Sigöldugljúfur: Iceland's Remote Canyon of Majesty

Sigöldugljúfur is a captivating canyon located near the Highland Center Hrauneyjar, where we stayed while exploring the southern part of Iceland's Highlands. Situated within the expansive volcanic and geothermal region of the country, this canyon is defined by its rugged landscape, characterized by towering cliffs and deep crevices carved by the Sigölduá River over centuries. In contrast to some of Iceland's more famous attractions, Sigöldugljúfur and its waterfalls remain hidden from the masses due to its remote and less accessible location. This made it an ideal destination for us, as we were seeking to photograph these more remote and less-visited places. During our stay Highland Center Hrauneyjar we visited the canyon twice. Our first visit, towards the end of our third full day presented a challenge. The setting sun casted long shadows over half of the canyon, making photography difficult. As a result, we focused on capturing abstract details to avoid dealing with excessive contrast between light and shadow. To fully appreciate the canyon's grandeur, we made the decision to return the following morning when the light conditions would be more favorable. Although the canyon would be cloaked in shade, this presented a better opportunity to create a well-lit composition that would showcase the incredible beauty of Sigöldugljúfur in all its glory – Sigöldugljúfur, Highland Region, Iceland.