This is another Instagram favorite spot and I had such high expectations! This spot is a magnificent gorge lined with some of the country's largest and most perfectly formed basalt columns. You have two ways to experience it: for a quick and stunning overview, head to the west side (at the Stuðlagil campsite) where viewing platforms and stairs get you a great vantage point with just a 5-minute walk. For the full, immersive experience, head to the east side. From the parking lot, it's a rewarding hike of about 45-60 minutes each way that takes you right down to the riverbed, allowing you to walk among the giant hexagonal pillars and truly appreciate their scale.

Note that weather conditions and time of year can drastically change how a location looks. When we were there, the color of the water was actually a murky brown instead of the bright blue water that you see in all of the viral photos and videos. The west side viewing platforms were also incredibly windy - so this was a short stop for us.