Ásbyrgi is a vast, horseshoe-shaped canyon in the Jökulsárgljúfur area of Vatnajökull National Park in North Iceland, where cliffs up to 100 m high enclose a sheltered oasis of birch woodland and still pools. Roughly 3.5 km long and over 1 km wide, it was most likely carved by catastrophic glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaup) from the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum some 8–10,000 and again about 3,000 years ago — though folklore says it is the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse. As of 2026 the national park is administered by Iceland's Nature Conservation Agency, and Ásbyrgi remains open year-round as a centerpiece of North Iceland's 'Diamond Circle' alongside Húsavík and Dettifoss.
Eyjan ('the Island'), the towering rock formation splitting the canyon down the middle — climb it for a sweeping panorama over Ásbyrgi and the surrounding lowlands.
Botnstjörn, the tranquil pond tucked beneath the innermost cliffs, ringed by lush birch forest.
The sheer horseshoe walls themselves — vertical faces up to 100 m tall, with striking natural acoustics.
Rich wildlife and greenery: fulmars nesting in the cliffs, plus birch, willow, rowan and planted pine woodland.
Ten graded trails, from the 30-minute Botnstjörn stroll to the two-day, 32 km canyon trek all the way to Dettifoss.
Good to know
SafetyViewpoints atop Eyjan and along the cliff rim are often unfenced. Stay back from the edge; winds can be strong, so keep especially close control of children and pets.
SeasonRoad 864 (east side toward Dettifoss) closes in winter and usually reopens only in late May; Road 862 (west) has limited winter clearing. Always check road.is (road conditions) and vedur.is (weather) before setting out.
SeasonIn July the midnight sun keeps the sky bright through the night — great for late photography, but bring an eye mask for sleep. Note that the northern lights cannot be seen this time of year (aurora season is roughly September–March).
RulesThis is a national park: stay on marked trails, and remember that off-road driving is illegal anywhere in Iceland and carries heavy fines. Follow posted rules for drones and camping.
MannersThe moss and woodland recover extremely slowly. Leave no trace, carry out all litter, don't trample vegetation, and keep noise down. Camp only at the designated Ásbyrgi and Vesturdalur campsites.
CautionOutright scams are rare, but expect large temporary card pre-authorization holds at fuel pumps and car rentals. Confirm gravel/sand insurance on your rental for the region's unpaved roads, and book Diamond Circle tours through reputable operators.
Practical info
Public transport is very limited, so a rental car or a guided Diamond Circle tour from Akureyri or Húsavík is the practical way in. Ásbyrgi lies about 38 km east of Húsavík, reached via paved Road 85 to the canyon mouth, where the year-round Gljúfrastofa visitor centre (peak-summer hours around 09:00–18:00) sits at the trailheads. Entry to the canyon and parking are free, while the campsite is paid — always confirm current opening hours, fees and road status on the official site before you visit.
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