The Legendary Ásbyrgi Canyon
Ásbyrgi canyon was easily one of my favorite spots along our Ring Road trip. Not technically on Route 1, Ásbyrgi is considered to be part of the Diamond Circle but still listed on many suggested itineraries for the Ring Road and for good reason.
Ásbyrgi is a canyon in northern Iceland that was formed by glaciers many many years ago. But, the really interesting part about it is that there’s a legend attached to the canyon. With its horseshoe curvature, it is said that Odin’s horse, Slepnir, created the canyon when one of his hooves touched down on earth. So, if you choose to hike the area, you will literally be walking where Odin’s horse once walked.
Legend aside, Ásbyrgi was one of my favorite sites because of its beauty. The canyon is green throughout its center and there is lots of hiking in the area. You have several options for hiking to the top, and I would recommend making a stop at the visitor center to get a map and talk to one of the guides to decide which path you’ll take.
The visitor center is located just off 85 to the right and at the mouth of the canyon. There is a parking lot, information, souvenirs, and free bathrooms.
With map in hand, head towards the top of the canyon. For my husband and I, it took us only about 40 minutes to get to the top, and this was with making the occasional stop for pictures.
