Seljahjallagil

Seljahjallagil is a protected natural monument in Northeast Iceland featuring a spectacular canyon system carved through ancient lava fields in the Mývatnssveit district. Designated for protection in 2012, this gorge reaches depths of 100-150 meters and averages 500 meters in width, showcasing some of the most impressive columnar basalt formations in eastern North Iceland. The protected area covers 1,880.7 hectares and includes the canyon itself along with surrounding features including the vegetated hillocks of Bláhvammur and the volcanic formations at Þrengslaborgir. The site preserves significant geological relics from volcanic eruptions that shaped the Lake Mývatn region.

The varied terrain of Seljahjallagil supports diverse wildlife adapted to the canyon and lava field environment. Most notably, the protected area includes falcon eyries that are occupied every year, making it an important nesting site for gyrfalcons, one of Iceland's most magnificent raptors. Ravens nest on cliff ledges and hunt throughout the area. Rock ptarmigan inhabit the vegetated areas, while various songbirds including wheatears and snow buntings breed during summer. Arctic foxes traverse the canyon hunting for prey. The canyon's sheltered microclimate supports different species than the exposed plateau above.

Vegetation within Seljahjallagil varies dramatically between the canyon depths and surrounding uplands. The Bláhvammur area south of the canyon features one of the most significant birch forests in the region, with dwarf birch and occasional taller birch trees growing in the protected hilly terrain. Wildflowers bloom abundantly in these sheltered areas during the brief summer. Within the canyon, mosses, lichens, and ferns colonize the damp rock surfaces and columnar basalt. Marsh grass and other wetland plants grow on the sandy dunes and lava sand areas south of Villingafjall. Heath vegetation covers the plateau above the canyon.

Seljahjallagil preserves outstanding geological features from the volcanic history of the Mývatn region. The canyon was carved approximately 4,000 years ago when the older Laxárhraun lava flowed from the volcanic shield Ketildyngja through what is now the gorge, eventually spreading across the Mývatn area and continuing down Laxárdalur into Aðaldalur. Meltwater has carved a new canyon through the lava at the northernmost section, exposing dramatic rock stacks with exceptional columnar basalt formations. The hexagonal basalt columns formed as lava cooled slowly and contracted, creating the geometric patterns visible in the canyon walls. The area showcases multiple lava flow episodes.

Seljahjallagil experiences the subarctic climate typical of interior Northeast Iceland, with cold winters and cool summers. The canyon creates distinct microclimates, with sheltered areas in the gorge bottom experiencing milder temperatures and reduced wind exposure compared to the exposed plateau above. Winter brings snow and freezing temperatures, while summer temperatures typically range from 8 to 14 degrees Celsius. The canyon may retain snow longer than surrounding areas due to shading. Weather can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for rain, wind, or fog. The area receives moderate precipitation, with most falling as snow in winter.

The lands around Seljahjallagil have been used by Icelandic farmers since the Norse settlement period, with the canyon and surrounding lava fields serving as landmarks and seasonal grazing areas. The dramatic landscape features in local folklore and oral traditions passed down through generations. Farmers valued the canyon's shelter for livestock during severe weather. The distinctive rock formations likely inspired stories and legends in traditional Icelandic culture. Archaeological evidence of historical land use may exist in the protected area. The connection between human communities and this volcanic landscape extends back over a millennium.

Seljahjallagil, together with Bláhvammur, Þrengslaborgir and their surroundings, was designated as a natural monument in 2012. The protection was established to preserve the area's distinctive geological formations and acknowledge its high educational and outdoor activities value. Iceland's Environment Agency administers the protected area, which also partly overlaps with habitat protection zones for falcons in Mývatnssveit. The designation reflects Iceland's commitment to preserving representative examples of volcanic landscapes and geological features. The natural monument status provides legal protection against activities that would damage the geological formations or disturb wildlife.

Visitors can walk down into the Seljahjallagil gorge and explore the magnificent rock formations up close, observing the spectacular columnar basalt from within the canyon. A route leads through the gorge and across the lava sand and dunes with marsh grass south of Villingafjall mountain. The columnar basalt pillars at the canyon's northern end are considered among the finest examples in eastern North Iceland. The vegetated Bláhvammur hills offer contrasting scenery with birch forest and flowers. The area provides educational opportunities to understand volcanic processes and glacial meltwater erosion. Photography opportunities are excellent throughout the protected area.

Seljahjallagil is located in the Mývatnssveit district of Northeast Iceland, accessible from the Ring Road and roads serving the Lake Mývatn area. The nearby Lake Mývatn region offers extensive visitor services including accommodation, restaurants, and visitor information. There are limited facilities at the natural monument itself, so visitors should be self-sufficient with water, food, and appropriate clothing. The terrain requires reasonable fitness for walking into and through the canyon. The site is best visited during summer when trails are accessible and daylight is abundant. Visitors should inform someone of their plans when exploring the canyon.

Conservation at Seljahjallagil focuses on preserving the outstanding geological formations and protecting wildlife, particularly the breeding gyrfalcons that nest in the area annually. Regulations prohibit activities that would damage the columnar basalt formations or disturb nesting raptors. Visitors are encouraged to stay on established routes to prevent erosion of sensitive volcanic soils. The management plan addresses the area's educational value while ensuring protection of geological and biological features. Climate change monitoring tracks vegetation changes and falcon breeding success. The natural monument contributes to Iceland's network of protected volcanic landscapes representing the country's geological heritage.