Þórsmörk Nature Reserve

Þórsmörk Nature Reserve lies 145 km from Reykjavik, a journey of around 2.5 hours that requires a 4WD vehicle for the F-road section and several unbridged river crossings near the Básar car park; the highland bus operated by Trex or Reykjavik Excursions ($70-80 return) is the safer option for visitors unsure about the crossings. The reserve sits in a valley sheltered between three glaciers — Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull — creating a microclimate lush with birch woodland compared to the surrounding black sand desert. Highlights include Stakkholtsgjá canyon, reached via a roughly 1.5-hour return hike to a narrow gorge with a hidden waterfall, and sweeping viewpoints over the braided Markarfljót glacial river valley. Þórsmörk also serves as the southern endpoint of the multi-day Laugavegur trek from Landmannalaugar and the starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls pass route over Eyjafjallajökull. A typical day trip departs Reykjavik early in the morning on the highland bus, arrives at Básar or Húsadalur base area by late morning, spends the afternoon on the Stakkholtsgjá hike or shorter trails around the valley, and returns to Reykjavik by early evening. The reserve is only accessible from June to October, when the mountain roads and river crossings are passable; outside this window the area is cut off by snow and ice. Food options are minimal — visitors should bring a packed lunch, as the only facilities are basic huts at Húsadalur and Langidalur with limited snack sales, so stocking up in Hvolsvöllur before the drive is recommended.