Jokulsargljufur National Park, Iceland, 2000

 

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Distance:  34km

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Avg. Time:  2 days

Start / Finish:

  • Dettifoss – Asbyrgi
  • Click here for details of getting to and from Jokulsargljufur National Park.

Season :  June to September

Maps / Info:

  • Jokulsargljufur means ‘glacial river canyon’ in Icelandic.
  • Lonely Planet’s Iceland guidebook gives an overview of the route between Dettifoss and Asbyrgi.
  • Check the following link for general information on Jokulsargljufur: http://www.nat.is/travelguideeng/national_park_jokulsargljufur.htm
  • You can pick up a basic trail map at the Tourist Information office in Akureyri. On such an easy to follow trail, it’s all you need for navigation purposes.
  • For a more detailed map, try the widely available 1:120,000 Akureyri-Myvatn-Dettifoss.

Route / Conditions:

  • Navigation is straightforward – simply a matter of following the canyon north from Dettifoss. Look for the easily recognizable yellow trail markers.
  • Near hike’s end, definitely choose the fixed rope descent into Asbyrgi, rather than the more mundane option down to the petrol station.
  • Bring all supplies from Akureyri.

Sleeping:

  • Bring your own shelter. Officially speaking, camping is only permitted at Vesturdalur where toilets and fresh water are available.

Overview:

  • Highlights include spectacular waterfalls (Dettifoss and Hafragilsfoss), surreal basalt rock formations and the climactic final views into Asbyrgi canyon.
  • I did this walk with an Englishman by the name of Phil. A top bloke, Phil walked with a pronounced limp due to a recent parachuting accident. Born and bred in Yorkshire, he was a tough bastard who loved his Yoeman’s Potatoes, a beer or six and most of all his long-distance cycling.