A Passage to Another World: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

What’s Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge?

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge (we know the name can be tricky to pronounce) is a narrow canyon located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. Its name can be translated as “Red Cloak Rift.” Unlike the usual wide and large canyons that can be found in other parts of Iceland, this is a tight crevasse carved into Botnsfjall Mountain. In fact, the opening of the gorge is barely wide enough for a couple of people. And, at some points, it might be even narrower. There’s a little stream that runs through it, and, at the end of it, a chamber opens up where a small waterfall drops into the rocks. This place is humid and wet, but not in a bad sense. These conditions have covered the gorge's walls with vibrant green moss. It’s really beautiful and feels like a secret passage into another world.

But Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is not just a sight to behold. You can explore deeper, climbing over rocks and getting through shallow water. It usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour to fully discover this place. It’s not a stroll for everyone, though. The path gets tricky, and you must be okay with tight spaces and wet feet.

It's a great visit by itself, but it’s also located near some of the best natural monuments in Iceland. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is also nicknamed “Iceland in miniature” because it has a bit of everything this country has to offer. So, adding Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge to a larger itinerary through this region is easy and totally worth it.

The Folklore Behind Rauðfeldsgjá

If that was not enough, this place is also steeped in legend. According to the Saga of Bárður Snæfellsás, a half-man, half-troll named Bárður–who is the protector of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula–lived nearby with his daughters. He had a mischievous nephew called Rauðfeldur, who pushed one of Bárður’s daughters onto an iceberg drifting in the sea. She survived, but Bárður thought she had not. In revenge and full of rage, Bárður threw Rauðfeldur’s brother Sölvi off a cliff into the gorge. Bárður then retreated to the nearby Snæfellsjökull Glacier, where the legend says he still watches over the peninsula. Even if it’s just a tale, this is another excellent example of the great connection between Icelandic folklore and its natural environment.

Where’s Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge and How to Get There?

As we said before, Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a strip of land located in West Iceland, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of Reykjavik. It takes around two and a half hours to get there from the capital. It might be too much for a day trip just to see this place, but it’s perfect as part of a peninsula road trip. It’s near the famous Snæfellsjökull National Park, and just 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of the town of Arnarstapi.

The best way to get to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, and in general to move around Iceland, is by car. Renting a vehicle will give you flexibility and freedom to explore all the amazing places in the country at your own pace, choosing the itinerary that suits you best.

If you’re coming from the capital, it’s quite easy to get to Rauðfeldsgjá. Take the famous Ring Road (Route 1) heading north. After approximately one hour, you’ll reach the city of Borgarnes. Just after the city, take the exit for Route 54 (Snæfellsnesvegur), which loops around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. After 100 kilometers (60 miles) on this road, you’ll see the exit for Route 574 (Útnesvegur) on the left-hand side, with signs for Arnarstapi and Hellnar. After a few minutes, you’ll see a gravel road on the right with a sign that says Rauðfeldsgjá. The gorge is easy to spot from the road, cutting into Botnsfjall Mountain like a scar. There’s a small parking area there, and then you’ll have to walk for a couple of minutes until you reach the gorge’s entrance.

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The Weather at Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

The weather in Iceland is famously unpredictable, and Rauðfeldsgjá is no exception. And not only that, it also changes drastically and constantly. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula has a subpolar oceanic climate, which means that winters are not as harsh as in the inner part of the country in terms of temperature, but it rains quite a lot. Here’s what you can expect season by season:

Summer (June to August)

Objectively, this is the best time to go to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. The temperatures hover between 11°C and 13°C (52°F and 55.4°F) during the day, dropping to 6°C-8°C (43°F-46.4°F) at night. You’ll get 20-22 hours of daylight in June, giving you tons of time to explore. It’s the warmest and driest season, but “dry” is relative—it’s highly recommended to always wear waterproof clothes. And shoes, you’ll need to wade through a shallow stream inside the gorge. This is when the gorge is safest and most accessible, with no ice to worry about.

Autumn (September and October)

The average temperature moves between 4°C and 10°C (39.2°F and 50°F), getting colder by the week. The same happens with the daylight hours: 12 hours in September, and 7 by the end of October. Rain is common; trails can be wet and muddy, and by the end of the season, there could be the first days of snow. The landscape transforms into a beautiful palette of colors.

