Rauðsgil
Rauðsgil is a beautiful pearl where water, rocks and vegetation weave together a particularly beautiful environment. Beautiful waterfalls on a hiking trail.
More information
Region
Vesturland, Borgarbyggð
Starting point
N64°39.3434 W021°13.7068
Markings
Sign(s) at the starting point of the trail
Duration
1 - 2 hours
Surface
- Gravel
- Grass
- Unsmooth grassy surface
- Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
- Step - A step, ledge, stair or low ledge that must be stepped on
- A ford - Unbridged river/a stream, wetland or a swamp
Hazards
- Rockfall - Rocks can fall from cliffs, landslides and mountain slopes
- Streams - i.e. river, sea or lakes
- Wind gusts - A route known for powerful wind gusts
- Slippery trail
- A ford - Unbridged river/a stream, wetland or a swamp
Service on the trail
No service
Engin þjónusta er á þessari leið.
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all year round except when the sheeps are herded from the hills and mountains. 1-2 days a year, in September.
Dogs must be kept on a leash when the sheeps are free on the hills from June 1st to September 30th.
Dogs must be kept on a leash when the sheeps are free on the hills from June 1st to September 30th.
Rauðsgil gorge in Borgarfjörður is on the border between Hálsasveit and Reyholtshrepss. The gorge is deepest at the bottom of the river, as it reaches from 60 to 70 meters deep but becomes shallower as it gets higher up the river. There are large number of waterfalls in the river, including Laxfoss, Einiberjafoss, Tröllafoss and Bæjarfoss waterfalls. The first part of the trail gives hikers a view of high waterfalls, with options to walk along the edge but also on a visable trail further from the edge. As hikers get upriver, the experience of the tranquililty and closeness to the river and waterfalls is breathtaking.
Rauðsgil gorge is a little known place for domestic and foreign tourists that can be a good addition to the nature experience that is available in this area. The experience of visitors who visit and hike Rauðsgil gorge can be great, with the views of the mountain range around Rauðsgil, along with the sounds of the waterfalls. The hike is relatively easy, but there is no climbing along the trail but visitors can choose between the tractor trail further from the gorge or closer to the gorge, but visitor must be aware of the risks if the terrain is slippery or wet. Visitors with dogs are kindly asked to keep them on a leash when the sheep is free in the area, between 1st of June and 30th of September. Larger cars or buses are directed to Rauðsgilsrétt.