Hólmatungur

The Hólmatungur hike is a quiet loop in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon area of Vatnajökull National Park in North Iceland. It explores an unusually green corner of the canyon, where spring-fed streams flow through lush vegetation and join the glacial Jökulsá á Fjöllum. The loop is about 5 km with roughly 90 m of ascent and a high point near 280 m, and takes 1–1.5 hours.

Hólmatungur is much quieter than Dettifoss or Ásbyrgi, which lie to the south and north, and that is a big part of its charm. The trail follows the streams past small waterfalls and along the rim of the main canyon, with views down to the grey glacial river. It is rated easy, with some uneven ground but no big climbs. It is a good introduction to the canyon for those who want something more than a quick viewpoint stop.

Highlights

• Spring-fed streams and small waterfalls
• Lush vegetation in contrast to the surrounding lava and gravel
• Views into the canyon of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum
• Quiet trails away from the busy Dettifoss area

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Hólmatungur is reached from Route 862, the road along the west side of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum between Route 1 and Ásbyrgi, via road 887 (Hólmatungnavegur), which is paved, to a car park with toilets. Roads in the area may open later in the season, so check road.is and the Vatnajökull National Park website for current access.

Where to stay

The nearest services are at Ásbyrgi, with a campsite and a shop in summer, and around Lake Mývatn. Húsavík is another good base with plenty of accommodation. Vatnajökull National Park also runs a campsite at Vesturdalur in summer, but check current opening.

Best time to hike

May to October is the season, though side roads may not open until early summer. July and August are warmest, with the vegetation at its greenest. September brings autumn colours and fewer visitors. In winter the area is hard to reach and roads may be closed.

Safety

The canyon edges can be loose and unfenced, so keep back from the rim. Paths near streams can be wet and slippery. This is a quiet area with fewer visitors, so carry water, a waterproof layer and a map. Check SafeTravel.is and road.is before going, and call 112 in an emergency.