North Iceland, Iceland
Photo: Tbc, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Jökulsárgljúfur makes up a part of Vatnajökull National Park in north Iceland. It is a river canyon, about 25 km long, 500 m wide in many places or over 100 metres deep. Previously a national park of their own, today, Jökulsárgljúfur and the area around it is a part of the Vatnajökull National Park.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
One of the two main highlights of the park features a very unusual and large cliff formation 60 km east of Húsavík, which is said to be the hoofmark of Odin's horse.
Supposedly Europe's most powerful waterfall. With a drop of 44 m and a width of 100 m, it has the second-largest volume discharge in Iceland, only behind Urriðafoss (which is much smaller).
2.5 kilometres further up the river than Dettifoss, this waterfall is 27 metres high and about 91 metres wide. Access is via a lookout point from the car park (unsealed) or via a trail that allows you to get much closer to the waterfall from Dettifoss (car park is sealed).
A 12-metre-high waterfall further upstream. Easily accessible via a short walk from the car park.
Jökulsárgljúfur is accessible by Route 85 from Kelduhverfi or by Route 1 in Mývatnsöræfi. Dettifossvegur (road number 862) lies to the west of Jökulsá á Fjöllum.
Read in the guideArticles and travel topics about Jökulsárgljúfur and Iceland.
Find out how much does a trip to Iceland cost in 2026. Compare realistic daily budgets for campervans, hotels, dining, fuel, and Ring Road excursions.
9 min read
Drive Route 1 with this 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary for 2026. Realistic driving times, glacier lagoons, waterfalls, safety tips, and costs.
8 min read
Find the best time to visit Iceland in 2026. Compare midnight sun road trips, northern lights seasons, winter ice caves, puffins, and travel costs.
8 min read
Where to see the northern lights in 2026 and 2027 during Solar Cycle 25, comparing weather in Tromsø, Abisko, Fairbanks and Iceland.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.