The Valley of Thor, or Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) in Icelandic, is a nature reserve in the southern highlands, located between three glaciers; Eyjafjallajökull (the famous glacier volcano that erupted in 2010 and caused widespread disruption to air traffic in Europe), Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. Þórsmörk is a place of diverse and magnificent landscape with its ice capped peaks, jagged mountain ridges and valleys rich with moss and birch woodland. Þórsmörk is a paradise for hikers, photographers and nature lovers.
The route to Þórsmörk has many unbridged rivercrossings with deep fast flowing waters, famous for trapping tourists in un-modified rental cars. Therefore we take you to Þórsmörk in one of our super jeeps, a modified vehicle with huge tyres that can forge rivers and tackle just about any terrain. Riding in a Super jeep is an adventure on its own.
*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.
N1 gas station Hvolsvöllur (See map)
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. This 66m (213ft) high waterfall is not the most powerful waterfall in Iceland but extremely beautiful. What makes it special, though, is the fact that you can walk behind it.
Just remember to bring rain gear with you because it is not unlikely that spray from the waterfall will catch you.
Gígjökull is an outlet that flows from Eyjafjallajökull. Previously, there was a glacial lagoon underneath the glacier, which was one of the gems of Þórsmörk, but it got destroyed in the famous 2010 Eyjafjalla volcanic eruption. therefore today it is possible to drive on the former bottom of the lagoon almost up to the glacier.
Básar is one of the most beautiful and sheltered areas in the Þórsmerkur – an oasis of natural birch woods. It is a wonderland for hikers with hiking trails and paths in all directions, through valleys and gorges with delicate birch forest, glacial rivers and magnificent mountain scenery.
Hiking up Valahnúkur is relatively easy 220m (722ft) ascent hike and takes about an hour and a half. When you are up there you are standing in an elevation of around 1000m (3300ft) with a spectacular view over valleys and gorges covered with moss and birch forest, glacial rivers and the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull.
In Þórsmörk there are lots of beautiful places, more than you can handle in one day, but everyone who loves Þórsmörk has their favorite place, and you can be sure that your guide loves Þórsmörk. So don’t forget to ask your guide so show you its favorite.
Hiking poles are not necessary for this tour but if you have such and know how to use them, bring them along with you.
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 from Hvolsvöllur here.