THÓRSMÖRK - THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN ICELAND?
THÓRSMÖRK VALLEY
Þórsmörk, or Thor's Valley, is named after the Norse god Thor, the god of thunder. It is located between the three glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Tindfjalajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The area has been a protected area since 1921.
The valley is green all summer, full of moss and plants. In the lower parts there are birch forests. The weather in this area is milder and warmer than in other parts of the island, mainly due to the three glaciers that protect the valley from wind and other climatic influences.
The Fimmvörðuháls trail is one of the most popular and beautiful hiking trails in Iceland.
Þórsmörk has been shaped by eruptions, as there are many active volcanoes in its vicinity. One of them is the Eyjafjallajökull volcano located under the glacier of the same name. The last time the volcano erupted was in 2010, affecting air traffic over the whole of Europe. The volcanic smoke has mainly reached northern and western Europe. More than 20 countries closed their airspace, affecting flights for more than 10 million tourists.
Þórsmörk is an incredibly diverse region that offers a mix of wild, unspoilt nature and highly accessible hiking trails. It is a place where you can experience the contrast between green valleys, rugged mountains, volcanic craters and glaciers. This magical corner of Iceland is popular with tourists seeking adventure and relaxation in the midst of one of the world's wildest and most beautiful landscapes.
HOW TO GET TO THÓRSMÖRK VALLEY?
BY RENTED CAR
One of the options to get to the Þórsmörk valley is by car. Remember that you need a 4x4 vehicle, ideally with a raised chassis, as you have to cross several rough river fords. The road is the F-249 (F-road) and Icelandic legislation makes it compulsory to have a 4x4 vehicle.
For an inexperienced driver, a strong river current can be fatal
The river is crossed several times during the journey and one has to be very cautious here. For an inexperienced driver, the strong current of the river can be fatal. Be especially careful at the beginning and end of the season, when the river is more swollen and there may still be snow and ice on the road. The road to Þórsmörk is only open during the summer season. The opening and closing date of the road is always depending on the current weather conditions. The passability can be checked on the official website of the Icelandic Roads and Coastal Administration https://umferdin.is/en
At the end is the Básar campsite with a spacious unpaid parking area.
BY BUS
In the summer months (June to September), special highland buses run to Þórsmörk, which are adapted for driving on rough mountain roads and over river fords. This transport is one of the most comfortable and common options.
Buses run daily from Reykjavik, usually early in the morning. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. Buses also leave from smaller towns on the south coast, such as Selfoss.
Bus services are operated by Reykjavik Excursions (the same company that operates the Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík service, also known as Flybus). To book tickets online, visit the website https://www.re.is/highland-bus/
WALKS
Þórsmörk is the starting or ending point for the famous Laugavegur trail, which leads through other natural wonders such as Landmannalaugar. This multi-day hike is one of the most famous and beautiful hiking trails in the world.
For more information, see this article:
Þórsmörk is also one of the starting or ending points of the Fimmvörðuháls trail, which runs across the volcanic ridge between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. The ascent of this ridge is one of the highlights of any hike in the area.
FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS TRAIL
The Fimmvörðuháls trail is one of the most popular and beautiful hiking trails in Iceland. It offers a stunning combination of natural beauty, including glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and spectacular ocean views. The route connects two iconic sites - Skógafoss waterfall and the Þórsmörk valley, making it an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature lovers.
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAIL
- Length: Approximately 25 km
- Difficulty: moderate to difficult trail, mainly due to the ascent and changing terrain.
- Duration: most tourists can complete the trail in one day, i.e. in 10 to 12 hours, but some choose a two-day trip with an overnight stay.
- Altitude difference: approximately 1000 metres.
WHAT WILL YOU SEE ON THE TRAIL?
- Skógafoss and Kvernufoss waterfalls: the trail starts at the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, which falls from a height of 60 metres. Along the way you will also pass several other smaller waterfalls.
- Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers: After the climb, you will reach the glaciers and pass through the volcanic area between the two glaciers.
- Fimmvörðuháls volcanic ridge: This part of the trail is famous for the volcanic eruption that occurred here in 2010, which caused glacial melting and major flooding. Remnants of the volcanic activity are still visible here today, including fresh lava and volcanic craters.
- Þórsmörk Valley: after a long descent, you reach the beautiful green valley of Þórsmörk, surrounded by glaciers and mountains.
ACCOMMODATION
There are several accommodation options on the Fimmvörðuháls trail, which connects the Skógafoss waterfall and the Þórsmörk valley, including both mountain huts and camping. As most people complete the hike in one day, accommodation directly on the trail is not necessary, but if you would like to split the trail into two days or continue exploring Þórsmörk, accommodation is available in several forms.
- Mountain hut Fimmvörðuháls (Fimmvörðuskáli)
This small mountain hut is located about halfway between Skógafoss and Þórsmörk, in the volcanic ridge of Fimmvörðuháls. It is very simply furnished, offering basic shelter, sleeping platforms and a stove for heating. There are no showers or running water, but it is possible to use brought or collected rainwater.
The hut has a limited capacity (16 people) so you must book in advance, especially in high season. The accommodation is managed by the Icelandic Tourist Club Útivist, so booking is possible through their website https://www.utivist.is/skalar/fimmvorduhals
ATTENTION! The path crosses the Skógá River, flowing from the nearby Eyjafjallajökull glacier. There is no bridge or makeshift bridge, so you have no choice but to cross the river. The river isn't deep, but it is icy (temperatures around 2°C) and full of large and small rocks. It is recommended to wear light sandals or wading shoes to avoid getting your hiking boots wet.
- Mountain hut Baldvinsskáli
Baldvinsskáli hut is located in the higher parts of the trail, approximately 7-8 km from Skógafoss, near the top of the climb to Fimmvörðuháls ridge.
The Baldvinsskáli hut itself is a very simple mountain hut that serves more as an emergency shelter from the weather than as a traditional accommodation facility. It has no official capacity for overnight stays, but in extreme situations, hikers can seek shelter here. It is possible to pitch a tent around the hut, although the weather and conditions at this altitude can be challenging. Advance booking is not necessary.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Weather: Iceland's weather is very changeable, so be prepared for all conditions - rain, wind and sun in one day.
- Recommendation: the hike is best done in the summer months (June to September) when conditions are most favourable. Good quality footwear and warm clothing are also recommended during this period.
- Transport: the best way to get to the start of the route at Skógafoss or the end at Þórsmörk is by bus. You can book a bus to Skógafoss on the website https://www.re.is/highland-bus/