Ásbyrgi Canyon

Why I recommend it

The scale of Ásbyrgi is what makes it unforgettable. You can drive into the canyon and already feel how enormous the cliffs around you are, but the best way to experience it is on foot. The trails take you through forest, along the canyon floor and up towards viewpoints where the horseshoe shape becomes much easier to understand. The geology is fascinating too. Ásbyrgi is part of the wider Jökulsárgljúfur landscape, which was shaped by volcanic activity, tectonic forces and enormous glacial floods. And, because this is Iceland, there is also a much better explanation: legend says the canyon was created when Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, placed one of his hooves on the ground.

What to do

Do not just drive in, take a photo and leave. Pick one of the hiking trails and spend some time inside the canyon. Even a shorter walk gives you a much better sense of how unusual this place is, while the longer routes take you to viewpoints above the cliffs and deeper into the surrounding landscape. If you have plenty of time, Ásbyrgi can also be combined with the wider Jökulsárgljúfur area, including Hljóðaklettar, Hafragilsfoss and Dettifoss.

Good to know

Ásbyrgi is much bigger than it first looks, so give yourself more time than you think you need. The weather can also change quickly, especially once you start climbing towards the higher viewpoints. Bring layers, proper shoes and something waterproof even if it looks calm when you arrive. And if you want to understand the geology a little better, stop by the visitor centre before or after your hike. It gives useful context about the canyon, glacial floods, volcanism and the tectonic forces that shaped this part of Iceland.