Ásbyrgi Canyon in Iceland: A Horseshoe-Shaped Wonder

What's the Ásbyrgi Canyon?

Ásbyrgi Canyon is a horseshoe-shaped dip in northeast Iceland, part of Vatnajökull National Park. It's big – about 3.5 km long and 1.1 km wide, with cliffs shooting up 100 meters around its edges.

What makes Ásbyrgi stand out is its unusual horseshoe shape and the green trees covering its floor – quite different from Iceland's often bare landscapes. The canyon has a small lake called Botnstjörn and is filled with tons of cool plants and trees everywhere. A nice change from Iceland's typical rocky terrain.

A rock formation called Eyjan ("the Island") stands 25 meters tall and splits the canyon in half. It looks like a giant boat stranded in the middle of a green sea.

How was the Ásbyrgi Canyon formed?

The story of how Ásbyrgi Canyon was formed is all about water. Scientists think massive floods carved it out about 8-10 million years ago. Then, another huge flood 3,000 years ago really shaped what we see today.

Icelandic folklore tells a cooler story. According to legend, the canyon was formed by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the Norse god Odin. The story says that Sleipnir's giant hoof print created the horseshoe shape. A much better story for your Instagram caption, right?

Why is Ásbyrgi Canyon worth visiting?

Ásbyrgi Canyon gives you a totally different experience from Iceland's famous attractions. It's a well-known place that's also a hidden gem. It's worth the trip. No question.

Unlike the packed Golden Circle or Blue Lagoon, this natural wonder offers:

• A quiet retreat away from tourist crowds
• Weird and incredible rock formations
• Rich folklore about elves and hidden people
• Lots of birds chirping around
• Hiking trails for everyone – from easy strolls to tough treks
• Actual trees in a country known for having none

Beyond its natural beauty, Ásbyrgi is special to Icelanders. They think it's one of the main places where the hidden people and elves live. Some locals swear they can see and hear these mystical beings hiding in the canyon's nooks and crannies.

Where exactly is Ásbyrgi Canyon & How to Get There?

Ásbyrgi Canyon sits in northeast Iceland, about 60 km east of Húsavík. It's part of the Jökulsárgljúfur area of Vatnajökull National Park.

The canyon is a key stop on the Diamond Circle, a scenic driving route that connects several cool natural spots. Getting there is easy:

From Reykjavík: It's a 6.5-hour (without stops) drive covering around 530 km. You can do it clockwise or counter-clockwise. Take Route 1 (Ring Road) north or east, then hop onto Road 85. As you guessed, it's not a one-day trip, so it's best if you add it to your ring road itinerary.

From Akureyri: Much closer – just 138 km and about 1 hour and 45 minutes via Road 85. Perfect for a day trip.

From Egilsstaðir: Around 190 km and takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes. Doable in a day.

The road to the canyon (Road 85) stays open year-round, but winter driving can get tricky. Heads-up: grab a 4×4 vehicle during cold months – those icy roads are no joke.

When you arrive, you'll find the Ásbyrgi Visitor Centre (Gljúfrastofa). It has bathrooms, water refills, and a small gift shop. The staff are super helpful if you need tips.

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What's the best time to visit the Ásbyrgi Canyon?

Summer (June to August) is prime time for visiting Ásbyrgi Canyon. The weather's good, the days are long, and everything is open.

During summer:

• All trails are good to go
• Plants are green and thriving
• Birds are everywhere, especially around the lake
• The visitor center is open daily from 11:00 to 17:00
• You can camp nearby
• The sun barely sets, giving you tons of time to explore

Despite summer being the best moment to visit, each season has its own vibe:

Spring (April-May): Fewer tourists and nature waking up. Some muddy patches to dodge.

Summer (June-August): Best weather but more people (still way fewer than at famous spots).

Fall (September-October): Beautiful colors in the forest, cooler temperatures, and hardly any tourists.

Winter (November-March): Limited access and some closed roads. You'll need a 4×4 vehicle, and you should check road conditions before heading out. The canyon looks magical covered in snow, but most services are closed.

Iceland's weather changes in a snap, so always check the forecast before your visit. One minute it's sunny, the next it's pouring. Classic Iceland.

What to wear to the Ásbyrgi Canyon?

