7 Best Sights in Vatnajökull National Park–Jökulsárgljúfur, North Iceland

Legend has it that this extraordinary, horseshoe-shaped landmark is the hoofprint of Odin’s giant eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Alternatively, it could have been created by a massive ancient glacial flood, although no reliable eyewitnesses were around at the time to confirm either story, so we’ll never know for sure. From the car park, several trails of varying lengths meander through the well-vegetated areas; the shortest and most popular trail (1 km) leads to the serene, green Botnstjörn Pond.

Europe’s most powerful waterfall dispatches an average flow of 193 meters cubed per second with a breathtaking force that makes the earth vibrate beneath your feet. The immense column of white-foaming water thunders over a 45-meter (147 feet) drop creating a magnificent and formidable vision of the sheer force of nature. Expect to see terrific rainbows when the sun is shining. From the parking lot off Route 862, there’s a 15-minute trail through otherworldly rocky plains. Dettifoss can also be viewed from the east side of the falls off Route 864 as well but this road can often be hazardous in winter so it's vital to check road conditions before setting out. 

The "Echo Cliffs" is an extraordinary labyrinth of rock formations, located on the west side of Jökulsárgjúfur canyon off Route 862. There are two trails from the parking lot to this remarkable attraction: one is a short (1 km) there-and-back path leading to a magnificent rock named The Troll, and another longer trail (3 km [1.85 miles]) takes a ring around the areas and is more challenging. The name of the attraction comes from the honeycomb textures of the rocks, which act as sound processors amplifying the reverberating sound of the river.

An extraordinary episode of nature can be found at Hólmatungur where unique rock formations frame a verdant, well-vegetated oasis bustling with cascading waterfalls and clear-water springs. Hólmatungur is accessed via Route 887. Nordic Natura offers drop-offs and pick-ups for those wishing to hike in the area.

If you still have a thirst for photogenic waterfalls, head north from Dettifoss on Route 864 on the eastern side of the river (Jökulsá á Fjöllum) to Hafragilsfoss, the sister waterfall to Dettifoss, which plunges dramatically off an 18-meter (59-foot) drop.

The trail to this remarkable row of red scoria craters starts from the parking lot just past the Vesturdalur campsite—don't be confused by the popular site in Heiðmörk near Reykjavík with the same name. The footing can be tricky in places, but otherwise it's not too challenging. The rocky path winds enchantingly through remarkable basalt structures with unusual natural patterns.

Plenty of people stop to see the famed Dettifoss waterfall, but most sleep on its sister, Selfoss, which is located just slightly upstream and a short hike away from the Dettifoss parking area. A panoramic spot filled with small tumbling cascades of glacial water, it's surrounded by some spectacular basalt cliffs to awaken your inner geologist.