Þórsmörk Valley Hikes: Best Trails in Thor's Forest

Þórsmörk (‘Thor’s Forest’) is a highland valley system at 200m altitude in South Iceland, enclosed by three glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. The combination of glaciers visible in three directions, birch and willow woodland in the valley floor, and dramatic ridge hiking above the treeline makes it the best hiking base in South Iceland.

Getting There

Highland Bus: Reykjavík Excursions (re.is) and Trex (trex.is) run scheduled services from Reykjavík BSÍ terminal and Selfoss. One way approximately ISK 7,900–9,500. Seasonal service in summer (June–September). Super-jeep-style buses handle the river crossings on Route F249.

Self-drive: Route F249 from Route 1 near Hvolsvöllur. Multiple river crossings required — only for properly equipped 4WDs with experience. The crossings can be knee-deep and fast-moving.

Valahnúkur (2–3 hours return, 5km)

The most popular day hike in Þórsmörk. A 466m peak immediately above the hut area, with a marked trail of switchbacks through birch woodland and then rocky ridge. The summit view encompasses all three surrounding glaciers, the Þórsmörk valley floor, and on clear days the South Coast.

Difficulty: Moderate. Steep in places but no technical difficulty. A 2-hour round trip at comfortable pace. Most hikers do this as their first afternoon activity after arriving.

Goðaland Ridge (4–6 hours, 10–14km)

The area east of the main hut area, called Goðaland (‘Land of the Gods’), has more exposed ridge hiking with dramatic views of Eyjafjallajökull and the Markarfljót river gorge. The terrain is rougher and some sections involve scrambling.

Multiple trail variations are possible. Ask the hut wardens for a current map and condition update. This area is less crowded than the Valahnúkur trail.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Some scrambling on exposed ridge sections.

Tindfjöll Circuit (5–7 hours, ~15km)

A longer circuit through the Tindfjöll mountains east of the main Þórsmörk area. This route gives the most remote feel of any day hike from Þórsmörk — fewer visitors, wilder terrain. Requires navigation skills and a proper trail map.

Difficulty: Challenging. Longer with more elevation gain than the other options.

Valley Walks (1–2 hours, easy)

The valley floor has easy paths through birch and willow woodland — good for a short walk or for those with children. The woodland is unusual in Icelandic highland terms — the sheltered position between glaciers creates a microclimate warm enough for vegetation that doesn’t survive elsewhere at this altitude.

Fimmvörðuháls (departure point)

Þórsmörk is the northern end of the Fimmvörðuháls trail to Skógafoss (25km, 8–10 hours). See the separate Fimmvörðuháls trail article for the full route description.

Accommodation and Facilities

Langidalur Hut (FÍ): Sleeping bag dormitories, approximately 60 beds. ISK 8,900 per person per night. Camping also available. Book at fi.is.

Húsadalur (Volcano Huts): Larger facility with more beds, a café/restaurant, and camping. ISK 8,500+ per person in dorms. Book at volcanohuts.com. The café sells hot meals, soup, and snacks.

Básar Hut (Útivist): A third hut in the area, operated by the Útivist hiking club. Book at utivist.is.