Jökulsárgljúfur

About Jökulsárgljúfur

Jökulsárgljúfur is the canyon of the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum in Northeast Iceland, and the name of the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park that protects it. The canyon is about 25 km long, around half a kilometre wide and in many places over 100 m deep. Its landscape changes along the way, from deep gorges and a fast, rough river to quiet ponds, clear springs, woodland and bare gravel plains.

The main sights sit at either end and in the middle. At the northern end is Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon with the Gljúfrastofa visitor centre at its entrance. Midway, Vesturdalur has the Hljóðaklettar basalt formations and the Rauðhólar cinder cones. At the southern end are the waterfalls Dettifoss and Selfoss, reached by road on both sides of the river.

The classic walk is the canyon trail from Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss, 32 km over two days. It is split into three stages: Ásbyrgi to Vesturdalur (12 km, 4–5 hours, with a choice of rim or riverside path), Vesturdalur to Hólmatungur (8 km, 3 hours, including a wade across the shallow, cold Stallá river) and Hólmatungur to Dettifoss (11.5 km, 3 hours). All stages are graded challenging. There are no huts on the route, and camping is allowed only at the park campsites at Ásbyrgi, Vesturdalur and Dettifoss; the Dettifoss site has minimal facilities.

The best time to visit is June to September, when most roads, trails and campsites are open. Dettifoss can be reached year-round on paved Route 862 from the west, while Route 864 on the east bank is gravel and closed or difficult in winter. Pick up maps and current trail conditions at Gljúfrastofa before setting out.