Leave Reykjavik behind and venture deep into Iceland’s southern Highlands on a 4×4 adventure to Þórsmörk — the Valley of Thor.
Surrounded by glaciers, rugged mountains, deep valleys, moss-covered slopes and beautiful birch woodland, Þórsmörk is one of Iceland’s most extraordinary natural areas. Here, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
Travelling in a capable 4×4 super vehicle allows us to explore the rugged Highland roads leading deep into Þórsmörk. Depending on conditions, we may cross some of the larger glacial rivers along the way, giving you a true taste of Iceland’s wild interior.
River levels and conditions can change quickly, however, so individual crossings are never guaranteed. Your experienced guide will assess the conditions on the day and choose the safest and most rewarding route for the group.
As we travel deeper into the Highlands, the landscape changes dramatically. Open farmland gives way to mountains, valleys, rivers, forests and glaciers, with spectacular scenery unfolding around every bend.
And then comes one of the highlights of the journey: driving all the way to the edge of Gígjökull glacier.
Here, you’ll leave the vehicle and experience the glacier up close, surrounded by dramatic mountains and the landscape shaped by some of Iceland’s most powerful natural forces. Gígjökull is an outlet glacier of Eyjafjallajökull, the famous glacier-volcano whose 2010 eruption dramatically transformed the area.
Your guide will share the story of the eruption and the enormous glacial floods that reshaped the valley, while you take in the ice and scenery from the foot of the glacier.
Enjoy a guided hike of around 1.5 – 2 hours, towards Valahnúkur, one of Þórsmörk’s most spectacular viewpoints. The climb offers increasingly impressive views across the valley before you return to the lower trails.
If Valahnúkur is not accessible, your guide will choose an alternative hiking route in Básar or elsewhere in Þórsmörk, ensuring you still get a rewarding experience in this remarkable landscape.
Throughout the journey, we’ll also make several shorter scenic stops. Some of these are deliberately kept flexible and may be chosen by your guide according to weather, road conditions, available time and the group.
This means no two days in Þórsmörk are exactly the same.
This is more than a sightseeing tour. It’s a journey deep into the Icelandic Highlands — by 4×4 super.
*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
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, your guide will choose the best available route for the conditions and the group.
When hiking bridges are open, they may allow access to additional trails. When they are not available, we’ll explore alternative routes in the valley.
The same applies to the hike. Valahnúkur is a possibility, not a promise. If conditions do not allow us to go there, we’ll find another route that offers a rewarding experience.
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.
Depending on conditions, the 4×4 may allow us to cross larger glacial rivers and access areas that are not reachable by regular vehicles. Your guide will assess conditions and choose the best route on the day.
Drive up to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Gígjökull and the surrounding glacier landscape. Learn about Eyjafjallajökull and the dramatic 2010 eruption that transformed the valley.
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.
The 4×4 gives us greater flexibility and access on the rugged roads into Þórsmörk. It can allow us to cross larger rivers and reach areas that may not be accessible by regular vehicles.
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.
