Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, National park in Eastern Region, Iceland
Jökulsárgljúfur is a national park in Iceland's eastern region formed by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river carving through the landscape and creating a long canyon system. The park displays various rock types, vegetation zones, and erosion patterns shaped over millennia by water and geological forces.
The park was established in 1973 to protect the canyon and surrounding area from further change. In 2008, it merged with Vatnajökull National Park, expanding the protected territory and allowing for more comprehensive management of the region.
The Ásbyrgi Canyon connects to Norse mythology as the legendary imprint of Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir on the earth. The name and shape of this canyon reflect this ancient story and influence how visitors experience the place today.
The park can be reached via Route 85 from Kelduhverfi or Route 1 in Mývatnsöræfi, with several trails ranging in difficulty from easy to demanding. The Gljúfrastofa visitor center provides information to help you choose trails suited to your ability and interests.
Hljóðaklettar features hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity that create natural chambers throughout the site. When you walk through these columns, they produce sound effects that echo differently depending on where you stand.
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