Ásbyrgi Canyon

The basics

Visitors can explore Ásbyrgi by following its hiking trails, which vary in length and difficulty. The best way to see the canyon from above is by following the 3-mile (4.5-kilometer) Eyjan (“The Island”) trail, named after the distinctive rock formation dividing much of the canyon through the middle. The Eyjan trail starts at the campsite parking lot near the visitor center.

If you don’t have time to spend a day hiking, you can visit the canyon on guided tours around the Diamond Circle, a 155-mile (250 kilometers) driving loop around northeast Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Things to know before you go

• Travelers can get information and pick up maps at the visitor center.

• The canyon’s seasonal campsite is open from May through November.

• The weather in Iceland is unpredictable—bring rain gear and sturdy footwear, even on short hikes.

How to get there

Ásbyrgi Canyon is part of Vatnajökull National Park, 39 miles (63 kilometers) east of Húsavík, and can be reached from there in less than one hour via route 85. From Akureyri, it's less than a 2-hour drive east along route 85. Due to its remote location, there is no public transportation access to Ásbyrgi Canyon.

When to get there

The best time to visit Asbyrgi Canyon is typically late spring through early fall—the summer months of June to August are the most popular. During this time, visitors will find that Ásbyrgi Canyon is easily accessible, and the trails are well-maintained. The visitor center is open daily from the end of May until October and has limited opening hours for the rest of the year.

Dettifoss

Around 19 miles (30 kilometers) south of the canyon—and also on the Diamond Circle route—Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall on the European continent, dropping some 132,000 gallons (500 cubic meters) of water per second 148 feet (45 meters) down Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Several hiking trails suitable for all skill levels lead to the waterfall.