Hansueli Krapf · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Andreas Tille · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Nige from near Thetford, Norfolk, UK · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0North Iceland Canyons
10 canyons in North Iceland — mapped with live road conditions, drive times, and directions.
10 canyons in North Iceland, led by Ásbyrgi and Jökulsárgljúfur. All mapped with drive times, directions, and live road conditions.
Top canyons in North Iceland
The region's stand-outs — each with photos, facts, and its own page.
Ásbyrgi
Horseshoe-shaped canyon in the north, part of Vatnajökull National Park. Legend says it's a hoofprint from Odin's eight-legged horse. The canyon is 3.5km long and 1km wide. Birch forest fills the floor - unusual anywhere in Iceland. Peaceful atmosphere. Formed by catastrophic glacial floods thousands of years ago. The scale of water required is hard to imagine. Multiple hiking trails. Can be combined with Dettifoss for a full Diamond Circle day. Camping available.
Jökulsárgljúfur
Massive canyon carved by glacial floods from Vatnajökull. Contains Dettifoss, Selfoss, Hafragilsfoss. Part of Vatnajökull National Park. 25km long.
Distances between them
10 canyons in North Iceland
Ásbyrgi
Horseshoe-shaped canyon in the north, part of Vatnajökull National Park. Legend says it's a hoofprint from Odin's eight-legged horse. The canyon is 3.5km long and 1km wide. Birch forest fills the floor - unusual anywhere in Iceland. Peaceful atmosphere. Formed by catastrophic glacial floods thousands of years ago. The scale of water required is hard to imagine. Multiple hiking trails. Can be combined with Dettifoss for a full Diamond Circle day. Camping available.
Drangagil
Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Canyon weather can differ from surrounding areas - bring layers.
Jökulsárgljúfur
Massive canyon carved by glacial floods from Vatnajökull. Contains Dettifoss, Selfoss, Hafragilsfoss. Part of Vatnajökull National Park. 25km long.
Drekagil
Dragon Canyon near Askja. Part of Askja caldera area. Remote highlands.
Vegagil
Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Some canyons require hiking or 4x4 access - check requirements.
Stafnsgil
Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Canyon weather can differ from surrounding areas - bring layers.
Mosgil
Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Photography is excellent but watch your footing near edges.
Kotagil
Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Some canyons require hiking or 4x4 access - check requirements.
Gulsgil
Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Some canyons require hiking or 4x4 access - check requirements.
Grasafjallsgil
Icelandic canyon carved by water and volcanic forces. Photography is excellent but watch your footing near edges.
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