When is the best time to visit?

Summer (June-August) offers the best weather and longest daylight hours. However, each season offers unique beauty.

Is this place wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies by location. Major tourist sites often have paved paths, while more remote areas may require hiking.

Do I need to book in advance?

Most natural attractions in Iceland are open access and free. No booking is needed unless it involves a guided tour.

Iceland/north-iceland

Asbyrgi

Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped glacial canyon about 3.5 km long and up to 100 meters deep, surrounded by sheer cliff walls — one of Iceland's most dramatic and m…

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At a Glance

Visit time

2 hours

Best season

June–September

Access

Northern end of Vatnajökull National Park via Route 85. Visitor center and parking.

GPS

66.0016, -16.5122

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About

About Asbyrgi

Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped glacial canyon about 3.5 km long and up to 100 meters deep, surrounded by sheer cliff walls — one of Iceland's most dramatic and mysterious landscapes.

According to legend, formed by Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir

Background

History & Background

In Norse mythology, Ásbyrgi was formed when Sleipnir — Odin's eight-legged horse — touched one of its hooves to the earth here. In geological reality, the canyon was carved by a catastrophic glacial flood outburst from the Vatnajökull glacier thousands of years ago. The canyon is located within Vatnajökull National Park and is one of the key stops on the Diamond Circle tourist route in North Iceland. The sheltered canyon interior hosts a rich birch forest and small lake.

Asbyrgi is one of the most interesting natural attractions in north-iceland of Iceland.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon in North Iceland — 3.5 kilometres long, 1 kilometre wide, with vertical basalt walls 100 metres high — that looks exactly like a giant hoof-print pressed into the earth. Norse mythology explains it as the hoofprint of Óðinn's eight-legged horse Sleipnir. Geologists explain it differently: a catastrophic glacial outburst flood from the Vatnajökull ice cap, thousands of years ago, eroded this canyon in perhaps hours. A forested island (Eyjan) sits at the centre of the horseshoe, accessible by a short walk. Ásbyrgi is part of Vatnajökull National Park and connects to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon system, along which you can hike to Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfalls.

Local Legend

Legends of Asbyrgi

Asbyrgi has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.

Experiences