Included Asbyrgi Canyon Hike Experience
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Port
Husavik, Iceland
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
Information Not Currently Available
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hour
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Your tour will take you from the small town of Husavik on the shores of Skjalfandi Bay on a drive north and east around the beautiful high cliffs and green hills of the Tjornes peninsula. Your destination is the impressive Asbyrgi canyon in the northern part of the vast wilderness that is the Vatnajokull National Park.
Asbyrgi is a glacial canyon, cut into the surrounding landscape like the hoof print of a giant steed. Its shape gives rise to a story of Norse mythology that it was created as Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, galloped across the country, though in reality it was formed following a catastrophic glacial flooding of the Jokulsa a Fjollum river during the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago.
Asbyrgi canyon, which is also known as the “shelter of the Gods’”, also shelters a richly vegetated landscape, with lush birch and willow woodland. The cliffs that encircle the 2-mile-long canyon’s southern end are over 300 ft high and span more than half a mile in width.
Having arrived at Asbyrgi, you will begin your hike by heading towards Eyjan, or “the island”, an 80 ft high basalt rock formation that runs along the centre line of the northern part of the canyon. Ascending the easy trail to the top, with wooden steps to assist our climb, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of the unique landscape, whilst you pause a moment to relax, and breathe in the fresh air.
Afterwards, you will descend from Eyjan and return to the coach for a transfer to another location within the canyon. Here, you will follow a trail towards the innermost southern end of the canyon, where you will reach Botnstjorn, a small lake surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. As well as being a perfect place to enjoy a moment of calm, this picturesque location, at the base of Asbyrgi’s high cliffs, is a haven for birds. Several species of waterfowl frequent the lake, whilst Northern Fulmar nest on the ledges of the cliffs above and woodland birds enjoy the surrounding leafy greenery.
For those wishing to, you may hike a little further to enjoy another awe-inspiring view of the canyon from a small hilltop that overlooks the lake. After your visit to Botnstjorn, you will retrace your steps to return to your awaiting coach for your transfer back to the ship at Husavik.
Please note: Wherever Included Experience tours are offered, guests are allowed to participate in only one included experience per call unless otherwise specified in the tour description. Guests are advised to wear sturdy, non-skid walking shoes. It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion, with an outer layer that is waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. This tour is not advisable for guests who use a wheelchair, or for those with mobility limitations. The order of sites visited may vary.