On the trail from Mývatn to Ásbyrgi: hiking from Dettifoss to Vesturdalur

Hike Facts Recommended Guide
Distance 18 km
Ascent 400 m
Estimated time 4 hours
GPX files & profile See the online map below
This is a section of Mývatn – Ásbyrgi Trail

Terrain: Relatively easy, well marked trail along the left side of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Drinking water is at the Dettifoss campsite (for hikers only!) and then plenty in Hólmatungur.

We left the waterfall, Dettifoss, by early morning and started heading south along the western edge of the canyon. The sooner you start, the less tourists you meet. We started at 7am and didn’t meet a soul.

Rock formations near Dettifoss

We chose not to go down to Hafragil because it was strongly discouraged for people with heavy backpacks. Going around is easier but a bit longer.

Waterfall on the way

All the way to Hólmatungur the trail is pretty much the same – clearly visible, easy to walk on and with stunning views of the canyon and its waterfalls.

River’s canyon

In Hólmatungur we passed a few smaller but very lovely waterfalls. We forded a small river and continued following an easy-going path to Vesturdalur. The local campsite is nice with plenty of water and places to hide from the wind.

Map


Total distance: 17546 m
Max elevation: 337 m
Min elevation: 120 m
Download file: GPX - hikingisgood-com - is - myvatn - asbyrgi 4.gpx

About the Author

Michal
I lived a pretty ordinary life for a while. I did my studies, my second studies, my third studies, my first job, my second job, and my third job. I wasn’t really sure what’s going on so, in 2014, I left my home country (Czechia) to learn about the world. I’m still not sure what’s going on but I enjoy it much more. I lived in a few countries before settling in New Zealand.

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