Fjadrargljufur (no idea how to pronounce it) turns out to be one of my favorite spots in Iceland — and that’s saying a lot, because there are a myriad of gems in this country. It’s a green canyon that is 2km long and up to 100 meters deep, with a river running through it. It’s located on the southern coast of Iceland, about 10 minutes north of the Ring Road; part of that road is gravel but my 4WD vehicle easily handles it.

To be honest, I did not expect it to be this stunning. I feel giddy as I climb the short hill at the entrance to the canyon; it’s so green and massive and otherworldly. There isn’t one photo or angle that shows the depth and uniqueness of this place — it’s best experienced on foot, following the dirt trail to each viewpoint throughout the 2km out and back.

Some of the paths venture along narrow cliffs with steep drop-offs on either side. Epic, right?

There’s a barrier to keep people from walking out to this next viewpoint below. Of course I hop over it in pursuit of dramatic photos.

Like this one:

Good thing I’m not afraid of heights:

The next stretch of trail winds further up the canyon.

While I don’t watch Game of Thrones (as previously established), I imagine this would be an ideal location for an epic battle scene. Don’t these cliffs look dramatic, untouched, and fantastical? Like if I photoshopped a dragon soaring overhead, it would feel appropriate for this setting?

(I’m still campaigning for that location manager job.)

More steep paths offer views of the canyon:

And because this is Iceland, of course there are waterfalls. Emptying into blue pools. Just when I thought this scenery couldn’t get any prettier…

A look back towards the starting point:

Reluctantly heading back to the car…

At this point in the afternoon, I still have hours of driving ahead of me. I’m not sure how I’ll squeeze in everything I want to see. But after the utter joy of exploring Fjadrargljufur canyon, I really don’t care how it shakes out — my day has already been made.