Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
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Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
Þórsmörk ("Thor's Forest") is a sheltered valley in the South Iceland highlands, surrounded by the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. It is about 150 km from Reykjavík but only reachable by 4x4 on the F249 mountain road, which crosses the Krossá river, or by a seasonal highland bus. It is free to enter, open roughly June to September, and most visitors come for a day hike or to start a multi-day trek.
Þórsmörk sits lower and more sheltered than most of the highlands around it, which lets birch woodland, moss and wildflowers grow in a landscape otherwise dominated by black sand, lava and ice. Three glaciers frame the valley, and the meeting of rivers, canyons and volcanic rock makes it one of the most scenic parts of inland Iceland.
Glacial rivers braid across the valley floor and shift their channels from week to week, so the view is never quite the same twice. The largest is the Krossá, which splits the area in two: Þórsmörk proper on the north side, and Goðaland with the Básar area on the south side.
The valley is best known as the finishing point of the Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar and the starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls route over the pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull to Skógar. Even without a multi-day hike, there are shorter walks around Þórsmörk itself, from easy valley strolls to steeper climbs up ridges like Valahnúkur for panoramic views.
Getting there is part of the experience: the F249 road crosses the Krossá river, which changes course and depth with the weather and glacial melt, so it is genuinely unsuitable for ordinary rental cars.
Þórsmörk means "Thor's forest" or "Thor's woods", after the Norse god associated with strength and storms, a fitting name for a green refuge surrounded by three of Iceland's most active glacial volcanoes. Despite the setting, the valley itself has largely escaped the worst of eruptions and floods over the centuries, which is part of why birch woodland has been able to survive here while much of lowland Iceland lost its tree cover long ago.
Today it is a base for hikers tackling the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, and a well-known day-trip destination for those who want a taste of the highlands without a multi-day hike.
The Krossá river crossing is the main hazard on this route and has caught out many rental cars. If in doubt, park at the Krossá car park and take the highland bus for the final stretch.
There is a walk here for every level, from a flat riverside stroll to two of Iceland's best-known long-distance routes. Trails are marked, but conditions change quickly, so ask the hut wardens about rivers and weather before you set off.
Stakkholtsgjá, a narrow canyon with a waterfall at its end, is a short stop on the F249 on the way in. The walk into it takes about 1.5 hours there and back.
Staying overnight is the best way to see Þórsmörk, because day visitors leave by late afternoon and the valley goes quiet.
Campsites have toilets and basic washing facilities, and the huts have bunks and shared kitchens. Bring a sleeping bag for the huts. Wild camping is not allowed in the nature reserve, so use the marked campsites.
Walkers cross the Krossá on movable footbridges, which are shifted when the river changes course. Never try to wade it.
Exact opening and closing dates depend on snowmelt and river conditions each year, so check current status before planning a visit outside peak summer.
Volcano Huts and other operators run huts, a restaurant and basic shop in Þórsmörk in summer, along with campsites at Húsadalur, Langidalur and Básar. There is no fuel station in the valley itself, and the last shops and fuel are in Hvolsvöllur.
Most visitors base themselves along the South Coast, around Hvolsvöllur or Seljalandsfoss, and take a tour or bus in for the day. Hikers doing multi-day treks stay in Þórsmörk's mountain huts or campsites, and anyone who wants a quiet evening in the valley can book a cabin, a bunk or a tent pitch at Húsadalur, Langidalur or Básar.
No. The F249 crosses the Krossá river, which is unsuitable for ordinary vehicles, including most rental 4x4s. Use the highland bus or a super-jeep tour instead.
Roughly June to September, depending on snow and river conditions each year.
Yes, it is the finishing point of the popular multi-day Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar.
No. Short, easy walks around the valley floor are possible for most visitors; the longer multi-day trails require more preparation and fitness.
Coverage is patchy in the highlands, so do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
For a short visit, Valahnúkur (about 1.5 hours) and the walk along the Krossá. For a full day, the Tindfjöll circle. The long routes are Fimmvörðuháls (about 25 km) to Skógar and the Laugavegur trail (about 55 km) from Landmannalaugar.
Yes, at the campsites in Húsadalur, Langidalur and Básar. There are also huts and cabins. Wild camping is not allowed.
Thor's forest or Thor's woods. It is often called the Valley of Thor, after the Norse god of thunder.
Tours and trips that include Þórsmörk, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.
DAY TOURThorsmork Super Jeep Tour from HellaFrom 39,990 ISK per person
DAY TOURThorsmork Buggy TourFrom 34,990 ISK per person
DAY TOURThorsmork Buggy TourFrom 89,990 ISK per person
PRIVATEÞórsmörk Private TourFrom 225,000 ISK per group
DAY TOURThorsmork HikeFrom 42,000 ISK per person
DAY TOURThorsmork Super Jeep TourFrom 39,000 ISK per person
