Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
najökull. It released an immense jökulhlaup (glacial flood), which ploughed northward
down the Jökulsá á Fjöllum and gouged out the canyon in a matter of days. The river then
flowed through Ásbyrgi for about 100 years before shifting eastward to its present course.
From the car park near the end of the road (3.5km south of the visitor centre), several
easy short tracks lead through the forest to viewpoints of the canyon. Heading east the
track leads to a spring near the canyon wall, while the western track climbs to a good view
across the valley floor. The trail leading straight ahead ends at Botnstjörn , a small duck-
filled pond at the head of Ásbyrgi.
ÁSBYRGI TO DETTIFOSS HIKE
The most popular hike in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon is the two-day trip (around 30km) from
Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss, which moves through birch forests, striking rock formations, lush
valleys and commanding perpendicular cliffs while taking in all of the region's major
sights. From Ásbyrgi you can follow the canyon's western rim or river's edge to Ves-
turdalur (12km, or three to four hours), where you'll spend the night (camping is forbid-
den elsewhere).
On the second day you'll continue on through to gushing Dettifoss, with two options:
the considerably more difficult route involves a spectacular walk via the Hafragil lowlands
(18km), the easier takes a route north of Hafragil (19.5km, six to eight hours). All up, the
route is classified as challenging.
The hike can be done in both directions; however, the park rangers recommend starting
in Ásbyrgi, where you can pick up the required maps and brochures. Also, the vistas re-
veal themselves more dramatically when travelling in a southerly direction (travelling
north, you'll be walking uphill). Ever-changing bus schedules and plans for fully sealing
Rte 862 mean that park staff are best placed to answer questions such as how to leave
your car at Ásbyrgi and return to it by bus from Dettifoss at the end of the hike (or vice
versa).
Vesturdalur
Off the beaten track and home to diverse scenery, Vesturdalur is a favourite destination for
hikers. A series of weaving trails leads from the scrub around the campsite to the cave-
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