Markarfljót is one of the larger glacial rivers in Iceland. From the source of the river Hrafntinnusker, there is a 100 km / 60 mi route to the sea in the Landeyjar. The main source, however, is in the northern part of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Halfway to the sea, on Emstrur, the river falls into a rugged and narrow 200 m / 663 ft deep Markarfljótsgljúfur gorge. The canyon was formed in a catastrophic eruption 2000 years ago. Markarfljót was a major travel obstacle for centuries. It was not until the first bridge was built across the river in 1934 that the problem was solved.
There is 120 km / 75 mi from Reykjavík on the Ring Road to Markarfljót. From there, it is only 60 km / 37 mi to Vík.
Markárfljótsgljúfur Canyon is unique and wonderous. Rangárvallasýsla 05/09/2021 17:06 : A7R IV / FE 1.2/50mm GM
Photo and text : Páll Stefánsson
