A glacial canyon in the northernmost reaches of Vatnajökull National Park, Ásbyrgi is a captivating arena. Translating to Shelter of the Gods, the canyon stretches over two miles long, three quarters of a mile wide, and over 300 feet high.
Norse mythology states that Óðinn’s eight legged horse Sleipnir put one of its hoofs down and created Ásbyrgi, shaped like a huge horseshoe. Geoglogists state that a cataclysmic glacial flood of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River ten million years ago formed the canyon. Who knows which idea is true, but it sure is a beautiful place to explore.
Make your first stop the visitors center is equipped with maps, restrooms, and a water fountain – open June-September. It has a neat little museum detailing wildlife, vegetation, and geology.
One segment speaks about the gryfalcon, the canyon is the most important habitat for these birds in the country. While we didn’t see this magnificent bird of prey in the park, we did spot a handful of them driving around in the country. You can however see their vomit here, if nothing else!
While hiking in the park one special bird we spotted, but couldn’t snap a picture of, was the a common snipe. Actually, I almost tripped over it before it flew away! The hike we took was the Skógarstígur trail a 3 miles roundtrip trail.
Segments of wooded surroundings are a refreshing sight in Iceland, largely unforested.
Here there are birch and willow along with foreign trees planted between 1947 and 1977, fir, larch and pine. Fall colors were exceptional and surprising!
Starting well away from the canyon and gradually drawing closer to its towering walls, this trail is perfect for all skill levels.
As you continue walking informational plaques giving the air of a botanical garden being sprouting up.
Now you are quite close to alluring Botnstjörn Pond, do take the turn off.
This is the site of what is left of a once waterfall which used to fall from the cliffs above.
In this peaceful place there is platform to contemplate the still pool with its rich green vegetation.
It is a good place to study birds and there are informational plaques to teach you about the native species.
If you have the time and are feeling daring, there is a cliff top walk complete with chains to tackle…or you can simply make your way to the deck for a slightly higher view.
Some have said that this place is the Capital City of the Elves and there is a story of a poor farmers son and the girl that he loves, but cannot marry which has its roots here. In a dream a fairy told them that a beast lived in the Ásbyrgi Pond and would only surface during the midnight sun. By confronting the beast and feeding it their most treasured possessions the lovebirds could marry. Ponder the story and enjoy the scenery as you walk back the way you came.