“Efri-Jökuldalur” is a part of Jökuldalur that stretches inland from Gilsá almost beside Highway 1 all the way to the north part of Vatnajokull. Efri-Jökuldalur is an interesting and complex area. The vegetation is very sensitive, so visitors are kindly asked to park cars only in marked parking lots or where no grass or plants are nearby.

The climate in the upper valley (Efri-Jökuldalur) is quite unique and characterized by relatively large fluctuations in temperature as well as high temperature differences depending on the seasons. In the valley, there are more freezing days during the winter compared to the surrounding areas, but much fewer rainy days than closer to the coastline.