Best for
Canyon + Norse legend
Geological wonder meets mythology in a lush forest setting.
Asbyrgi (Ásbyrgi) Canyon & Forest Iceland: Horseshoe Canyon in Vatnajökull National Park
A spectacular horseshoe-shaped canyon and forest in Vatnajökull National Park, steeped in Norse mythology and filled with birch woodland, a tranquil pond, and outstanding hiking.
Region
North Iceland
Part of Vatnajökull National Park. Check road access in winter.
Ásbyrgi is one of Iceland's most dramatic natural wonders—a horseshoe-shaped canyon roughly 3.5 km long and 1 km wide, sheltered by towering cliffs up to 100 meters high. Within these protective walls, a lush birch and willow forest thrives, creating an unexpected green oasis in Iceland's otherwise stark northern landscape. According to Norse mythology, the canyon was formed when Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir placed its hoof on the earth. The serene Botnstjörn pond lies at the canyon's closed end, surrounded by cliffs and woodland.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-02-01
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Roads to Ásbyrgi may be closed in winter. Always check road.is and park websites before traveling.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Moderate
Paved/gravel roads; check seasonal closures.
Pro tip
Camp here
The campsite makes a great base for exploring Jökulsárgljúfur and Dettifoss.
What to Expect at Ásbyrgi
- Towering 100m canyon walls enclosing a sheltered birch forest
- Botnstjörn pond at the canyon's closed end
- Multiple hiking trails along the canyon floor and rim
- Eyjan—a distinctive rock island splitting the canyon into two sections
- Rich birdlife including fulmars nesting on the canyon cliffs
- Well-maintained campsite with facilities making it an ideal base for the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon area
Nearby Attractions
- Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall)
- Hljóðaklettar (echo rock formations)
- Húsavík (whale watching capital of Iceland)
- Jökulsárgljúfur canyon trail running south to Dettifoss
- Vesturdalur valley with unique columnar basalt formations
How to Get There
- Route 861 leads north from Route 1 near Ásbyrgi, in the Jökulsárgljúfur area of Northeast Iceland
- About 65 km east of Húsavík and 175 km from Akureyri via Route 1 and Route 85
- The road is mostly paved but the final section is gravel — accessible by standard car in summer
- The campsite and visitor center are well-signposted at the end of the road
- Combine with Dettifoss waterfall (40 km south) and Lake Mývatn (100 km west) for a full itinerary
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Campsite open, all trails accessible, birch woodland lush and green, 8-15°C
- July: Peak summer — best weather, 24-hour daylight for exploring the canyon
- September: Autumn colors in the birch forest, fewer visitors, atmospheric canyon walks
- October-May: Road may be closed or difficult — check road.is before driving
- Late June: Nesting birds active in the canyon, wildflowers blooming on the forest floor
Planning help
Ásbyrgi FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.