Best for
Waterfalls + canyon geology
Dettifoss alone is worth the drive—add Ásbyrgi for the full experience.
Jokulsargljufur (Jökulsárgljúfur) Canyon Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide
A massive canyon carved by catastrophic glacial floods, now part of Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe's most powerful waterfall and the mythical horseshoe canyon of Ásbyrgi.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
North Iceland
Part of Vatnajökull NP. Accessible from the Diamond Circle.
Jökulsárgljúfur is a 25-kilometer-long canyon carved by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Catastrophic floods from volcanic eruptions beneath Vatnajökull glacier shaped this dramatic landscape over thousands of years. The canyon contains three of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls—Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss—along with the enigmatic Ásbyrgi horseshoe canyon and the unusual Hljóðaklettar echo rocks.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Canyon edges can be slippery and unprotected—stay on marked paths, especially near waterfalls. Check road conditions before driving.
Sources to check
Access
Moderate
Paved Route 864 from the east; gravel Route 862 from the west.
Pro tip
Visit both sides
East and west banks of Dettifoss offer completely different perspectives.
What to Expect at Jökulsárgljúfur
- Europe's most powerful waterfall (Dettifoss) with massive spray
- Ásbyrgi horseshoe canyon with lush birch woodland
- Hljóðaklettar echo rocks with twisted basalt columns
- Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss waterfalls upstream and downstream of Dettifoss
- Multi-day hiking trail connecting Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss along the canyon rim
- Karl og Kerling basalt pillars and the Rauðhólar red crater row visible from the canyon trail
Nearby Attractions
- Húsavík whale watching (Diamond Circle)
- Mývatn Nature Baths and lava formations
- Goðafoss waterfall on Route 1
- Krafla volcanic area with Víti crater and geothermal fields
- Akureyri , the capital of North Iceland, with cultural attractions
How to Get to Jökulsárgljúfur
- Dettifoss east side: Route 864 (paved) from Route 1, about 30 km
- Dettifoss west side: Route 862 (gravel) from Húsavík area
- Ásbyrgi: Route 85 from Húsavík, about 65 km
- A 2WD car works for the east approach; west side benefits from higher clearance
Best Time to Visit Jökulsárgljúfur
- June–September: All roads and trails open, best hiking conditions
- July–August: Warmest months, midnight sun extends visiting hours
- Route 862 typically opens in June and closes in October
- Dettifoss east side (Route 864) has a longer open season
Planning help
Jökulsárgljúfur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.