Canyon near Dettifoss Waterfall

The Dettifoss Trail | Jökulsárhlaup
Ásbyrgi Canyon to Dettifoss Waterfall

Location: North Iceland
Distance: 32 km | 20 miles
Duration: 1-2 Days
Start/Finish: Ásbyrgi Canyon to Dettifoss Waterfall

The Dettifoss Trail, known locally as Jökulsárhlaup, is a spectacular 32-kilometre hiking route in North Iceland that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the dramatic landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park. Starting at the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon and ending at the thundering Dettifoss Waterfall, this trail offers a raw and rugged slice of Icelandic wilderness.

Beginning in Ásbyrgi, a lush, forested canyon steeped in Norse mythology (said to be the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse), the trail quickly transitions into a harsher volcanic terrain. You’ll follow the path alongside the powerful Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, Iceland’s second-longest river, which carves its way through a series of gorges and lava fields. The landscape changes dramatically with each passing kilometre - from tranquil birch woods to moon-like expanses of basalt rock and windswept plains.

Along the way, hikers encounter several breathtaking viewpoints, including Eyjan (The Island), a high ridge in the centre of Ásbyrgi, and the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Hafragilsfoss and Selfoss waterfalls. The trail culminates at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where 193 cubic metres of water plunge over a 45-metre drop every second.

This point-to-point hike is typically done over one or two days, with limited shelter along the way, so it’s best suited to experienced hikers with good navigation skills and proper gear. The trail is well-marked but remote - expect solitude, silence, and a real connection with Iceland’s elemental beauty.

Whether you're drawn by geology, mythology, or sheer natural power, the Dettifoss Trail is a true Icelandic adventure - from canyon to cascade.