NORTH ICELAND
Ásbyrgi
Huge horseshoe-shaped canyon filled with woodland and surrounded by towering cliffs at the northern end of Jökulsárgljúfur.
CanyonsNatureHiking
About Ásbyrgi
Ásbyrgi is an extraordinary horseshoe-shaped depression carved by catastrophic flooding, although Icelandic folklore attributes its shape to the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse Sleipnir. Woodland covers much of the canyon floor and numerous walking routes explore both the interior and surrounding cliffs.
Our practical tips
✓Do not just photograph the entrance — drive into the canyon and explore on foot.
✓Botnstjörn is one of the easiest and most atmospheric short stops inside Ásbyrgi.
✓There are much longer walks available if you have several hours.
Getting there and visiting
Access
Access and hiking conditions vary with snow and weather outside summer.