Is Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon part of a national park?

Yes, Jökulsárgljúfur is part of Vatnajökull National Park. It was previously its own national park before being merged into the larger Vatnajökull National Park in 2008.

Can I hike the full length of the canyon?

Yes, there is a multi-day hiking trail that runs the length of the canyon from Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi, covering approximately 34 km. Most hikers complete it in 2 days with an overnight at the Vesturdalur campsite.

Which waterfalls are inside the canyon?

The canyon is home to several major waterfalls including Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), Selfoss, Hafragilsfoss, and Réttarfoss. All are fed by the glacial Jökulsá á Fjöllum river.

Is there an entrance fee?

There is no entrance fee to visit the canyon or its waterfalls. Vatnajökull National Park is free to enter, though camping fees apply at designated campsites.

Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon: Iceland's Largest Canyon & Home to Dettifoss

Iceland's largest canyon — a 25 km long, 100 m deep gorge carved by glacial floods, home to Dettifoss and the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi cliffs.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

North Iceland

Vatnajökull National Park

Jökulsárgljúfur is the largest and most impressive canyon in Iceland, stretching approximately 25 km from Dettifoss in the south to the horseshoe-shaped cliffs of Ásbyrgi in the north. The canyon was carved by catastrophic glacial floods (jökulhlaup) from the Vatnajökull ice cap, which sent enormous volumes of water surging through the landscape. The Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, one of Iceland's longest, still flows through the canyon today. The area contains some of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, striking rock formations, and diverse vegetation sheltered within the canyon walls.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

Stay on marked paths near waterfalls. Cliff edges are unfenced in many areas. Weather can change rapidly.

Sources to check

Length

~25 km

Iceland's longest canyon, from Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi

Depth

~100 m

Carved by catastrophic glacial floods

National Park

Vatnajökull

Part of Europe's largest national park

What to Expect

Dettifoss Waterfall

Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume, thundering 44 m into the canyon

Ásbyrgi Cliffs

A dramatic horseshoe-shaped depression with a birch forest sheltered within its walls

Multi-Day Hiking

A 34 km trail connects Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi with campsites along the way

Selfoss & Hafragilsfoss

Two additional stunning waterfalls within easy reach of Dettifoss

Hljóðaklettar Formations

Twisted basalt columns and echo chambers in the Vesturdalur area

Diverse Wildlife

Sheltered canyon supports rich birdlife, Arctic foxes, and lush vegetation

Getting There

Jökulsárgljúfur is in northeast Iceland, forming a key section of the Diamond Circle scenic route. For Dettifoss, the west side is accessible via Route 862 (paved), turning east off Route 1 about 25 km north of Mývatn. The east side uses Route 864 (gravel), accessible from Route 1 further east -- a 4WD is recommended for this rougher road. Ásbyrgi at the northern end is accessible from Route 85, about 65 km northeast of Húsavík. From Akureyri, allow about 2.5 hours to reach Dettifoss via Route 1 and Route 862 (175 km). A visitor center at Ásbyrgi operates in summer with maps, information, and basic facilities. Free parking is available at Dettifoss, Vesturdalur, and Ásbyrgi. Fuel up in Húsavík, Mývatn, or Egilsstaðir before entering the park, as no fuel stations exist within the canyon area.

Best Time to Visit

June through September is the best time, when all roads and facilities are open. Route 862 (paved, west side of Dettifoss) typically opens in late May and remains accessible through mid-October. Route 864 (gravel, east side) has a shorter season, usually mid-June through September. July and August offer the warmest weather (10-15°C) and longest days, ideal for the 2-day hiking trail from Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi. The Ásbyrgi and Vesturdalur campsites operate from June through August. Spring (May-June) sees the most powerful waterfall flow from snowmelt, while late summer offers more moderate river levels revealing more of the canyon geology. From October through May, most access roads are closed and winter conditions make the area largely inaccessible, though Dettifoss can occasionally be reached via Route 862 in mild winters.

Planning help

Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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