Hiking the Thórsmörk Valley, Thorsmork

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.

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