Length
~25 km
Iceland's longest canyon, from Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi
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.
Location
North Iceland
Vatnajökull National Park
Quick Answer
Jökulsárgljúfur is a 25 km long, 100 m deep glacial canyon in North Iceland, part of Vatnajökull National Park and home to Dettifoss and the Ásbyrgi cliffs.
Jökulsárgljúfur is the largest 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 several major waterfalls and unusual rock formations, with varied vegetation sheltered within the canyon walls.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stay on marked paths near waterfalls. Cliff edges are unfenced in many areas. Weather can change rapidly.
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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 horseshoe-shaped depression with a birch forest sheltered within its walls
Multi-Day Hiking
A 32 km trail connects Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi with campsites along the way
Selfoss & Hafragilsfoss
Two more waterfalls within easy reach of Dettifoss
Hljóðaklettar Formations
Twisted basalt columns and echo chambers in the Vesturdalur area
Diverse Wildlife
The sheltered canyon supports birdlife, Arctic foxes, and dense vegetation
Getting There
Jökulsárgljúfur is in northeast Iceland and forms part of the Diamond Circle 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 have the warmest weather (10-15°C) and longest days, which suits the 2-day hiking trail from Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi. The Ásbyrgi and Vesturdalur campsites operate from June through August. Spring (May-June) sees the strongest waterfall flow from snowmelt, while late summer has lower river levels that expose 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.
Plan the through-hike separately from the viewpoints
The park’s Canyon Trail guide grades the 32 km route as challenging. Its three sections link Ásbyrgi, Vesturdalur, Hólmatungur and Dettifoss. There are no cabins, and camping is restricted to designated sites. Arrange your overnight stop and transport back from the far end before setting out.
The route includes a ford of Stallá between Vesturdalur and Hólmatungur. This is a separate spring-fed tributary; it is not an instruction to enter the main Jökulsá river. Ask the park about current route conditions and do not treat a published trail description as a same-day crossing assessment.
West-side route change: The park’s 25 May 2026 notice permanently closes Fosshvamm near Dettifoss after rockfall and hidden cracks. Views remain available, but paths are being relocated. Follow current signs rather than an older map into Fosshvamm; confirm the open connection before extending a walk to Selfoss.
Planning help
Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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?
The park lists the Ásbyrgi–Dettifoss Canyon Trail at 32 km and recommends two days. There are no huts; overnight stays use designated park campsites. Check the full route and campsite availability before departure.
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.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.