From Seydisfjordur: Studlagil Canyon Shore Excursion

Stuðlagil Canyon is the star here: a narrow gorge lined with giant hexagonal basalt columns, where a glacial river can glow turquoise below the dark rock. From Seydisfjordur, you’ll ride inland through East Iceland, then return by way of Gufufoss, a 27-meter waterfall with a quieter feel than the famous falls in the south.

I like the dramatic geology and the way this tour reaches a major natural sight without asking you to organize transport from the cruise port. I also like the personal touch from guides such as Kjartan, who explains Icelandic life and adds stories from growing up in the country. The drawback is the long ride: Stuðlagil is about 90 minutes from the port, and reaching the main viewpoint involves a lot of stairs.

Key points to know before booking

• Stuðlagil’s basalt walls are the main event: Look for tall, six-sided columns rising as much as 30 meters above the river.
• The canyon was little known until the Hálslón dam changed the river: Lower water levels made the rock formations easier to see.
• You spend nearly two hours each way on the road: The scenery helps, but this is not a short port-side outing.
• Gufufoss adds a second strong stop: The 27-meter waterfall resembles Skógafoss, though on a smaller scale.
• Kjartan has earned special praise: He is described as friendly, funny, patient with young children, and happy to explain Icelandic life.
• Pack for wet weather and walking: Comfortable shoes and rain gear matter, especially on the stairs and near the falls.

Why Stuðlagil Canyon is worth the long ride

The appeal of Stuðlagil is easy to understand once you see the walls. Huge basalt columns line the gorge in orderly, almost architectural rows. Many have six sides, formed as volcanic lava cooled and cracked. At their tallest, the columns reach about 30 meters, giving the canyon a scale that photographs do not always capture.

Below them, the Jökla River cuts through the gorge. The water is described as turquoise and glacial, although its exact color can change with light and conditions. That contrast, dark volcanic rock above and pale water below, is what makes the stop so memorable.

There is an interesting modern twist to the canyon’s story. Stuðlagil was not widely known before construction of the Hálslón dam. Changes in the river’s flow exposed more of the basalt formations and helped bring the canyon to wider attention. You are not simply looking at an old natural wonder. You are also seeing how a major engineering project altered access to a place that had been much less visible.

The visit includes about an hour for sightseeing. That is enough time to walk to the viewing area, take photographs, and pause over the gorge, but it is not an open-ended hike. The route to the main viewpoint has a lot of stairs. If you are comfortable walking and climbing, the effort is manageable as part of a five-hour outing. If stairs are difficult for you, this is the most important point to consider before booking.

The road inland from Seydisfjordur

The tour begins at Ferjuleira, by the cruise terminal, after you leave your ship. Pickup and return to the terminal are included, which is especially useful on a port day. You do not need to find a separate meeting point in town or worry about arranging your own ride back to the ship.

The first bus journey lasts about 110 minutes. That sounds long on paper, and it is. Still, East Iceland gives you plenty to look at along the way, with open countryside and changing views as you move inland. The drive is part of the experience, but you should book this tour for the canyon, not because you want to spend most of the day walking around Seydisfjordur.

The bus has free WiFi, though the quality of any connection can vary as you move through rural Iceland. A local English-speaking guide travels with you. The best part of the ride is the chance to put the scenery into context. Kjartan, one of the guides praised for this outing, has shared personal stories about growing up and living in Iceland, along with explanations of local life and Seydisfjordur itself.

That human element matters on a long drive. A quiet bus ride can feel like lost time, while a guide who explains what you are seeing makes the journey useful. The available information does not promise a particular guide, so you should not assume Kjartan will lead your departure, but his example gives you a good idea of the kind of local perspective this tour aims to provide.

One hour at the basalt columns

At Stuðlagil, your guide will lead you toward the viewing area. The canyon walls are the focus, so take time to look closely rather than rushing straight to a photograph. The columns are not identical, and their shapes become clearer as you study the cliff faces.

The viewpoint gives you a sense of the canyon’s depth and the river’s position far below. Bring a phone or camera, but also leave a few minutes simply to watch the water and rock. The setting has a quiet, remote quality that differs from Iceland’s more heavily visited southern attractions.

Your hour here is a useful middle ground. You have enough time for sightseeing without turning the stop into a demanding half-day hike. At the same time, the schedule may feel tight if you want a long walk, many viewpoints, or a leisurely picnic. Food and drinks are not included, and the tour information does not list a meal stop, so bring anything you need for the ride.

The stairs deserve serious attention. One person described a lot of stairs down to the viewing platform and back up again. Comfortable shoes are essential, and rain gear is wise even if the sky looks clear in Seydisfjordur. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and wet steps are less forgiving than dry ones.

Gufufoss, a smaller cousin to Skógafoss

After Stuðlagil, the bus heads back toward the coast for roughly 90 minutes. The official timing gives about 25 minutes at Gufufoss, so expect a short, focused stop rather than a long walk.

Gufufoss drops 27 meters and has a broad, powerful appearance that recalls Skógafoss in southern Iceland. It is smaller than that famous waterfall, but the comparison helps you picture its shape. The setting is calmer, and you can use the stop to photograph the falls from different angles.

This second waterfall keeps the return journey from feeling like a simple ride back to port. It also gives you another chance to stretch your legs after the long bus ride. The tour information highlights Gufufoss as the planned waterfall stop, while a detailed account of the day describes two or three waterfall stops on the way back. Exact stops can depend on timing and the guide, so treat extra waterfall views as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed part of the schedule.

