The Nauthúsagil Canyon and Waterfall
Nauthúsagil is a small ravine in southern Iceland at the heart of which lies a stunning hidden waterfall. While it remains relatively unknown, this site offers one of the most enjoyable short hikes in the region.
Nauthúsagil Canyon is located just off Road 249, behind the Stóra-Mörk farm. The area is lush with vegetation and as you walk, the sunlight filtering through the canyon creates breathtaking contrasts.
- The Origin and Legend of Nauthúsagil
- The Incredible Hike to the Waterfall through Nauthúsagil Canyon
- How to Get There
The Origin and Legend of Nauthúsagil
The awesome hike into the Canyon
Nauthúsagil is carved out of tuff, compacted strata of petrified volcanic ash that were eroded by wind and rain to created deep ravines in the mineral landscape. The name Nauthúsagil roughly translates to "Bull Shed Ravine." There are two possible origins, one simply referring to the nearby Stóra-Mörk farm and the building that once served as a stable for farm animals. In the past, bulls would graze alongside other non-milk livestock not too far from the ravine.
The other origin of the name relates to a local legend about an even more remote farm named Nauthús that was abandoned in 1770. As is often the case in Iceland, this legend involves a haunting.
The famous Nauthúsafoss waterfall in the canyon
The Legend of Nauthús
Three brothers lived on the Nauthús farm with their sister. When the kindest of the brothers was murdered by the other two, their sister fled to Stóridalur where she became engaged to a local farmer. The two evil brothers were furious and swore to kill her new fiancé and protector.
One winter day, while the farmer was gathering sheep near the Markarfljót River—frozen over except for its deepest point—the brothers attacked. They tried to force him out over the water. During the struggle, however, the evil brothers ended up drowning in the icy waters while the farmer managed to escape unharmed.
Although Nauthús had few residents after that, those who remained noticed something strange—a dark presence that lingered. In the spring, the sister convinced a relative to take over the abandoned Nauthús farm. Everything was peaceful that summer, but the winter brought a series of ghostly apparitions. The farmer at Nauthús sent for the neighbouring farmer, from Stóridalur, who came to spend the night to keep each other safe. Word soon got around that the brothers’ ghosts were wreaking havoc in the area. The following nights, the spirits returned to Nauthús, clattering all over the rooftops and tormenting the remaining residents.
The farmer from Stóridalur, who was also the caretaker of the local church, decided to take matters into his own hands. One night, he entered the church alone. As expected, a ghost appeared behind him. He pleaded for his life, explaining that a girl from the Mörk farm was expecting a child, and he prophecized that both the girl and the child would come to defeat the ghost one day. The ghost agreed to let the farmer live for one more day, but would take his life, the girl's, and that of her unborn child the following night.
Acting quickly, the farmer hid the victim behind the altar in the church. He then sprinkled holy water throughout the building, leaving only a narrow path down the church aisle. When the ghost returned after nightfall, the farmer led him down this path, consecrating the ground behind him as they walked. Trapped, the ghost was unable to pass the altar steps, the holy water preventing him from turning back. In the end, the spirit sank into the ground. A cross was placed at that very spot, ensuring the ghost would never return, as spirits forced underground can only haunt the land directly above them.
The second ghost, however, continued to haunt a wider area, and after an escalation of frightening encounters, the farmer from Stóridalur was forced to move away. Nauthús has remained abandoned ever since, still considered haunted to this day, and may have given its name to the canyon and waterfall.
The Incredible Hike to the Waterfall through Nauthusagil Canyon
The parking lot and hiking trail departure
The hike begins from a small parking lot, very easy to find with clear signage and just a short distance from the canyon’s entrance. While the total distance is less than a kilometer round trip, the hike is not without its challenges—but this is just part of its charm! There’s a section where you’ll need to scramble over rocks with ropes and chains as guide rails in order to reach the waterfall. While teens and adventurous hikers will probably find the hike a little too easy, children or the elderly may not be comfortable on this trail.
As you begin the hike, follow the well-maintained and clearly marked path into the ravine. The trail follows a small stream, and you’ll have to hop across a few times to keep your feet dry.
The Small Bridges Over the Stream
Though the ravine is deep and narrow, you can still walk along the stream and keep your feet dry. After about ten minutes, you’ll come across a small waterfall about 2 meters high, which seems like the end of the hike—but it’s not!
A chain bolted to the rocks is there to help you navigate across the water, with a rope to assist you in climbing up the next section. Visitors should be cautious here, as the stones can be quite slippery.
Stay on the left side of the small waterfall on the trail
After another hundred meters, you’ll reach the main attraction: Nauthúsagilfoss, a magnificent waterfall hidden at the back of the ravine. When sunlight filters through, the water takes on an incredible color, and the scene is framed by vibrant green moss.
It’s wet and misty here, but you can get close enough to snap some great photos of the entire waterfall.
After taking in the view, you’ll retrace your steps back to the parking lot. The rope section is no easier on the way down, so take your time!
Although this spot isn’t very crowded, you may have to wait a few minutes to use the chain and rope section, but the wait is never too long. On the way back, you can also climb above the canyon to catch a bird's-eye view of the whole site.
The hike takes about 1.5 hours if you stop for photos and take the time to soak in the scenery. It’s a fun, short adventure that’s easily accessible from Road Number 1, making it a perfect addition to any trip.
How to Get There
Nauthúsagil is located just 11 km off Road 1, about 15 minutes from the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall along the smaller Road 249.
While Route 249 is known for leading to Thórsmörk with its challenging river crossings, you won’t encounter any difficulties at the start of the road. Nauthúsagil is easily accessible, even with a standard 2WD vehicle!
Between Seljalandsfoss and Nauthúsagil, you’ll also pass by the DC-3 plane wreck at Eyvindarholt, which is worth a quick stop. As you approach Nauthúsagil, a discreet sign points to a small, clearly visible parking lot. From there, you’re just a short hike away from discovering this hidden gem.
