Eyjan at Ásbyrgi Trail

Overview

This short, rewarding hike climbs onto Eyjan (“the Island”)—the long, flat-topped rock that sits right in the middle of Ásbyrgi’s vast, horseshoe-shaped canyon. For minimal effort, you get sweeping, cliff-edge views straight down the canyon’s forested floor and out to its curving rock walls. It’s an easy, family-friendly outing that delivers a photographer’s vantage point without an all-day commitment.

Route and Stats

Plan on roughly 3.0 miles total (out-and-back) with about 370 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts flat along the base of the rock, then ascends via wooden steps and short, easy rock ledges to the top. Once on Eyjan’s plateau, it’s mostly flat walking with continuous views. The path is well-marked and generally well-maintained. Most hikers take about 1 hour 15 minutes at a steady pace; add more time for photos or lingering at overlooks.

Scenery, Geology, and Folklore

From the top of Eyjan, you’re literally in the center of the canyon—expect wide, cinematic views of sheer rock walls flanking a surprisingly green floor. Ásbyrgi is a classic glacial-flood (jökulhlaup) landscape, carved by catastrophic outburst floods from Jökulsá á Fjöllum thousands of years apart. Local lore says the canyon’s shape is a giant hoofprint from Sleipnir, Óðinn’s eight-legged horse—hard not to think “hoof” when you’re staring at that curve. Keep an eye out for the birch forest and, if you venture deeper into the canyon after the hike, the tranquil pond Botnstjörn; in spring or heavy rain a small waterfall can spill into it. In late summer, hikers often find ripe wild blueberries along the trail.

Best Time to Hike

June through September is prime: clear trails, better visibility, and typically the most pleasant conditions. The route may be accessible as early as March, but snow or ice can linger and make the steps and rock ledges slick. Compared to many of Iceland’s headline hikes, Eyjan sees lighter crowds—another reason to aim for summer and savor the solitude.

Tips and Trailhead Info

Park near the Ásbyrgi campsite/visitor area; clean restrooms are available. The trail begins nearby—follow signs for “Eyjan” (look for a small guide house; the path starts to its right). The visitor center offers helpful information and maps for a small fee, and rangers are often on hand to answer questions. If you have time after the hike, drive to the end of the horseshoe to see the small lake beneath the towering cliffs for a different angle on the canyon’s scale.

Who It’s For (and Who It’s Not)

If you want big views for little effort, this is your Ásbyrgi highlight. It’s great for families and casual hikers, provided everyone is comfortable around heights. If exposure makes you uneasy, know that the top borders sheer drops—spectacular, but not for leaning over.

Downsides and Cautions

The cliff exposure at the top is real—keep a safe distance from the edge and a close eye on kids. Outside summer, snow and ice can make the wooden steps and rock ledges slippery, and reaching Ásbyrgi can be tougher in winter conditions.