Long-awaited safety improvements are finally underway at Stuðlagil Gorge, one of East Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations.
This unique natural site, visited by over 77,000 people so far this year, has seen delays due to prolonged planning issues. This is according to local landowner Aðalsteinn Jónsson.
Speaking to RÚV, Aðalsteinn said, “There has been no lack of interest from the landowner or the Tourist Site Protection Fund. It is the planning issues first and foremost that have delayed all construction.”
Last year, a woman tragically died after falling from the Klaustursel side of the ravine. Now, the first fall protection systems are finally being fabricated at the MSV workshop in Egilsstaðir.
While the Grundrand side has received substantial funding and infrastructure upgrades, the Klaustursel side has remained largely unimproved—until now.
Using nature as an obstacle
Plans are in motion to install platforms and safety railings directly at the gorge. A ladder providing access down the cliff face may also be added in the future. However, Aðalsteinn warns that fully securing the site could require drastic measures, such as closing paths or installing intrusive railings.
He hopes for a more harmonious approach: “It was my dream that we would use natural materials—fallen rocks to make steps—so we weren’t bringing man-made materials here, but using nature to improve safety and access.”