Leave Reykjavik behind and journey into Þórsmörk — the Valley of Thor, one of Iceland’s most spectacular Highland landscapes.
Surrounded by glaciers, rugged mountain ridges, deep valleys, moss-covered slopes, and beautiful birch woodland, Þórsmörk feels a world away from the city. This is a place where you don’t just look at the landscape — you get out and explore it on foot.
The journey takes you from Iceland’s South Coast deep into the Highlands, with several scenic stops along the way. As the landscape changes from farmland and open countryside to mountains, valleys, and glaciers, your guide will share stories about the geology, history, folklore, and powerful natural forces that have shaped this remarkable region.
When conditions allow, we hike towards Valahnúkur, one of Þórsmörk’s most spectacular viewpoints. The climb typically takes around 45 minutes, followed by time to enjoy the views before descending back into the valley.
But Þórsmörk is shaped by nature, and access can change from one day to the next. Hiking bridges may be available at some times of year and not at others, while river levels, weather, and trail conditions can also affect which routes are accessible.
If Valahnúkur or other parts of the valley are not accessible, your guide will choose an alternative hiking route in the Básar area or elsewhere in Þórsmörk, ensuring you still get a rewarding experience in this extraordinary landscape.
We’ll also make several shorter stops during the journey into and out of Þórsmörk. Some of these are little-known corners and viewpoints that are best discovered along the way rather than listed on an itinerary. Your guide will choose these stops according to the conditions, available time, and the group.
Throughout the day, you’ll experience a constantly changing landscape of mountains, glaciers, rivers, forests, moss-covered valleys, and volcanic terrain.
This is not simply a sightseeing tour. It’s a chance to step into the Icelandic Highlands, explore on foot, and experience Þórsmörk for yourself.
*The weather can be inclement in Iceland and especially in the winter it can be expected that this trip will be canceled due to the weather.
No Two Days in Þórsmörk Are Quite the Same
Þórsmörk is a constantly changing natural environment.
River levels, weather, trail conditions, seasonal access, and the availability of hiking bridges can all affect where we can go.
Rather than following a rigid itinerary, our experienced guide will choose the best available route on the day.
When hiking bridges are open, they may give us access to additional trails and areas of the valley. When they are not available, we’ll explore alternative routes and discover another side of Þórsmörk.
The same applies to the hike itself. Valahnúkur is a possibility, not a promise. If conditions do not allow us to go there, we’ll find another route that gives you a rewarding experience in the landscape.
The destination stays the same. The adventure changes with the landscape.
Choose a Bus stop near to your accommodation (Bus Stop Informations)
Leave Reykjavik and travel towards Iceland’s southern Highlands. Continue from the South Coast towards the Valley of Thor. The scenery gradually changes as you enter the Highlands, with mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, and glaciers surrounding you.
Enjoy a guided hike of around 1.5 hours through the spectacular landscape of Þórsmörk. When conditions allow, the route may take you towards Valahnúkur and its panoramic views.
If Valahnúkur is not accessible, your guide will choose another rewarding hiking route in Básar or elsewhere in the valley.
Throughout the journey, your guide may make additional short stops to explore interesting landscapes, viewpoints, and lesser-known corners of Þórsmörk.
The exact stops depend on weather, road and trail conditions, available time, and the group.
After exploring the Valley of Thor, relax on the journey back to Reykjavik and enjoy the changing scenery as the Highlands give way to the South Coast.
No previous hiking experience is required. You should, however, be comfortable walking for around 1.5 hours on uneven natural terrain, including some uphill sections.
The hike is generally easy to moderate. The route includes some uphill walking and uneven terrain, but it is not a strenuous mountain trek.
Hiking poles are not necessary for this tour but if you have such and know how to use them, bring them along with you.
Valahnúkur is one possible hiking route when conditions allow, but it is not guaranteed. If access is restricted, your guide will choose another suitable route in Básar or elsewhere in Þórsmörk.
Yes. Your guide may make additional short stops at interesting viewpoints and places along the route. These are intentionally not fixed in the itinerary, allowing your guide to adapt the experience to weather, conditions, available time, and the group.
Iceland is known for colourful weather. It can sometimes show you all 4 seasons in one day.
Dressing for this sort of weather can be a challenge so we always recommend dressing in layers. 3 or 4 upper layers are highly recommended such as a light t-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment, topped off with a waterproof windbreaker.
Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet.
Lightweight hiking pants, track pants or long cotton pants are best and then wind/waterproof pants over.
Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended although good sneakers are good enough for this rather comfortable and short hike.
Travel insurance is always a good idea. We recommend that you have personal health insurance coverage when participating in any adventure activities in Iceland, as you would when travelling anywhere in the world.
Read all about our cancellation policy for The valley of Thor here.
