Jökulsárgljúfur is a canyon in Northeast Iceland, cut by the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum to the north of the Dettifoss waterfall. It was a national park in its own right until 7 June 2008, when it became part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park. The area is known for its chaotic canyon and its volcanic mountains: the rock formations of Hljóðaklettar at Vesturdalur, the red slopes of Rauðhólar, and the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi at the northern end.
Jökulsárgljúfur
Eight thousand years ago the fissures of the Askja volcanic system erupted directly under the river and its glacial ice, and the flooding that broke out carved this canyon.
- Entrance
- Free
- Accessibility
- Not accessible — unpaved wilderness trails
- Difficulty
- Varies — from short viewpoints to a two-day hike
- Transport
- Self-drive — roads 862 and 864, summer only
What makes it special
Ásbyrgi, Hljóðaklettar and Rauðhólar all belong to the same canyon system along the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. About eight thousand years ago, volcanic fissures of the Askja system erupted directly beneath the river and the glacial ice above it. The explosions and the flooding that followed carved the gorge and left volcanic mountains standing along it.
Vesturdalur was the centre of the old park, and Hljóðaklettar — the rocks of echoes — stands there. Rauðhólar takes its colour from iron oxidation in the rock. Ásbyrgi, at the northern end, closes in the shape of a horseshoe.
Good to know
- It's a 25 km canyon, not a single stop — pick your sights (Ásbyrgi, Hljóðaklettar, Dettifoss) and your side before you set out.
- Route 862 down the west side is largely paved and easier; Route 864 on the east is rougher gravel. Both are summer-only and close under snow.
- Check road.is for road status, and give the whole area a full day if you can.
- The canyon edges are unfenced above a cold, fast river — stay back from the rim and keep children close.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Jökulsárgljúfur on the map
The canyon rims are unfenced above a powerful cold river, and the gravel access roads are closed in winter — keep well back from edges, watch children, and check road status before you set out.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Jökulsárgljúfur still a national park?
No. It was a national park in its own right until 7 June 2008, when it became part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park.Where is Jökulsárgljúfur?
In the north of Iceland, around the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, to the north of the Dettifoss waterfall.What formed the canyon?
Volcanic fissures of the Askja system erupted directly beneath the river and the glacial ice about eight thousand years ago. The explosions and the chaotic flooding that followed cut the gorge.What is there to see at Vesturdalur?
Vesturdalur was the centre of the park. Hljóðaklettar, the rocks of echoes, stands there, and Rauðhólar nearby is coloured red by iron oxidation.What is Ásbyrgi?
A canyon at the northern end of the area, formed in the shape of a horseshoe.