Gufufoss is also a good reason to keep your rain jacket handy. You may not get as close to the spray as you would at some other Icelandic waterfalls, but wet weather is always possible. The stop lasts only 25 minutes, so be ready to get off the bus, walk to the viewpoint, and make the most of your time.

Getting back to the ship on time

From Gufufoss, the return to Ferjuleira is listed as about five minutes for the final arrival segment, following the longer drive back east. The tour is designed around cruise passengers, with pickup and drop-off at the terminal and a total duration of about five hours.

That cruise focus is one of the strongest practical reasons to choose it. A self-guided trip to Stuðlagil would require a rental car or private transport, plus careful attention to the ship’s departure time. Here, a local operator handles the driving and brings you back to the port.

Still, port excursions always require a time check. Starting times depend on availability and your ship’s docking window. Confirm the departure time before booking, and tell the operator if your cruise schedule has any unusual limits. The tour is planned to fit within the docking window, but you should never treat a shore excursion as permission to cut your return margin too close.

If time remains before boarding, you may be able to walk Seydisfjordur’s famous Rainbow Road. This colorful street is a popular sight in town, but it is an optional extra, not a core stop. Do not count on a long visit there if the bus is delayed or the ship’s boarding time is firm.

Is $205 a fair price?

At $205 per person, this is not a bargain-priced bus ride. The value depends on what you want from your day in port.

The price covers a local guide, transport from the cruise terminal, return transportation, and free WiFi. You are paying to reach a remote canyon without renting a car or managing Icelandic roads yourself. For a cruise passenger with only one day in Seydisfjordur, that convenience has real value.

You also get two major nature stops rather than one. Stuðlagil provides the distinctive geology, while Gufufoss gives you a waterfall visit on the return. The guide’s local stories add something a driver-only transfer would not.

The weak point is the amount of time spent on the bus. You have about an hour at the canyon and 25 minutes at Gufufoss, with long stretches of road between them. If your priority is exploring Seydisfjordur on foot, $205 may feel too high for an outing that takes most of your port day.

The price also does not include food or drinks. Bring snacks and water for the long ride. This is a small expense, but planning ahead will make the day more comfortable.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would choose this tour if you want to see one of East Iceland’s most unusual natural formations and prefer having the driving handled for you. It suits cruise passengers who enjoy scenery, geology, waterfalls, and local commentary more than shopping or long town walks.

Families can take the tour, and one account describes a guide handling the moods of a three-year-old with patience and flexibility. Children under two are not permitted. Older children may enjoy the waterfalls and unusual rock shapes, but the stairs at Stuðlagil and the long bus ride are worth considering.

You should also be reasonably comfortable walking outdoors in changeable weather. The tour does not require a long trek, but the stairs to the canyon viewpoint are a real part of the experience. Comfortable shoes and rain gear are not optional extras here.

The outing may not suit you if you dislike bus rides, have trouble with stairs, or want a flexible day with plenty of time to explore Seydisfjordur itself. It is a focused excursion with a clear goal: travel inland, see Stuðlagil, stop at Gufufoss, and return to the ship.

Practical details that make the day easier

The tour lasts five hours, though the listed travel and sightseeing segments add up to just under that when rounded. Check the available starting times carefully, since port calls can vary.

English is the tour language. The guide is live, not simply an audio recording, which gives you the chance to ask questions during the journey. The operator is BusTravel Iceland.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your cruise plans are still shifting. These policies are useful, but the main booking decision should be the walking and driving time.

Pack:

• Comfortable shoes with good grip
• Rain gear
• Water and snacks, since food and drinks are not included
• A camera or phone for the canyon and waterfalls

Should you book the Stuðlagil shore excursion?

Book it if Stuðlagil Canyon is your priority and you want a guided, port-to-port day with a second waterfall stop. The basalt columns are genuinely distinctive, and the combination of geology, glacial water, and East Iceland scenery gives you something different from the usual southern Iceland circuit.

Think twice if you want a relaxed day close to the ship. The drive is long, the canyon viewpoint has many stairs, and the $205 price reflects private excursion convenience rather than a quick local outing.

For most active cruise passengers who want a major East Iceland sight without arranging a rental car, this is a strong choice. Pack for rain, bring food for the bus, and leave enough energy for the climb back from the canyon.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Ferjuleira, at the cruise terminal in Seydisfjordur.

How long does the shore excursion last?

The excursion lasts about five hours. Check availability for the starting times.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Is pickup from the cruise ship included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship terminal are included.

What is the main attraction?

The main attraction is Stuðlagil Canyon, known for its tall basalt column cliffs and turquoise glacial river.

How tall are the basalt columns at Stuðlagil?

Some of the basalt columns reach about 30 meters in height.

Why did Stuðlagil become better known?

The canyon was little known until construction of the Hálslón dam changed the river and exposed more of its formations.

How long is the stop at Stuðlagil Canyon?

You have about one hour for sightseeing at the canyon.

Is there much walking at Stuðlagil?

Yes. The route to the viewing platform includes a lot of stairs, so comfortable shoes are important.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and rain gear. Since food and drinks are not included, you may also want to bring your own refreshments.

Can young children join the tour?

Children under two years old are not permitted. Information provided for the tour includes an account of a three-year-old joining successfully.

Is WiFi available?

Yes. Free WiFi is included on the bus.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I pay later?

Yes. You can reserve your place and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.