Þórsmörk: Valley of Thor

Þórsmörk (‘Thor’s Forest’) is a glacially carved valley system at approximately 200m altitude in South Iceland, enclosed on three sides by Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers. Despite being only 150km from Reykjavík, it feels genuinely remote — no road reaches it without multiple river crossings, and the surrounding glaciers create their own microclimate. It’s the southern endpoint of the Laugavegur trail and the northern end of the Fimmvörðuháls trail to Skógafoss, making it one of Iceland’s main hiking hubs.

Getting There

By Highland Bus (recommended for most visitors): Several operators run scheduled services:

• Reykjavík Excursions (re.is) — from BSÍ terminal, seasonal service in summer. Approximately ISK 7,900–9,500 one way.
• Trex (trex.is) — direct Reykjavík to Þórsmörk. ISK 7,900 one way approximately.
• Strætó route 11 — from Hvolsvöllur (which is served by route 51 from Reykjavík). Check straeto.is.

By 4WD: Route F249 from Route 1 near Hvolsvöllur. Multiple river crossings required; not passable in standard 2WD cars or unmodified 4WDs with low clearance. Allow 1.5–2 hours from Route 1.

Valahnúkur

The most accessible viewpoint — a 466m peak above the hut area. A marked trail (approximately 2–3 hours return) with switchbacks leads to the summit. Views from the top encompass all three surrounding glaciers, the valley floor, and on clear days the South Coast. This is the hike to prioritise if you have only a few hours.

Þórsmörk Valley Trails

The valley itself has multiple trails of varying length through birch woodland, across glacial rivers, and up to ridgelines overlooking the glaciers. Trail maps are available from the hut wardens. Recommended:

• Þórsmörk circuit (8–10km, 3–4 hours) — A woodland and ridge trail through the main valley area.
• Goðaland (area east of main valley) — More dramatic terrain with exposed ridges and views of Eyjafjallajökull. Access involves some scrambling.

Fimmvörðuháls Trail

The 25km trail over the mountain pass to Skógafoss on the South Coast. One of Iceland’s best day hikes but long and serious — good weather and early start essential. The pass section (above 1,000m) can have snow even in July. The trail passes two craters formed during Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 eruption. Mountain huts at Baldvinsskáli (600m) and Fimmvörðuskálar (1,100m, at the pass) allow splitting into 2 days.

Laugavegur Trail

Þórsmörk is the southern endpoint of the 55km Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar. Hikers typically spend their final night at Langidalur or Húsadalur huts in Þórsmörk before departing by bus the following morning.

Accommodation

Langidalur Mountain Hut (FÍ): Sleeping bag accommodation, approximately 60 beds. ISK 8,900 per person as of 2026. Book at fi.is. Book months in advance for July–August.

Húsadalur (Volcano Huts): A larger facility with more beds, camping, and a café/restaurant. Operated by Volcano Huts (volcanohuts.com). Dorms from approximately ISK 8,500; camping ISK 2,200 per person.

Both huts have a café selling hot food and snacks.

Practical Notes

• Mobile signal in Þórsmörk is limited — download maps before arrival
• Weather changes rapidly — pack full waterproofs even on sunny days
• River levels can rise quickly after rain — if self-driving, never cross flooded rivers; wait or turn back
• Hiking boots with ankle support are necessary — the terrain is rough and wet
• Bears: there are none. Wolves: none either. Arctic foxes may be seen.