Winter (November to March)

Temperatures move around freezing point for most of the season, with only 4-5 hours of daylight. Snow and ice make the gorge tricky, if not downright dangerous, to explore. Roads can also get tricky, and some can be closed if the weather is harsh.

Spring (April and May)

Things warm up to 4°C-9°C (39.2°F-48.2°F) highs, with lows near freezing. Rain and wind are common, but crowds are thinner than in the summer. The landscape starts waking up, though the gorge might still have some slippery spots.

Regardless of the season, it’s essential to check the weather forecast and the road conditions before departing. The weather can have a huge influence on the roads, so better be safe than sorry.

What to See and Do Near Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature” for a reason—it’s packed with some of the best natural monuments in Iceland. Here’s what to check out nearby:

Snæfellsjökull National Park

This is one of the three national parks in Iceland, and the only one with land and marine areas. Snæfellsjökull National Park comprehends most of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and has a huge variety of landscapes. The star is the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, a volcano capped with ice that inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. In the park, you can hike through lava fields or discover volcanic craters. Trails range from easy strolls to more challenging treks—there’s something for everyone.

Arnarstapi and Hellnar

These two quiet and lovely fishing villages, a short drive from the gorge, are great examples of the deep connection between Iceland and the sea. There’s a 2.5 km coastal walk that links them, with views of basalt columns, natural stone arches, and impressive cliffs. You can even spot the charming puffin in the summer months.

Sönghellir

Known as the “Cave of Songs,” this lava cave near Arnarstapi is famous for its unique acoustics. It's said that singing or speaking inside the cave produces a unique echo.

Lóndrangar

The massive sea stacks of Lóndrangar—75 and 61 meters tall (246 and 200 feet)—rise spectacularly from the sea, just off the coast near Hellnar. They are the remains of an ancient volcanic crater that the sea and wind have eroded. The legend says they are two trolls turned into stone by the sun. It's also a great place for birdwatching.

Bjarnarfoss

Bjarnarfoss is a tall and beautiful waterfall that many tourists miss in their visit to Iceland. It’s pretty close to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, just 13 minutes by car. This 80-meter waterfall (262 feet) is framed by basalt columns and green fields. The waterfall is divided into two main tiers. The upper part, more exposed, catches the wind, and the water sways and dances against the cliff.

Búðakirkja

Búðakirkja, or “Black Church,” near Búðir, is a beautiful building that perfectly represents traditional Icelandic architecture—small, wooden, and pitch-black against lava fields. It’s a peaceful stop, especially at sunset.

Whale Watching from Ólafsvík

Many people come to Iceland in hope of seeing whales. One of the best places in the country to do it is Ólafsvík, a fishing town on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Many tours depart from the town’s harbor, and in them, you can see humpback whales, sperm whales, orcas, and, if lucky, blue whales in their natural habitat. The prime season for whale watching is between May and September.

Kirkjufell

Kirkjufell is a 463-meter mountain near Grundarfjörður, and it's Iceland’s most photographed peak, thanks to its unique shape and because it appeared in Game of Thrones as "Arrowhead Mountain." It’s especially spectacular combined with the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, which is really close.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to visit: Summer is the best time in terms of climate: long days and better weather. On the other hand, it’s peak season, so there could be more crowds.
• Dress Smart: As we have mentioned, the weather changes a lot, and the best way to adapt to these changes is to dress with layers. The outer layer must be waterproof. Good hiking boots that can support water are also a must.
• Safety First: Stick to paths, watch for slippery rocks, and don’t push past your comfort zone inside the gorge. Check weather updates, as storms can form in a minute.
• Respect Nature: Don’t venture off trails, disturb wildlife, or take all the trash you generate with you.
• Driving: Going to Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge involves some stretches of gravel road, which can be tricky to navigate.
• Photos: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is a magnificent spot for photography, especially at sunset. The light filtering through the top of the canyon creates a magical atmosphere.

Conclusion

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is a gorgeous place that deserves a visit. It’s one of the hidden gems not only on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, but in the whole of Iceland. This place blends natural beauty, adventure, and mythological stories. It’s a magnificent stop to add to your itinerary through this part of the country, and not many tourists know of its existence. Rauðfeldsgjá and you don’t want to miss it.