The Þórsmörk Valley is an oasis of natural beauty. Located in the interior highlands of Iceland, it is an ideal spot for hikers and nature lovers. Surrounded by rugged mountains and glaciers, the area is known for its cascading waterfalls, glacial rivers, rocky gorges, and hot springs. The valley is named after the Norse god Thor and the name translates into “Thor’s Valley” in English.
Here are 6 things you will see in the Þórsmörk Valley.
Volcanic Glaciers
Eyjafjallajökull is a glacier with the ability to erupt! Technically speaking, it is a volcano with an ice cap covering its caldera. Eyjafjallajökull has been internationally renowned ever since it erupted in 2010, stopping air traffic across Europe for 5 days with its horrendous ash plume. Eyjafjallajökull is one of three volcanic glaciers that surround the Þórsmörk Valley.
Gígjökull
Gígjökull is one of the two glacier outlets from the glacier volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Locals sometimes call it Falljökull, which means “Ice Fall.” It is a 7.5 km long crater glacier draining north from the Eyjafjallajökull ice cap. The Gígjökull is retreating slowly and the ice plume is travelling east, away from the white ice cap. The lagoon is now totally filled and the whole area is covered in volcanic ash.
Seljalandsfoss
The waters at Seljalandsfoss cascade into a pretty meadow near the entrance to the Þórsmörk Valley. Fed by the melting water from Eyjafjallajökull, this waterfall provides a truly unique viewpoint. The sure-footed can traverse the steep cliffs to walk behind the waterfall. Be extra careful in winter and wear good sturdy footwear. Also, bring you camera for some amazing shots but make sure you can keep it safe and dry!
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Gljúfrabúi, otherwise known as Canyon Dweller, is another stunning waterfall. Hidden behind a cliff, this hidden gem sends water plummeting down 131 feet. This is a wonderful place for a photograph and on a sunny day you might even capture a rainbow arcing in the water’s spray.
The Nauthúsagil Ravine
The Nauthúsagil Ravine (Bull Shed Ravine) is especially beautiful when the sun is shining. It is nice to visit any time, but each season brings its own beauty like in winter when the area transforms into a frozen wonderland. Only committed hikers will dare traverse the small river or jump from stone to stone, but those who do will be greeted by the magnificent waterfall at the end of the ravine.
Hiking in the Þórsmörk Valley
Hikers flock to the Þórsmörk valley to experience the incredible landscape and natural beauty. There are endless trails of various lengths offering something for everyone.
Those looking for a short adventure might consider the 2-hour hike up Valahnúkur. The summit of this small mountain provides gorgeous 360º views of the valley and all the way to Landmannalaugar. More enthusiastic hikers might opt for the Laugavegur Trail, the most popular multi-day hike in Iceland instead.
Camping in the Þórsmörk Valley
Plan to do an overnight or multi-day trek? Then you need to plan ahead. Wild camping is illegal throughout Iceland. This isn’t a huge problem in most areas as hotels and campsites abound. But you need to plan ahead is you want to camp in the Þórsmörk Valley.
How to Best See the Þórsmörk Valley
Do not attempt to access Þórsmörk without a 4×4 vehicle and very experienced driver. In fact, it is best if you only travel with an experienced guide in a Jeep that can handle terrain (including unbridged rivers). Even if you rent a 4×4 Jeep, that does not mean should drive in Þórsmörk. Your rental insurance automatically stops coverage the moment you drive into a river. Also, this can be dangerous! Unless you are experienced with river crossings, you can find yourself literally up the river without a paddle. So, no matter how adventurous (or cheap) you might be, HIRE A GUIDE to get you in and around the Þórsmörk Valley
One Last Thing About the Þórsmörk Valley
The name is spelled Þórsmörk in Icelandic but sounds like “Thorsmork.” The letter Þ in the Icelandic language sounds like “th” in English. As a result, you will often see this area spelled Thorsmork to make life easier for English speakers. Either way is considered correct so don’t get confused and think these are two different places.
Are you ready to experience the Þórsmörk Valley?
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