Ásbyrgi Canyon

As one of the highlights of the Diamond Circle, Ásbyrgi Canyon doesn’t disappoint. The horseshoe-shaped depression is technically part of the Vatnajökull National Park (the largest in Europe) and measures approximately 3.5 kilometers in length, 1.1 kilometer across and up to 100 meters high at its steepest cliffs. What makes this canyon so unique though is the distinctive rock formations present in over half its length, divided through the middle by a 25-meter-high piece called Eyjan ("the Island"), which offers spectacular views to curious hikers and day visitors.
Those would who prefer to stay down the canyon will enjoy walking in the typically Icelandic woodland, which consists of knee-high shrubberies, birch and willow trees. The canyon was actually formed by a catastrophic glacial flooding of the river Jökulsá after the last Ice Age -roughly 10,000 years ago—resulting from a volcanic eruption underneath the Vatnajökull ice cap. At least, according to science; Icelandic folklore has a different take on this story. Legend has it that the canyon was formed by the hoof print of Odin's (the all-father of the Norse gods) steed, a colossal eight-legged horse, which explains both the canyon’s odd shape and size.
Ásbyrgi Canyon stands guard to the Jokulsa Canyon and holds numerous wonders like the Hljoðaklettar rock formations, the mighty Dettifoss and even entire villages of hidden people, Iceland’s version of elves. A few Arctic foxes, gyrfalcons, ptarmigans and green-winged teals can also be seen. 

Practical Info

Ásbyrgi Canyon is located 63 kilometers (39 miles) east of Húsavík and can be reached in less than one hour via route 85.