Asbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon in Northeast Iceland, part of Vatnajokull National Park. It is about 3.5 kilometres long and 1.1 kilometres wide, with walls rising as high as about 100 metres at its inner end.
What and where Asbyrgi is
Asbyrgi is in Northeast Iceland. It is part of Vatnajokull National Park, the protected area around the Vatnajokull ice cap, and it is known for its distinct horseshoe-shaped form.
A giant horseshoe shape
The canyon is about 3.5 kilometres long and 1.1 kilometres wide. At its inner end, the sheer walls rise as high as about 100 metres.
A rock formation called Eyjan, the Island, about 25 metres high, splits the canyon down much of its length.
How it was carved
Asbyrgi was carved by catastrophic glacial floods from the Jokulsa a Fjollum river, the same river that plunges over Dettifoss further upstream.
The legend of Sleipnir's hoof
In an old story, the canyon is the hoofprint of Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the Norse god Odin.
Seeing Asbyrgi in North Iceland
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Build a sensible route
Before setting off, use the Driving Distance Calculator to compare Asbyrgi Canyon in North Iceland with the other places you plan to visit.
