Geology tour: Tjörnes & Ásbyrgi – private tour
Fossils and the power of water.
We start the tour by following the coastline of Tjörnes peninsula. On our way we make a few stops, first of all in Tungulending area, where to observe some of most remarkable fossil layers in Iceland. We then head east towards Kelduhverfi, south of Öxarfjörður bay, and finally to the majestic Ásbyrgi canyon, U-shaped and created by a catastrophic glacial flooding in the last Ice Age.
– Transportation and fuel for the duration of the tour
– Experienced, English-speaking, guide for the duration of the tour
We start the tour by following the coastline of Tjörnes peninsula. On our way we make a few stops, first of all in Tungulending area, where to observe some of most remarkable fossil layers in Iceland. These are sandstone layers which were formed at the end of the Tertiary period and during the Ice Age. From these fossils it is possible to trace changes in climate, vegetation and marine life from the beginning of the Ice Age. Also, here we’ll have the change to have a look a mysterious giant rock which came from Greenland in unclear circumstances.
We then head east towards Kelduhverfi, south of Öxarfjörður bay. On the way we will be able to enjoy impressive tectonic fissures and beautiful panoramas of the Arctic Ocean. Our final destination of the day, though, is the majestic Ásbyrgi canyon, U-shaped and created by a catastrophic glacial flooding in the last Ice Age.
The canyon measures approximately 3,5 km in length and is over 1 km wide. For more than half of its length, the canyon is divided through the middle by a distinctive rock formation 25 meters high called Eyjan, the island. The canyon’s steep sides are formed by cliffs up to 100 metres in height. Within the canyon is a woodland of birch and willow, and the whole area is permeated with local folklore. Ásbyrgi is believed to be formed by Odin’s horse and now it is thought to be the home of the hidden people.
– Your camera
– Adequately warm clothes and shoes or boots
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Duration:
- 4 hours
- Price From:
- 80.000 ISK