66°00′52″N, 16°30′12″W
Ásbyrgi is located at the northern end of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. After a long drive and a $25 pizza, I finally arrived at the campground at the northern end of the canyon. Along the way I drove by the famed waterfall Dettifoss. I took a quick look, but belief it or not, didn’t make a singe exposure. What? That’s like ignoring Niagara Falls! The humanity!
Ásbyrgi canyon has a distinctive horseshoe shape. In the center of the canyon lies a distinctive rock formation called the island. Theory has it that the canyon was carved quickly in a catastrophic flood. Myth has it that the Norse god Odin’s horse struck the Earth with a hoof, creating the valley.
Dramatic cliffs surround the canyon. http://www.ismennt.is/not/jonasg/asbyrgi/ .At the far end there is a tranquil pool with lots of birds. I spent a good day exploring this region. The usually popular park was quite empty this time of year…picnic tables, jungle gyms and even outdoor dance-floor (!), were devoid of any activity.