Lignite canyon

Surtarbrandsgil (e. Lignite canyon) was put on the Icelandic environment protection list as a natural phenomenon in 1975. The main reason for the protection was to pretect the fossils of the flora which was to be found in mud and lignite layers between the basalt layers. Thease plant fossils are from the tertier time.

The Environment Agency of Iceland’s exhibition on the nature reserve Surtarbrandsgil in the old priest’s lodgings in Brjánslækur is open daily from 10. June until 10. August. Entrance is free for everyone. 

In relation to the exhibitions opening hours, hikes to the canyon led by a land ranger are available during these times:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 13:00.

Please note that hiking up the canyon is prohibited unless accompanied by a ranger. For further information, call 822-4080 or 831-9675.