Your Guide to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Iceland's Mythical Horseshoe Wonder
Ásbyrgi canyon is one of those places that'll make you question what you thought you knew about Iceland's landscapes. This massive horseshoe-shaped canyon sits in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, and honestly, it feels like discovering a secret world hidden in the middle of Iceland's rugged terrain.
Picture this - a canyon that's 3.5 kilometers long, 1 kilometer wide, with cliffs towering up to 100 meters high, all shaped like a perfect horseshoe. And here's the kicker - it's filled with lush forests, crystal-clear ponds, and hiking trails that make you feel like you've stumbled into some kind of Nordic fairy tale.
Located about 40 kilometers east of Húsavík, Ásbyrgi is one of the crown jewels of the Diamond Circle route. The massive Jökulsá á Fjöllum river flows right past the canyon, and this whole area tells an incredible story about the powerful forces that shaped Iceland over thousands of years.
The Science vs. the Legend
There are two stories about how Ásbyrgi formed, and honestly, both are pretty incredible in their own way.
The Scientific Story - Glacial Megafloods
The geologists tell us that Ásbyrgi was carved by catastrophic glacial flooding during the last ice age. We're talking about massive floods that make modern disasters look tiny - water flows so powerful they could carve this enormous canyon in a relatively short time.
These weren't your typical spring floods. These were glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaups) that happened when ice dams broke and released enormous volumes of water. The sheer force of all that water rushing through here literally carved this horseshoe shape into the bedrock.
The geological timeline:
- Last ice age glacial activity created ice dams
- Periodic dam breaks released massive volumes of water
- Repeated flooding events carved and shaped the canyon
- The unique horseshoe shape resulted from specific water flow patterns
The Viking Legend - Sleipnir's Footprint
But the Vikings had a way cooler explanation. They called Ásbyrgi "Sleipnir's footprint," claiming it was created when Óðinn's eight-legged horse stepped down from the heavens.
According to Norse mythology, Sleipnir was the fastest horse in all the nine worlds, and this canyon marks the spot where he touched down on Earth. The horseshoe shape? That's obviously from the horse's massive hoof.
Why the legend stuck: Honestly, when you see the perfect horseshoe shape from above, the mythological explanation doesn't seem that far-fetched. Sometimes the ancient stories capture the wonder of a place better than scientific facts.
Exploring Ásbyrgi's Natural Wonders
The Lush Canyon Floor
What's really surprising about Ásbyrgi is how green and lush it is inside. The canyon's sheltered environment creates this incredible microclimate that supports way more vegetation than you'd expect in North Iceland.
What you'll find:
- Dense forests of birch, spruce, larch, and pine trees
- Some of the tallest trees in Iceland (which admittedly isn't saying much, but still!)
- Incredibly diverse plant life protected by the canyon walls
- Wildlife that thrives in this sheltered environment
Eyjan - "The Island"
Right in the middle of the canyon sits this massive rock formation called Eyjan, or "The Island." This towering cliff divides the canyon floor and creates some seriously dramatic scenery.
What makes it special:
- Rises dramatically from the canyon floor like a natural skyscraper
- Creates this incredible sense of scale when you're hiking around it
- Offers multiple viewpoints and photography opportunities
- Has its own hiking trails leading to different vantage points
Botnstjörn - The Hidden Lake
At the closed end of the canyon, you'll find Botnstjörn, a small but incredibly peaceful lake that's home to various Icelandic bird species.
Why it's awesome:
- Crystal-clear water reflecting the canyon walls
- Perfect spot for quiet contemplation and bird watching
- Several species of waterfowl and other birds nest here
- Easy walk from the main parking area
Hiking Trails in Ásbyrgi
The hiking here is absolutely incredible, with trails for every fitness level and interest.
Easy Canyon Floor Walk
Distance: 2-3 kilometers round trip Time: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Easy - suitable for families Highlights: Forest walks, Botnstjörn lake, close-up views of Eyjan
This is perfect if you want to experience the canyon's unique environment without any serious hiking. The trails are well-marked and relatively flat.
Rim Trail to Viewpoints
Distance: 4-6 kilometers depending on route Time: 2-4 hours Difficulty: Moderate with some steep sections Highlights: Panoramic canyon views, photography opportunities, sense of scale
The rim trails give you those incredible overview shots where you can really appreciate the canyon's horseshoe shape and massive size.
Full Canyon Exploration
Distance: 8+ kilometers Time: Full day Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Highlights: Multiple viewpoints, diverse ecosystems, complete canyon experience
For serious hikers who want to really explore everything Ásbyrgi has to offer.
