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L1

Ásbyrgi - Vesturdalur

From Ásbyrgi to Vesturdalur there are two paths to choose from: One is to follow the rim of Ásbyrgi, and go south along Klappir and Kvíar, just over 12 km. The other route is to go the easterly path, closer to the river, but that route is 13,6 km long. Both routes start at the Visitor Centre in Ásbyrgi. The trail is a part of the canyon trail from Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss, 32 kilometers in total.

From Ásbyrgi to Vesturdalur there are two paths to choose from: One is to follow the rim of Ásbyrgi, and go south along Klappir and Kvíar, just over 12 km. The other route is to go the easterly path, closer to the river, but that route is 13,6 km long. Both routes start at the Visitor Centre in Ásbyrgi. From the Visitor Centre, there are two ways to access the rim of Ásbyrgi. An easier way is to go east over the golf course and turn south at the intersection east of the golf course. From there the path goes up the lowest part of the cliff. A more difficult way is to go directly south from the Visitor Centre, towards the intersection at Tófugjá. There, turn east and go up the cliff, where there is a rope for support. It is not recommended to go this way if people have a heavy burden. Up at Tófugjá it is possible to choose which way to go to Vesturdalur (along the rim of Ásbyrgi or along the Jökulsá river).

  • Between Ásbyrgi and Vesturdalur there are no streams or springs to take water from. Hikers have to carry all fluids with them.
Distance
12 km
Estimated time
4-5 hours
Trail difficulty factor
Challenging
Starting point
Gljúfrastofa visitor centre / Vesturdalur car park

Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss, canyon trail - Connected hikes

L1, L2, L3

Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss - Canyon Trail

32 km
2 days
Challenging

The trail between Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss is 32 kilometers through Jökulsárgljúfur canyoun. Points of interest Jökulsárgljúfrum. Hiking up along the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, from the luxuriant Ásbyrgi to the barren but magnificent environment around Dettifoss, is a unique experience for every hiker. The diversity of the landscape is unique and captures the eye at every footstep: tremendous gorges, quiet ponds, clear springs, rough river, luxuriant forests and bare gravel plains. Two days are recommended for the whole hike. On the route there are no cabins and it is only allowed to camp on the park campsites at Vesturdalur and Dettifoss.

L2
Jökulsárgljúfur, Hljóðaklettar, þoka,

Vesturdalur - Hólmatungur

8 km
3 h
Challenging

The route between Vesturdalur and Hólmatungur is about 8 km. The only river that has to be waded during the hike, Stallá, is at this section. Stallá is a spring river that flows into the Jökulsá river. The river is shallow and cold, but wading restores tired legs and makes the trip more memorable. The trail is a part of the canyon trail between Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss that is 32 kilometers.

L3

Hólmatungur - Dettifoss

11,5 km
3 h
Challenging

The trail is from Hólmatungur to Dettifoss. The trail is one of three parts for hiking the whole Jökulsárgljúfur, 32 kilometers in total.

Hiking map