Literally translated, Jökulsárgljúfur means “glacial-river-canyon,” and it is aptly named for Iceland’s longest river canyon at 25 kilometres (16 mi). This great canyon makes up the largest portion of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park.
Jökulsárgljúfur makes up the northeastern region of Vatnajökull National Park and there are several must-see nature sites in this area including Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall) and Ásbyrgi, the remarkable horseshoe shaped canyon which Viking settlers believed to be a hoof-print formed by Sleipnir, Óðinn’s flying horse.
Jökulsárgljúfur canyon is 25 km long, 500 m wide and in many places 100-120 m deep, making it one of the deepest and most breath-taking canyons in Iceland. Jökulsárgljúfur is also known for its series of waterfalls: Selfoss, Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss and Rettarfoss.
Jökulsárgljúfur National Park Visitor Centre
The park’s visitor center is located in Ásbyrgi. A fairly large and developed campground can also be found in Asbyrgi. A more primitive campground is located in Vesturdalur, which is midway between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi.
Asbyrgi can be visited any time of the year, although services may be limited during winter. Dettifoss and Vesturdalur are located at higher altitudes and therefore subject to snow cover and road conditions.