Pro tip: The trails can get muddy after rain, so bring proper hiking boots even for the "easy" walks.
Wildlife in Ásbyrgi
The canyon's protected environment supports way more wildlife than the surrounding highlands.
Bird Life
Common species:
- Various duck species on Botnstjörn lake
- Ravens and crows that nest in the cliff faces
- Small songbirds that thrive in the forest environment
- Occasional raptors hunting from the canyon rim
Bird watching tips:
- Early morning and evening are best for activity
- Bring binoculars for distant sightings
- The lake area is particularly good for waterfowl
- Respect nesting areas during breeding season
Other Wildlife
Arctic foxes: Occasionally spotted, especially during winter months Small mammals: Various rodent species that support the food chain Insects: Surprisingly diverse insect life supports the birds
The Gljúfrastofa Visitor Center
Before you head into the canyon, definitely stop at the visitor center. The staff here know everything about the area and can give you current trail conditions and wildlife activity updates.
What you'll find:
- Detailed maps and trail information
- Educational exhibits about the canyon's formation
- Information about local wildlife and ecosystems
- Clean restrooms and basic amenities
- Knowledgeable rangers who can answer questions
Services:
- Current weather and trail condition updates
- Safety information for hiking
- Recommendations based on your interests and fitness level
- Educational programs during summer months
Getting to Ásbyrgi Canyon
Ásbyrgi sits right on the Diamond Circle route, making it easy to combine with other North Iceland attractions.
By Car
From Húsavík: 40 kilometers east via Route 85 - about 45 minutes From Akureyri: 1.5 hours via Routes 1 and 85 From Lake Mývatn: 2 hours via Routes 1 and 85
Road access: Route 85 passes right by the canyon entrance, and Route 861 takes you into the canyon itself.
Tour Options
Diamond Circle tours: Most include Ásbyrgi as a major stop North Iceland adventures: Multi-day tours exploring the region Hiking-focused tours: Specialized trips for serious hikers Photography tours: Perfect for capturing the canyon's dramatic landscapes
When to Visit Ásbyrgi
Summer (June-August): Peak season with the warmest weather, lush vegetation, and active wildlife. All trails are accessible, and you'll have nearly 24-hour daylight.
Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October): Fewer crowds and dramatic lighting for photography. Some trails might be muddy, but the main routes are usually fine.
Winter (November-March): Limited access due to snow and ice, but those who make it are rewarded with incredibly dramatic winter landscapes. Some trails may be impassable.
Best time for photography: The dramatic lighting during golden hour (which lasts forever during summer) creates incredible shots of the canyon walls and formations.
Combining Ásbyrgi with Other Attractions
Ásbyrgi's location on the Diamond Circle makes it perfect for combining with other incredible North Iceland destinations.
Same day combinations:
- Húsavík whale watching (45 minutes away)
- Dettifoss waterfall (1 hour south)
- Tjörnes Peninsula fossil hunting (30 minutes)
Multi-day Diamond Circle itinerary:
- Day 1: Akureyri and northern attractions
- Day 2: Ásbyrgi and Húsavík
- Day 3: Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn area
Photography Tips for Ásbyrgi
Best viewpoints: The rim trails offer incredible panoramic shots showing the horseshoe shape Golden hour magic: The canyon walls catch incredible light during sunrise and sunset Forest details: Don't forget close-up shots of the lush vegetation and unique ecosystems Scale shots: Include people in your photos to show just how massive the canyon really is
Equipment tips:
- Wide-angle lens for the big canyon views
- Telephoto for wildlife and detailed rock formations
- Sturdy tripod for those perfect golden hour shots
- Weather protection - North Iceland weather changes fast
Book Your Ásbyrgi Adventure
Ready to explore Iceland's most mythical canyon? Ásbyrgi offers incredible hiking, unique ecosystems, and the chance to walk through landscapes that inspired ancient legends.
You've got the freedom to customize your North Iceland adventure exactly how you want it. Include Ásbyrgi in a Diamond Circle tour, combine it with Húsavík whale watching, or make it part of a comprehensive North Iceland exploration.
Our local travel team is here if you need help planning the perfect canyon adventure. With just a 5% deposit, you can secure your spot and start looking forward to discovering this incredible horseshoe-shaped wonder.
Ready to walk through Sleipnir's footprint and explore one of Iceland's most unique canyons? Start planning your Ásbyrgi adventure today and prepare for landscapes that blur the line between science and mythology.
