Jokulsargljufur
The northern arm of Vatnajokull National Park — a 25 km glacial canyon anchored by the Asbyrgi horseshoe and Dettifoss.
Asbyrgi horseshoe canyon walls covered in birch forest
What to expect at Jokulsargljufur
Jokulsargljufur is the canyon carved by Jokulsa a Fjollum, the same river that plunges over Dettifoss further south. The northern end forms Asbyrgi, a horseshoe cliff a kilometre wide that Norse legend claims was left by Odin's horse Sleipnir. Between Asbyrgi and Dettifoss lies the Vesturdalur section with its lava columns at Hljodaklettar and the green amphitheatre of Holmatungur — arguably the most underrated hiking country in Iceland.
Access is easiest from Husavik or Myvatn. The paved Route 862 runs down the west bank; the unpaved 864 runs the east side and is 4WD-only. If you have one day, drive the west road stopping at Asbyrgi, Hljodaklettar and Dettifoss west viewpoint. If you have two, thru-hike the 34 km Asbyrgi-to-Dettifoss trail with a night at the Vesturdalur campsite ($15 pitch fee).
Questions about Jokulsargljufur
Free. There are no entry fees or parking charges anywhere in Jokulsargljufur.
Everything is free, 24 hours a day, year-round.
A full day driving Route 862 with 3-4 short hikes. Two days if thru-hiking to Dettifoss.
The park never closes. Route 864 (east side to Dettifoss) closes roughly late October to early June depending on snow.
No for day visits. Campsites at Asbyrgi and Vesturdalur take walk-ins ($15-18 per person).
Asbyrgi visitor centre is 63 km east of Husavik on Route 85. There is no public bus; car or organised tour only.
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