Iceland's weather is crazy unpredictable, so layers are your best friend at Ásbyrgi Canyon. Here's what to throw in your bag:

• Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes – the ground gets slippery
• Waterproof jacket – rain can show up uninvited anytime
• Layers you can peel off or put on – think t-shirt, fleece, jacket
• Hat and gloves – useful even in summer (trust me on this)
• Sunglasses – that low northern sun can be blinding
• Small backpack for water, snacks, and extra layers
• Camera – but keep it in a waterproof bag when not in use

Summer temperatures hover around 10-15°C (50-59°F), while winter can drop to freezing or below. The canyon feels colder than other places because of all the shade. Pack an extra layer – you'll thank me later.

If you're hitting the longer trails, proper gear is a must – a map, compass or GPS, and enough snacks to keep you going.

What are the best things to do & see in the Ásbyrgi Canyon?

Ásbyrgi Canyon has plenty to keep you busy. Here are the top things to check out:

Hike to Botnstjörn Lake

This is the pond I visited with my friends in 2023. It is an easy 20-minute walk – just 1 km each way if you park in the parking lot that’s closer to the lake. Perfect for almost anyone. The trail winds through pretty birch trees and leads to a peaceful pond at the base of massive cliffs. The water is usually super still, creating perfect reflections of the surrounding cliffs. It’s great for photos! This short walk gives you a taste of the canyon without breaking a sweat.

Climb Eyjan for Panoramic Views

Want a bit more challenge? The 4.5 km Eyjan trail takes about 2 hours round trip. You'll climb to the top of that rock formation that splits the canyon. The views are killer. Worth every step.

There are some steep parts and cliff edges, so it is not great if you're scared of heights or have small kids. From the top, you can see the whole horseshoe shape laid out below you. Bring your camera!

Explore the Canyon's Rich Folklore

Ásbyrgi isn't just pretty – it's packed with stories. Locals believe this is elf central – the capital city for Iceland's hidden people.

Some visitors say they feel a special energy here, especially near the cliff walls. Whether you believe in elves or not, learning about these stories adds another layer to your visit. Chat with the staff at the visitor center – they love sharing local tales.

Complete the Skógarstígur Forest Path

This 4 km trail takes 1-2 hours and shows off the forest floor of the canyon. The path is mostly flat and easy to walk.

In spring, you'll see tiny flowers popping up everywhere. Fall brings amazing colors to the birch trees. The forest offers nice shade on hot days (yes, Iceland occasionally has those) and some shelter if it drizzles.

Bird Watching

Birds love this place, especially around the lake. Bring binoculars if you're into spotting them. You might see:

• Ducks paddling around
• Ravens soaring overhead
• Redwings singing in the trees
• Northern fulmars if you're lucky

Morning is best for bird watching – they're more active then, and the canyon is quieter. Ask at the visitor center about recent sightings or tips on how to see the birds more easily.

Camping Under the Midnight Sun

During summer, you can camp at Ásbyrgi and experience the Midnight Sun. The campsite has all the basics:

• Plugs for charging your stuff
• Hot and cold water
• Clean toilets
• Plenty of space for tents and campers

Staying overnight lets you see the canyon when most day-trippers have left. The light at midnight creates an almost magical glow on the cliff walls. Camping costs about 2,500 ISK (around $18) per person per night – way cheaper than Iceland's hotels!

Hiking the Full Canyon Trail

For serious hikers, there's the 32-km trail from Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss Waterfall. It's a two-day adventure through some of Iceland's wildest landscapes.

This isn't for beginners – you need proper gear and to be properly fit. The trail shows how water has carved up this whole area. Camping spots are available along the way. The payoff? Some of the most dramatic views in Iceland.

Photography at Different Times of Day

The light changes the canyon's mood throughout the day:

• Morning: Misty and mysterious, with fog often rising from the lake
• Midday: Clear views of all the details in the cliffs
• Evening: Golden light making the whole canyon glow
• Midnight (summer): Soft, dreamy light that photographers dream about

The best photo spots include the canyon rim viewpoints, the lake shores, and the top of Eyjan if you make the climb.

Summary

Ásbyrgi Canyon offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and outdoor fun that makes it worth the trip to northeast Iceland. Unlike the country's famous spots, you might have this stunning location almost to yourself, as I did in 2023.

As you plan your Iceland trip, add this northeastern gem to your list. It might just become your favorite stop.