Jokulsargljufur National Park was established in 1973. It covers 150 km² and a 35 km long stretch along the western side of the glacial river Jokulsa.

The northernmost part, Asbyrgi, was incorporated in 1978.

The river canyons are about 25 km long and resemble the Grand Canyons in Arizona.

There are several places of exceptional natural beauty in the park, such as the Asbyrgi Canyon, The Whispering Cliffs, Forvod, Holmatungur and the mighty Dettifoss waterfall.