Fjöllum

Fjöllum is a term used in Icelandic geography, most often encountered in the name of Jökulsá á Fjöllum, one of Iceland’s major glacial rivers. The word fjöllum is the dative plural form of fjall, meaning mountains, and its appearance in the river’s name describes the river’s course through mountainous terrain in the northeast of the country.

Geographically, Jökulsá á Fjöllum originates from the Vatnajökull ice cap and flows northward through the northeast highlands. It traverses part of Vatnajökull National Park and is closely associated with several prominent geological and scenic features. Along its course, the river carves the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, where some of Iceland’s most well-known waterfalls are found, including Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss, and Selfoss. The canyon and the surrounding area form a protected landscape that is a major destination for visitors exploring Iceland’s natural heritage.

Hydrologically, the river is characterized by its glacier-fed discharge, which contributes to a substantial and variable flow regime. The canyon and river mouth lie in the northeast region of Iceland, with the river ultimately draining into the Greenland Sea, contributing to the coastal drainage of the area. The terrain around Jökulsá á Fjöllum and its canyons is notable for its volcanic and glaciological history, as well as its role in Iceland’s broader geomorphological landscape.

In cultural and touristic contexts, the river and its canyon form a focal point for travellers and researchers alike, illustrating Iceland’s dynamic interplay between glaciers, rivers, and volcanic activity.