Ásbyrgi: The Canyon Carved by Nature — and Legend

A Natural Wonder, Worn by Time

At first glance, Ásbyrgi looks almost too perfect to be real. Towering cliffs rise like walls around a green, peaceful floor, creating a massive natural amphitheater nearly 3.5 kilometers long and over a kilometer wide. It's hard to imagine the forces it took to create it — but scientists tell us that the canyon was likely carved thousands of years ago by catastrophic glacial floods, shaping the land with unstoppable force.

Today, Ásbyrgi is a sanctuary of calm — filled with birch woods, wildflowers, and a quiet pond tucked at the canyon's base. It's a place where the world's noise seems to fade away, replaced by birdsong and the soft rustle of trees in the breeze.

A Story Written in Myth

Of course, Icelanders have another explanation — a little less scientific and a lot more magical. According to legend, Ásbyrgi was formed when Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the Norse god Odin, touched the earth with one mighty hoof, leaving behind the vast, horseshoe-shaped imprint.

Standing in the heart of the canyon, it's easy to believe the story. Ásbyrgi feels like a place touched by something greater — where the veil between worlds is a little thinner.

What to See and Do in Ásbyrgi

1. Walk to Botnstjörn Pond: A short and easy trail leads to a small, mirror-still pond at the base of the cliffs, where the reflection of the canyon walls creates a perfect circle of sky and stone.
2. Climb Eyjan ("The Island" ): A rise in the middle of the canyon offers stunning panoramic views over the green floor and towering cliffs — ideal for those who want a little adventure without a strenuous hike.
3. Hike along the canyon's edge: Longer trails lead you along the rims, offering breathtaking perspectives on the surrounding landscape.
4. Visit the Gljúfrastofa Visitor Centre: Here, you can dive deeper into the geology, wildlife, and history of Ásbyrgi — or simply pick up a good coffee and a local tip or two.

Why Ásbyrgi Stays With You

At Key to Iceland, we believe the best places aren't just the ones you see — they're the ones you feel. Ásbyrgi is one of those places. It's a canyon, yes — but it's also a story, a memory, a moment of peace you can carry long after you leave.

Whether walking quietly under the trees, gazing up at the cliffs, or sitting still by the pond, Ásbyrgi invites you to slow down and be part of something timeless.

Some say it's the gods.

Some say it's glaciers.

Maybe it's both.

Either way, Ásbyrgi is Iceland at its most unforgettable.