Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/rivers Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- Rivers # Rivers of Iceland Glacial torrents, salmon streams, and rivers that shaped Icelandic history: a guide to the country's major waterways. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Tip Never ford alone Glacial rivers can rise suddenly. Always check conditions and cross with experienced guides. ## Quick Answer Iceland's major rivers, from glacial torrents like Hvítá and Þjórsá to salmon rivers like Norðurá and Rangá. Rafting, fishing seasons, and crossing safety. South IcelandGlacial river ### Hvítá (White River) ~40 km from Langjökull glacier. Feeds Iceland's most famous waterfall and offers popular rafting tours. Best for Rafting + Gullfoss waterfall [View details]() West IcelandSalmon river ### Norðurá 90 km through Borgarfjörður. One of Iceland's best-known salmon rivers, with canyon stretches. Best for Salmon fishing [View details]() South IcelandGlacial river ### Skaftá Source near Vatnajökull. Historically prone to glacial floods; linked to the devastating Skaftá Fires of 1783. Best for Volcanic history + jökulhlaups [View details]() South IcelandSalmon river ### Rangá East and West Rangá are separate fisheries; compare the actual beat and season before booking. Best for Salmon fishing [View details]() South IcelandGlacial river ### Krossá The Krossá crossing depends on the destination within Þórsmörk. Confirm the correct bank and transport with your accommodation. Best for Þórsmörk access [View details]() South IcelandGlacial river ### Markarfljót 100 km from Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. Broad braided channels across volcanic sandur. Best for Sandur plain scenery [View details]() EastfjordsHighland river ### Fossá Short river that feeds waterfalls in the eastern highlands, including its namesake falls. Best for Scenic waterfalls [View details]() South IcelandGlacial river ### Múlakvísl From Mýrdalsjökull/Katla. Check current road and flood alerts before travelling nearby. Best for Katla volcano monitoring [View details]() South IcelandLongest river ### Þjórsá Flows from Sprengisandur highlands to the south coast. Major hydroelectric resource. Best for Iceland's longest river (230 km) North IcelandGlacial river ### Jökulsá á Fjöllum 206 km from Vatnajökull to Öxarfjörður. Creates Dettifoss, a major glacial waterfall. Best for Dettifoss + canyon scenery North IcelandSalmon river ### Laxa í Aðaldal Flows from Lake Mývatn. Its upper trout fishery and lower salmon fishery have different fishing arrangements. Best for Salmon fishing South IcelandLarge river ### Ölfusá Short but powerful. Formed by the confluence of Hvítá and Sogið near Selfoss. Best for Highest flow rate in Iceland EastfjordsGlacial river ### Jökulsá á Dal 150 km from Brúarjökull to Héraðsflói. Dammed for Kárahnjúkar hydropower. Best for East Iceland landscapes North IcelandHighland river ### Blanda 125 km from Arnarvatnsheiði. Important salmon river with a hydroelectric dam. Best for Salmon fishing + hydropower North IcelandGlacial river ### Skjálfandafljót 180 km from Vatnajökull. Creates Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. Best for Goðafoss waterfall For a concrete comparison, [Viking Rafting]() lists its East Glacial River trip as Grade IV+ and its West Glacial River trip as Grade II+. These are operator trip descriptions, not interchangeable names or a guarantee of conditions on your date. Planning help ## River FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **Is it safe to ford rivers in Iceland?** River crossings are one of the most dangerous activities for travelers in Iceland. Glacial rivers can rise rapidly with no warning due to rain, ice melt, or volcanic activity. A convoy does not make a crossing safe. Check the route with local rangers or SafeTravel and use suitable professional transport where required. **How do I go salmon fishing in Iceland?** Iceland's best-known Atlantic salmon rivers include Rangá, Norðurá, and Laxá. Fishing permits are required and allocated by river. Book well in advance through licensed fishing tour operators; the best beats sell out months ahead. The salmon season typically runs from June through mid-September. **Where can I go river rafting in Iceland?** The Hvítá river in south Iceland near the Golden Circle is the most popular rafting destination; operators run both scenic and whitewater trips. In North Iceland, Austari Jökulsá is the East Glacial River; Vestari Jökulsá is the West Glacial River. They are different rafting trips. **What is a jökulhlaup?** A jökulhlaup is a glacial outburst flood caused when water trapped under a glacier is suddenly released, often due to volcanic or geothermal activity. These floods can destroy bridges and roads within hours. Rivers like Skaftá, Múlakvísl, and Skeiðará are historically prone to jökulhlaups. ## Pair rivers with a region Use the region pages to build a route around these rivers. [South Iceland]()[West Iceland]()[North Iceland]()[East Iceland]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().