Brad
Google
Asbyrgi is yet another remarkable land formation in Iceland. It is located off Route 861 and is one of the major natural attractions that form what is referred to as the Diamond Circle in the north of Iceland.
There is a Visitor Centre with free carpark and toilets where you will find a handful of trails leading into Asbyrgi, a horseshoe shaped canyon with a partly forested valley lined with tall cliffs. There is also a trail that climbs the valley cliffside and allows you to walk the rim to the end of the canyon where you are afforded remarkable downward views of the canyon floor, a tranquil lake and forested area.
There is also a road that enters the canyon, ending at a small carpark near the lake at the southern end. The lake waters are crystal clear. You can see quite a few Artic Char swimming around. The cliffs that bend around the lake are home to numerous nesting birds as well. There are free toilets to use at the carpark here as well.
Overall, we loved the natural geology and geography of Asbyrgi. The canyon floor forests and birdlife were very nice to see, while walking the canyon rim provided incredible views and photo opportunities as well as a chance to get some exercise. This is one of those special memorable places in Iceland that we'd love to revisit someday.