Þórsmörk & Eyjafjallajökull Day Trip

This combined day trip to the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull volcano and the Þórsmörk valley covers about 145 km from Reykjavik, a drive of two to 2.5 hours via Route 249, with the final F249 section to Þórsmörk requiring a 4WD due to river crossings; the Trex or Reykjavik Excursions highland bus (around $70 return) is the alternative for visitors without a 4WD. Eyjafjallajökull, the ice-capped volcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted European air travel, rises above green farmland on the approach, with the Icelandic Lava Show and Eyjafjallajökull visitor centres nearby offering exhibits on the eruption. Continuing into Þórsmörk, sheltered between three glaciers, highlights include the Stakkholtsgjá canyon with its hidden waterfall (about a 1.5-hour return hike) and viewpoints over the braided Markarfljót river valley. A typical itinerary stops at the Eyjafjallajökull visitor centre or Skógafoss area in the morning, continues along Route 249 toward the F249 highland section around midday, and spends the afternoon hiking in Þórsmörk before the return drive in the early evening. The route is open from June to October; outside this window the highland section is closed by snow and impassable river conditions. Food and rest stops include the Þorvaldseyri farm visitor centre near Eyjafjallajökull, cafés in the village of Hvolsvöllur, and the basic snack facilities at the Húsadalur hut in Þórsmörk, so packing a lunch for the highland portion is recommended.