Hiking the Thórsmörk Valley, Thorsmork

Overview

The Thórsmörk Valley, named after Thor, the Nordic God of Thunder, was carved by glacial river floods from volcanic eruptions under the area's glaciers. It sits just west of Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier, and about 45 minutes from the town of Vík on Iceland's South Coast.

As you hike through the area, take note of the ash and lava flows from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. The viewpoints are endless, and you can spend days hiking up mountains, along cliffs, and to waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers. The trails and terrain vary, sometimes with necessary glacier river crossings (but don't attempt to cross the glacial river Krossá by foot; always use the available bridge).

When planning your hikes, you can purchase a Þórsmörk Trail Map at the Volcano Huts. There are several trails from which to choose, including the following:

Þórsmörk Panorama Trail leads you up and over the peak of the Valahnúkur mountain, where you get an impressive 360° view of Þórsmörk. From the top of Valahnúkur, head down to the Langidalur Hut before heading back to the Volcano Huts through the birch woods of the Húsadalur Valley. The trail is well-marked and accessible, with artificial steps on its steepest parts.

Þórsmörk Highlights features all the best views of Þórsmörk and versatile terrain. The trail leads you through the birch woods of the Húsadalur Valley and up to the foothills of the Tindfjöll Mountains, where you turn onto the last part of the Laugavegur Hiking Trail and descend back to the Volcano Huts.

Tindfjöll Circle gives you a beautiful view over the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve, but the rewards come with challenging terrain. Start by heading out over to the Langidalur Hut, and from there, ascend to the foothills of the Tindfjöll Mountains. Next, make your way around the Tindfjöll Mountains to the Stangarháls Ridge and descend a steep trail to the Krossá riverbed. Finally, head back to the Volcano Huts from the bottom of the valley or extend the trek by hiking over the Valahnúkur mountain or strolling through the Langidalur and Húsadalur woods.

Merkurrani Plateau Trail leads you up to the foothills of the Valahnúkur Mountain to the Merkurrani plateau and then south in the direction of Eyjafjallajökull. You'll reach the steep Merkurrani Cliffs, where the Krossá River carves a sharp edge to the volcanic rock. From the cliffs, enjoy the view over the Krossá River, Eyjafjallajökull, and the surrounding mountains of Þórsmörk. Next, head down to the black sands of the Markarfljót Riverbed where the contrasts of the volcanic ash and the green hills of Þórsmörk are very clear. On your way to the Volcano Huts, make time for a short stop at the Sóttarhellir Cave.

Stakkholtsgjá Canyon is on the south side of Krossá. Start by traversing the Krossá River on a footbridge close to the canyon and enjoy an impressive view of the 330-foot-high cliffs (100-m). The riverbed leads you to a narrow passage that ends at the Stakkholtsgjá Ravine. Next, climb a pile of large boulders to enjoy views of a beautiful waterfall. The canyon offers an easy but rewarding hike.

Discover more hiking opportunities in Iceland.

Itineraries with Hiking the Thórsmörk Valley

Iceland Remote Hiking Adventure - 10 Days

This active 10-day itinerary highlights two major hiking areas in Iceland: the southern highlands and the Westfjords. Start off with a bus trip to Thorsmork for a plethora of trails overlooking moss-covered mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers. Next, you'll fly to Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir, accessible only by boat and trail, where you'll take a 3-day trek with a local guide. Return to Reykjavik for a night on the town and a chance to soak your muscles in the Blue Lagoon.

Hiking in Thorsmork - 2 Days

Explore Thorsmork, the valley of the mighty Thor. Cross rugged terrain in a Super Jeep and hike in the remote wilderness of southern Iceland on this 2-day itinerary. Discover ice-capped volcanoes, deep canyons, and stunning black sand beaches — all while breathing in the fresh mountain air on this adventure tour.

Hiking Þórsmörk, Fimmvörðuháls &  Þríhyrningur - 3 Days

Follow the Þórsmörk, Fimmvörðuháls, and Þríhyrningur hiking and biking routes through stunning valleys, along exposed ridges, and across gravelly rivers. Trek next to the powerful Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which caused international air traffic mayhem when it erupted in 2010. Visit the isolated Troll Church, a speck of white architecture in a landscape of fire and ice. These day hikes are designed to take you through incredible scenery and give you a varied experience of Iceland's dramatic landscape.

Golden Circle, South Coast, & Thorsmork - 5 Days

This fast-paced Icelandic trip spans three regions—the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Thorsmork—and offers plenty to see over the course of five days. Explore Þingvellir National Park and snorkel in the Silfra Fissure in the Golden Circle. Then, view beautiful waterfalls, like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, along with black-sand beaches in the South Coast. Next, take a bus to Thorsmork to embark on a day of hiking trails through the valley, and end in Reykjavik to discover the best of the capital city.