Vestari-Jökulsá

Vestari-Jökulsá
Jökulsá vestri
EtymologyWestern Glacier River
Location
CountryIceland
CountySkagafjörður
Physical characteristics
SourceHofsjökull
Mouth 
  coordinates
65°22′20″N 19°6′30″W / 65.37222°N 19.10833°W / 65.37222; -19.10833
Basin features
ProgressionAustari-Jökulsá, Héraðsvötn
Tributaries 
  rightHofsá

Vestari-Jökulsá or Jökulsá vestri (English: Western Glacier River) is a glacier river in Skagafjörður, Iceland. It originates in the northwest corner of Hofsjökull and is formed from many branches that fall together and flow northward. The beginning of the river runs through relatively low-pitched and level land, through a deep canyon, called Þröngagil. It then follows the length of a valley finally falling into Vesturdalur to the northeast, where Hofsá ("Temple river") flows into it. Hofsá runs briefly along Vesturdalur, before joining the Austari-Jökulsá at Tunguháll, at which point the rivers are known as the Héraðsvötn.

There have been discussions about using both rivers for power plants, with various possible locations under consideration, though most discussions have revolved around a potential power plant in Villinganes, located a little below the confluence. Others want to grant the rivers protected status.

White-water rafting is available on both the Vestari- and Austari-Jökulsá, which are considered particularly well suited to this activity.