Hiking trails in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon
The only way to fully experience Jökulsárgljúfur is by foot and the park is an ideal hiking area. There are marked trails alongside the edge of the canyon from Ásbyrgi south to Selfoss. Many hikers venture even further, ending at lake Myvatn. The trails are variable, both in distance and difficulty. A factor for path difficulty has been developed within Vatnajokull National Park and all marked hiking trails within Jökulsárgljúfur are color marked according to this factor. On the hiking map [pdf 1,8 MB] all hiking trails are colored in accordance to the color of the trail difficulty. Please note that distance and walking times are for reference only.
Here you can download a hiking route map for Jökulsárgljúfur: [pdf 1,8 MB]
On the left are suggestions for a few of the more popular hiking routes in Jökulsárgljúfur, grouped by four areas: Ásbyrgi, Vesturdalur, Hólmatungur and Dettifoss. Whenever possible the suggestion is a circular route. Please note that these are only suggestions; in most cases it is possible to use alternative paths, return the same way, do a reverse circle etc.
In early summer (May and beginning of June) the opening of roads that go to Vesturdalur, Hólmatungur and Dettifoss depends on weather conditions. Visitors who plan to drive to the starting point of the hiking trails there are advised to get information from the park staff in the Visitor Centre in Ásbyrgi (tel 470-7100, mail:asbyrgi@vjp.is) before they start their travel.
Those who plan to hike down to Hafragil lowland have to take special care as this the most difficult hiking trail in Jökulsárgljúfur and not suitable for untrained hikers or people afraid of heights.
Those who plan to hike from Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss (a two days hike) should look at the route description here on the left. Also those who plan to hike further, from Dettifoss to Krafla (Myvatn).