North Iceland · Iceland
Ásbyrgi
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.
About Ásbyrgi
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.
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.
Key Facts
- ✔Horseshoe-shaped canyon 3.5 km long, up to 100 meters deep
- ✔According to Norse myth, formed by Odin's horse Sleipnir
- ✔Actually carved by catastrophic glacial flood
- ✔Located in Vatnajökull National Park
- ✔Part of the Diamond Circle tourist route
