The Jökulsárgljúfur National Park is a national park in Iceland.
Travelers Code
- Leave camping and rest areas the way you want to find them.
- Take your rubbish back with you.
- No open fire on overgrown areas.
- Leave stones where moss or lichens grow on them.
- Protect vegetation and don't tear down plants.
- Do not disturb wildlife.
- Pay attention to the signs.
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background
The Jökulsárgljúfur National Park was established in 1973 and has been expanded several times since then. It extends 30 km north of Dettifoss to road 85 and has a size of 150 km². The canyon is one of the largest and most impressive in Iceland. It is 25 km long, 0.5 km wide and in many places more than 100 meters deep. In 1996 the Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss waterfalls were placed under protection as a natural monument.
history
landscape
The national park includes the gorge created by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum.
Flora and fauna
The area is populated by numerous birds. You can find red thrush, siskin, snipe as well as plover, meadow pipit and ptarmigan in the bog and heathland. Snow bunting, wheatear, various species of falcon and seagulls also use the rocks for nesting. Shrubs and heather areas predominate in the lower part of the gorge. Forests can be found in Ásbyrgi and Áshöfði. They are mainly composed of birch and willow. But you can also find mountain ash and conifers. There is a variety of heather, as well as bearberry and juniper. Sedge and reed grow in the boggy areas, while in the upper part of the gorge there are mainly gravel, sand and lava formations. The earth is dry because the average rainfall is only about 400 mm per year.
climate
The weather in Iceland can change very quickly, so you should always have appropriate clothing with you when hiking. It is worth mentioning that the temperature drops by about 0.6 ° for every 100 meters of altitude. Since the temperature can drop to minus degrees even in summer, especially at night, you should only be traveling with the appropriate camping equipment. You shouldn't ignore the wind either. It can be very strong on a mountain and especially on the edge of a cliff. People who are not afraid of heights are advised to go the last two meters to the edge of the cliff on all fours and to lie on their stomach for further observations.
getting there
By plane
The closest airport is Akureyri.
In the street
From Akureyri via the R 1 and 85 direction Húsavík. Continue over the Tjörnes peninsula to Ásbyrgi.
By bus
From Akureyri with the SBA, from Húsavík with Trex. Both companies also offer day trips.
Fees / permits
No
mobility
Gravel roads lead to most of the sights, but the best way to explore the national park is on foot.
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Dettifoss.
Mightiest (most water-rich) waterfall in Europe, 45 m high and 100 m wide.
- 2 Hafragilsfoss.27 m high.
- 3 Selfoss.10 m high. Do not confuse: there is also a place with this name, but in the south of Iceland.
- 4 Ásbyrgi cliffs.Ásbyrgi means Castle of the Aesir. If you believe the old legends, the gorge is a hoof print of Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse.
- Hjóðaklettar. Echo rocks, Remains of ancient volcanoes.
- Karl and Kerling. Man and woman, petrified trolls.
- Hafragil gorge
activities
- hike - There are well-marked hiking trails. Maps of the area are available at the park information.
to buy
There is a small shop with a snack bar in Ásbyrgi.
to eat and drink
Sleep
Hotels and hostels
Accommodation can be found in the vicinity.
camping
- Ásbyrgi. Large guarded campsite - also suitable for mobile homes.Open: June 1st - September 15th.
- Vesturdalur. Small campsite, only for tents.Open: June 1st - September 15th.
- Dettifoss. Camping site for hikers.
security
trips
literature
Web links
- Jökulsárgljúfur National Park
- Jökulsárgljúfur National Park Official Homepage
