 8-kilometer-long canyon; it’s a geological wonder. Almannagjá Gorge marks a geological divide or separation.
It is the boundary line of the famous Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates continuously push apart. So, even though Almannagjá Gorge is a breathtaking sight as a canyon and natural wonder, what it represents geologically is quite significant.
Where is Almannagjá Gorge in Iceland?
Almannagjá Gorge is a mere 50 kilometers from our capital city and inside Thingvellir National Park, one of the first attractions you’ll find along the Golden Circle route. This makes Almannagjá a great day outing from Reykjavík, though it’s often a stop along a Golden Circle road trip.
How to Get to Almannagjá Gorge
There are a couple of ways that one can visit Almannagjá Gorge:
Book a Spot on a Tour
Because it’s such a landmark in Iceland and so close to Reykjavík, it’s included in many tours. If you don’t want to join an existing tour package, you can also negotiate a custom private tour with one of the tour operators or a local guide. Be sure to book well in advance if visiting during summer, as it’s peak season.
Drive Yourself
We recommend having your own transport on the island for full control over your time and trip itinerary. Driving to Almannagjá via the Golden Circle in Iceland is easy.
Take Route 1 and then the first exit on your right at Mosfellsbær, which is Route 36. Shortly thereafter, you will arrive at the western entrance of Thingvellir National Park. Once inside, you can inquire at the Visitor Center about where to find the gorge and the rest of the attractions or use the map and follow the signs.
The Best Time to Visit Almannagjá Gorge
You can visit Almannagjá all year round. Since the Golden Circle is one of our main paved roads, it’s well-maintained even during winter. However, visiting Almannagjá Gorge is an outdoor activity, so it’s still somewhat dependent on the weather.
Winter’s 35+ kilometer-an-hour winds, snow storms, and limited daylight make it challenging. Most recommend visiting during the warmer months (from April to September), but even then, we suggest keeping an eye on the Iceland weather forecast as weather here can be unpredictable.
In summer (May to September), it’s best to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak season crowds.
Almannagjá Gorge’s Dark History
When visiting the canyon, you’ll find a bridge crossing the Oxara River at some of its deepest waters. This pool, known as Drekkingarhylur, symbolizes a darker period in Iceland’s judicial system during the 16th and 17th centuries. The name Drekkingarhylur translates to Drowning Deep Pool.
A total of 18 women were drowned here, held underwater after being sentenced for adultery. Sadly, many were innocent or victims of assault. Today, visitors bow their heads in respect and memory of those who lost their lives.
Other Things to See & Do Around Almannagjá Gorge
There’s more to do in the area than just hike through Almannagjá. Consider adding these to your itinerary:
- Fridheimar Tomato Farm (and try their Tomato Beer!).
- Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier.
- Diving or Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure (anyone can snorkel, but diving requires a valid license and experience).
- Oxarafoss Waterfall.
- Laugarvatn Fontana (hot springs in Iceland).
Where to Stay Near Almannagjá Gorge
Whether you want to make it a pitstop or stay longer to explore, there are accommodation options to suit various needs:
For a luxurious stay, try the ION Adventure Hotel. The Björk Guesthouse offers comfort at a more affordable rate. Or, for a budget-friendly experience, camp at Thingvellir Campground and enjoy Iceland’s natural landscape.
Almannagjá Gorge: One of the Must-see Golden Circle Sights
With such intriguing history, natural beauty, and geological importance, Almannagjá Gorge is a must-see in Iceland. Rent a car in Iceland and make it a day trip or a part of your Golden Circle journey—but don’t miss out on this stunning site!
