Ásbyrgi Canyon Rim Loop

Ásbyrgi canyon hiking offers something you will not find elsewhere in Iceland: a vast horseshoe-shaped canyon, about 3.5 km long, with sheer cliffs up to roughly 100 m high enclosing a sheltered birch and willow forest. Legend says it is the hoofprint of Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of Odin. Geologists explain it as the work of catastrophic glacial floods on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which has since shifted its course to the east.

This 12 km loop takes four to five hours with around 120 m of ascent. It starts at the Gljúfrastofa visitor centre, climbs onto the cliffs and follows the east rim to the head of the canyon, with views down into the forest and over Eyjan, the tall rock island that splits the mouth of the horseshoe. Steps near Botnstjörn lead down to the canyon floor, and the return runs through the forest. Paths are marked, but it is a long day with some steep sections.

Ásbyrgi is the northern gateway to the Jökulsárgljúfur section of Vatnajökull National Park, linked by trail to Vesturdalur and Dettifoss. It is a peaceful place with a large campsite, and the loop takes in Botnstjörn pond at the head of the canyon on the way down. It is a lovely place to spend a slow day or two, and the campsite makes a good base for exploring the rest of the canyon.

Highlights

• The giant horseshoe canyon of legend and glacial floods
• Cliff-top views over a birch and willow forest
• Eyjan, the rock island in the middle of the canyon
• Botnstjörn pond at the canyon's head
• A sheltered, peaceful corner of north Iceland

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Ásbyrgi is on Route 85 in northeast Iceland, about an hour's drive east of Húsavík and roughly two hours from Akureyri. The Gljúfrastofa visitor centre and campsite are signposted from the road, and there is a car park at the head of the canyon for the Botnstjörn path. Route 862 links Ásbyrgi with Dettifoss. A normal car is fine. Public transport is limited.

Where to stay

The large Ásbyrgi campsite near the mouth of the canyon is the obvious base, with good facilities. Vesturdalur campsite lies further into the park. Hotels and guesthouses are found in Húsavík, Kópasker and the surrounding farms. Wild camping is not permitted in the national park.

Best time to hike

Late spring to autumn is best, from around May to October. Summer brings long days and green forest; autumn brings spectacular colours in the birch woods, usually in September. Ásbyrgi is quieter than the Golden Circle and south coast at any time of year.

Safety

The canyon rim is unfenced, with vertical drops of up to around 100 m; keep well back, especially in wind or fog. Some sections are steep or rocky, including the steps down to the canyon floor. Check vedur.is before setting out, and call 112 in an emergency.