The Hidden Canyon

Known as the Hidden Canyon, Fjadrargljufur Canyon is a gem of a canyon located just off the ring road not far from the southern township of Vik.

We had first seen this location in a video by Mads Peter Iversen, and it immediately took a place high on our list when visiting Iceland in September 2019.

The likelihood of a visit was thrown into doubt after a Justin Bieber music video attracted a stream of visitors. Concerned for the impact on the—and I suspect, the safety of visitors who ventured too close to the canyon’s edges—authorities closed the site to tourists in May 2019.

Fortunately for us we visited after the peak Summer season, and the authorities had used the summer months to put in walkways and viewing platforms to protect visitors and the environment.

These modifications almost certainly reduced the shooting options, but I think that is a small price to pay to protect such a wonder of the natural world that has evolved over millions of years.

With a set number of controlled viewing platforms and vantage points, the challenge here is to fund a unique perspective. The viewing platforms are also metal grates hanging over the cliffs edge, so long exposures are a challenge given the vibrations from other viewers.

View this image in my Photo Gallery or on Flickr