Katlar
From the parking area you follow the route east towards the Jökulsá River and turn right at the intersection to Katlar (Kettles). In Katlar the Jökulsá river channel narrows greatly and the whirlpools are enormous, as if the river was boiling. It is quite a contrast to the quiet and clear spring water streams coming from underground ravines, opening into Hólmatungur. Follow the same way back.
Attention: Jökulsá glacier river digs itself under the area so hikers must follow the marked trial.
Connected hikes
Hólmatungur circle
From the parking area you take the westerly trail that goes north along the Hólmá River, with its countless islets and angelica-lined banks, all the way to the Hólmárfossar cascades. The return route is the easterly route, south alongside the Jökulsá River and then it turns east, to the parking area. It is possible to add to this route a loop down to Katlar, see route H-2.
Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss - Canyon Trail
The trail between Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss is 32 kilometers through Jökulsárgljúfur canyoun. Points of interest Jökulsárgljúfrum. Hiking up along the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, from the luxuriant Ásbyrgi to the barren but magnificent environment around Dettifoss, is a unique experience for every hiker. The diversity of the landscape is unique and captures the eye at every footstep: tremendous gorges, quiet ponds, clear springs, rough river, luxuriant forests and bare gravel plains. Two days are recommended for the whole hike. On the route there are no cabins and it is only allowed to camp on the park campsites at Vesturdalur and Dettifoss.
Vesturdalur - Hólmatungur
The route between Vesturdalur and Hólmatungur is about 8 km. The only river that has to be waded during the hike, Stallá, is at this section. Stallá is a spring river that flows into the Jökulsá river. The river is shallow and cold, but wading restores tired legs and makes the trip more memorable. The trail is a part of the canyon trail between Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss that is 32 kilometers.
Hólmatungur - Dettifoss
The trail is from Hólmatungur to Dettifoss. The trail is one of three parts for hiking the whole Jökulsárgljúfur, 32 kilometers in total.