Lush vegetation, tumbling waterfalls and an air of utter tranquillity make the Hólmatungur area one of the most beautiful in the park. Underground springs bubble up to form a series of short rivers that twist, turn and cascade their way to the canyon. The most popular walk here is the 4.5km loop from the parking area north along the Hólmá river to Hólmáfossar , where the harsh lines of the canyon soften and produce several pretty waterfalls.
From here you head south again on the Jökulsá to its confluence with the Melbugsá river, where the river tumbles over a ledge, forming the Urriðafossar waterfalls. To see the falls, you need to walk along the (challenging) trail spur to Katlar.
For the best overall view of Hólmatungur, walk to the hill Ytra-Þórunnarfjall , just south of the car park.
Hólmatungur is only accessible by 4WD. If you are travelling by 2WD, you can park your vehicle at Vesturdalur and do a long round-trip day hike. Camping is prohibited at Hólmatungur, but it’s a great spot for a picnic lunch.
