Ásbyrgi Canyon: Hikes, Legends and Tips for Your Visit

Ásbyrgi Canyon: The Hoofprint of Odin's Horse

From above, Ásbyrgi (often written Asbyrgi) looks exactly like a giant hoofprint pressed into the land. This horseshoe-shaped canyon in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park is one of North Iceland's most magical places: sheer cliffs up to 100 metres high, a sheltered birch forest, and a still pond said to be home to elves. It is about 80 minutes' drive from Aurora Farm Hotel.

The Legend of Sleipnir

Norse mythology has a simple explanation for Ásbyrgi. Odin, the chief of the gods, was riding across the sky on Sleipnir, his eight-legged horse, when one of Sleipnir's hooves touched the earth. The print it left behind is the canyon. The name itself is often read as "the shelter of the gods".

How Ásbyrgi Was Really Formed

Geologists tell a story just as dramatic. Enormous glacial floods burst out from beneath Vatnajökull and thundered down the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, most likely 8,000–10,000 years ago and again around 3,000 years ago. The water carved out the canyon in a matter of days. The river later moved east, leaving Ásbyrgi dry and green.

Ásbyrgi Facts

• Length: about 3.5 km

• Width: about 1.1 km

• Cliffs: up to 100 metres high at the inner end of the horseshoe

• Eyjan ("the Island"): a rock ridge up to 250 metres wide in the middle of the canyon

• Part of: Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Best Walks in Ásbyrgi

The canyon has walks for every level, all starting near the car park and campsite.

Source: Vatnajökull National Park

If you have time for only one, walk to Botnstjörn, the pond at the very end of the canyon, surrounded by birch woods and towering cliffs where fulmars nest. Locals say the hidden people live here. For the best view of the horseshoe, climb onto Eyjan.

Experienced hikers can follow the 32 km trail from Ásbyrgi south to Dettifoss over two days, passing Hljóðaklettar on the way.

Visitor Centre and Facilities

Gljúfrastofa, the national park visitor centre at the canyon entrance, has maps, exhibitions on the geology and wildlife, and toilets. Rangers can advise on trail conditions. There is also a large campsite.

Ásbyrgi from Aurora Farm

Drive north towards Húsavík, then follow road 85 along the coast to Ásbyrgi, about 80 minutes in total. Make a day of it: whale watching in Húsavík in the morning, Ásbyrgi after lunch, and Hljóðaklettar or Dettifoss if you have the energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ásbyrgi free to visit? Yes. There is no entrance fee to the canyon.

How long do you need at Ásbyrgi? Two to three hours for a relaxed visit, including the walk to Botnstjörn.

Can you visit Ásbyrgi in winter? Road 85 is open all year, but trails may be icy and services limited. Summer is best.

Where can I stay near Ásbyrgi? Aurora Farm Hotel in Reykjadalur, with private geothermal hot springs and the wood-fired Þorgrímur Restaurant. Book your stay.