NAUTHÚSAGIL IN SHORTNauthúsagil is a narrow ravine at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull in South Iceland, beside the farm Stóra-Mörk on Road 249, the road towards Þórsmörk. Rowan trees grow along its walls and a waterfall, Nauthúsafoss, waits at the far end. It is about 10–15 minutes by car past Seljalandsfoss and around 2 hours from Reykjavík, free to visit, and the walk in and out takes roughly 40 minutes to an hour.
About Nauthúsagil
The ravine cuts into the hillside below the glacier-capped volcano Eyjafjallajökull, with a stream running through a narrow gap in the rock. Rowan trees grow out of the cliffs on both sides, some of them almost horizontally, closing over the path in places like a roof of leaves. It gives the ravine a green, sheltered feel that is unusual for this part of Iceland.
The name means "Bull Shed Ravine" and is believed to come from a shed for bulls that once stood here. The rowan is part of the local story too: the main trunk of the old tree broke off nearly a hundred years ago and is now kept at the Skógar Museum, further east along the south coast.
Getting to the waterfall at the end means wading or hopping across the cold stream a few times, either by walking through the narrowest part of the gorge or on a path around it. It is a short, easy-to-reach adventure rather than a serious hike, and popular with families and anyone on the way to or from Þórsmörk. Far fewer people stop here than at Seljalandsfoss, just down the road.
Quick facts
RegionSouth Iceland, under Eyjafjallajökull
RoadRoad 249 (gravel after Seljalandsfoss), by the farm Stóra-Mörk
From SeljalandsfossAbout 10–15 minutes by car
From ReykjavíkAround 2 hours by car
WalkAbout 1.6 km there and back, around 60 m of ascent
Time needed40–60 minutes round trip
TerrainStream crossings on stepping stones, wet rock, one fixed chain
EntryFree
Opening hoursOpen all year, best visited in summer
How to get to Nauthúsagil
By carTake Route 1 east from Reykjavík, past Hvolsvöllur and over the Markarfljót bridge, then turn left onto Road 249, signed for Seljalandsfoss and Þórsmörk. Drive past Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. The tarmac ends soon after and the road turns to gravel. Carry on for about 10 minutes to the small car park on the mountain side of the road, by the farm Stóra-Mörk.
Which carIn summer an ordinary car normally manages the gravel as far as Nauthúsagil if you drive slowly. Do not go further: beyond here the road becomes the mountain road F249 to Þórsmörk, with unbridged rivers, and is only for well-equipped 4x4 vehicles and drivers who know river crossings.
By public transportThere is no public bus to the ravine itself. A car, or a Þórsmörk tour that stops here on the way, is the practical option.
In wet weather or after heavy rain, the stream inside the ravine can run higher and faster, so use judgement about how far in to go, especially with children. On the way there are several lesser-known spots along Road 249, which is one reason many visitors choose to go with a local guide.
The walk into Nauthúsagil, step by step
The route is out and back along the stream. It is short, but you will be on wet stones for most of it.
Step 1: From the car parkA short, flat path follows the stream from the car park to the mouth of the ravine. This is the place to decide on footwear: waterproof boots with good grip, or shoes you are happy to get wet.
Step 2: Into the gorgeThe walls close in and the path crosses the stream several times on stepping stones. In places it is easier to walk in the shallow water than to balance on the rocks. Look up for the rowan branches meeting overhead.
Step 3: The first small waterfallPart-way in, a low fall of a couple of metres blocks the way. A fixed chain on the rock helps you climb past it. Take it one person at a time, and turn back here if the rock is icy or the water is high.
Step 4: NauthúsafossA little further on the ravine ends at Nauthúsafoss, a taller waterfall dropping into a mossy bowl. Expect spray. Return the same way.
Moss, wet rock and cold water make this slippery at any time of year. Keep hands free, and do not rely on the chain if it looks damaged.
What else to see around Nauthúsagil
The ravine fits well into a day on the south coast or a trip into Þórsmörk.
SeljalandsfossAbout 60 m high and right by the junction of Route 1 and Road 249. A path leads behind the curtain of water, so bring a waterproof.
GljúfrabúiThe "canyon dweller", about 40 m high, sits inside a cleft in the cliff a short walk north of Seljalandsfoss. You wade a few metres up the stream to stand below it.
ÞórsmörkThe highland valley at the end of F249, between three glaciers. The hiking trails are excellent and it deserves at least half a day, better a full one. Go by highland bus, super jeep tour or a properly equipped 4x4.
Skógar MuseumAbout half an hour east on Route 1, with a folk museum, an open-air museum of turf houses and a technical museum. It is a good stop with children, and it is where the old Nauthúsagil rowan trunk is kept.
Best time to visit Nauthúsagil
Summer (June–August)The easiest time to visit, with the road clear, the lowest water levels and the rowan trees in full leaf.
WinterThe ravine is beautiful under snow, but access is much harder. The gravel road can be icy or snowed in and may call for a 4x4 or a modified vehicle with a local driver. Inside, the water is colder and the rocks ice over. Check road.is and the forecast on vedur.is, and do not push on in a small car.
Safety and practical tips
- Wear boots with a good grip, or shoes you don't mind getting wet. Crossing the stream is part of the walk and the ground is mossy and slick.
- Bring a waterproof jacket and a change of socks if you plan to go all the way to the waterfall.
- Avoid the stream crossings with small children or in high water.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. Heavy rain raises the stream quickly, and winter storms can make the road impassable.
- Combine it with Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, which you pass on the way in on Road 249.
Facilities and accessibility
There are no toilets or other facilities at the ravine itself. The nearest toilets and refreshments are at Seljalandsfoss, and the nearest shops and fuel are in Hvolsvöllur, back on Route 1.
Nearby places worth a stop
Where to stay near Nauthúsagil
There is not much accommodation right by Nauthúsagil. Guesthouses, farm stays and hotels are spread along the south coast around Seljalandsfoss, Hvolsvöllur and Skógar, and Þórsmörk has mountain huts and camping. Book well ahead in summer.
Nauthúsagil FAQ
Where is Nauthúsagil?
In South Iceland, at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull by the farm Stóra-Mörk. It is on Road 249, about 10–15 minutes by car past Seljalandsfoss, on the way towards Þórsmörk.
Is Nauthúsagil difficult to hike?
No, it is short and manageable for most fitness levels, though the crossings over the cold stream mean wet feet, some scrambling over rocks and one short climb with a chain.
How long does it take?
Most people are in and out within 40 minutes to an hour, including a look at the waterfall.
Do I need a 4x4 to reach Nauthúsagil?
Not normally in summer. The gravel road is passable for ordinary cars as far as the car park if you drive slowly. Past Nauthúsagil the road becomes F249, which needs a proper 4x4. In winter the road can be difficult for small cars.
What does Nauthúsagil mean?
"Bull Shed Ravine". The name is believed to come from a bull shed that once stood at the site.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it is free to visit.
Can children do this hike?
Older children generally manage well, but the stream crossings make it less suitable for toddlers or in high water.
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