Ásbyrgi

Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon in North Iceland where sheer cliffs tower around 100 meters high. The depression stretches over several kilometers and forms a dramatic hollow in the landscape with steep sides and a floor covered in vegetation and exposed rock.

The canyon formed eight to ten thousand years ago from catastrophic flooding triggered by a volcanic eruption beneath the Vatnajökull glacier. This sudden release of water and rock carved the landscape we see today in a relatively short span of geological time.

The name Ásbyrgi comes from Norse legend about an eight-legged horse whose journey left a mark on the landscape. Visitors walking through today can trace the connection between this ancient story and the actual rock formations they see around them.

Multiple hiking trails wind through the canyon, including a path to the lake Botnstjörn that suits different fitness levels. The visitor center operates from May through October and can guide you toward the best route based on your interests and available daylight.

A central rock formation called Eyjan divides the canyon for roughly half its length, creating two distinct paths through the gorge. This split makes each route feel like a different experience with contrasting views of the cliff faces.