Norðurþing Municipality

Natur-Highlights in Norðurþing Municipality

North Iceland Nature Highlights

This collection highlights the dramatic geological features of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and the Tjörnes peninsula. It features Dettifoss, Europe's most voluminous waterfall, alongside the upstream Selfoss and downstream Hafragilsfoss. The list includes the unique basalt formations of Hljóðaklettar, such as the Kirkjan cave, the puffin-nesting sea cliffs at Hringsbjarg, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, showcasing the volcanic and glacial forces that shaped North Iceland.

North Iceland Nature Highlights — Karte

Zairon / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Dettifoss

A waterfall with a height of 44 meters and width of 100 meters, known for its powerful water flow and scenic natural surroundings.

B

View Point

High cliff on the Tjörnes peninsula offering views of the Greenland Sea and Öxarfjörður bay. It is a known nesting site for puffins and other seabirds during the summer months.

C

Hafragilsfoss

A 27-meter high waterfall located downstream from Dettifoss. The surrounding area provides a clear view of the deep volcanic trenches within the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.

D

Selfoss

A broad, horseshoe-shaped waterfall situated upstream from Dettifoss. It drops approximately 11 meters over a series of basalt columns along the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river.

E

Kirkjan

A natural basalt cave in the Hljóðaklettar rock formations. Known as 'The Church,' it features a distinct symmetrical, triangular interior formed by cooling lava.

F

Utsynisstaður

An accessible viewpoint on the rim of Ásbyrgi canyon. It provides a panoramic perspective of the 100-meter high cliffs and the forested floor of the horseshoe-shaped depression.