Jökulsárgljúfur

Jökulsárgljúfur makes up a part of Vatnajökull National Park in north Iceland. It is a river canyon, about 25 km long, 500 m wide in many places or over 100 metres deep. Previously a national park of their own, today, Jökulsárgljúfur and the area around it is a part of the Vatnajökull National Park.

Further inland, along the glacial river that once shaped Ásbyrgi are the canyons through which the mighty river still flows. Among the sights in the area is Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Iceland.

Understand
The region is accessible year-round, weather and road conditions permitting.

There are good toilet facilities at the major destinations.
 * vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is (official tourism website)
 * vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is (official tourism website)

Landscape
The area is of interest because of its chaotic canyon and volcanic mountains. Eight thousand years ago, volcanic fissures of the Askja volcanic system erupted directly underneath the river and glacial ice. This caused explosions and chaotic flooding.

The centre of the area is Vesturdalur with Hljóðaklettar (rock of echoes). Rauðhólar (red mountain) is of interest because of its special colouring due to iron oxidations.

Get in
Jökulsárgljúfur is accessible by Route 85 from Kelduhverfi or by Route 1 in Mývatnsöræfi. Dettifossvegur (road number 862) lies to the west of Jökulsá á Fjöllum.

Eat
A privately operated restaurant, supermarket and seasonal tourism services are found at Ásbyrgi.

Camping
There is a large campsite in Ásbyrgi for 2500 kr/person that opens late May to 1st September and gets very busy during the summer months. No tents for hire. The campsite has facilities for tents, caravans and mobile homes. Call for information.

There's also a campsite in Vesturdalur that is only intended for tents and there is neither electricity nor hot water.

Stay safe
The region is excellent for hiking, but outside of the summer months, conditions can change rapidly. Check on weather conditions before visiting.