A sheltered valley sandwiched between the Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers, offering a network of day hike routes through birch woodland, over ridges with panoramic glacier views, and into the Stakkholtsgjá canyon. The protected position of the valley means unusually mild weather and lush vegetation by Icelandic standards.
Þórsmörk valley is reached via the F249 road, which crosses several unbridged glacial rivers and requires a well-equipped 4WD vehicle or the seasonal highland bus from Reykjavík or Hvolsvöllur, typically running from June to September; no permit is needed for the walking trails within the valley. Routes range from 8 to 15 km depending on which paths are combined, with up to 400m of elevation gain on the ridge walks, while lower valley paths through birch woodland stay largely flat. Trail surfaces vary from soft dirt and root-covered woodland paths in the sheltered lower valley to loose volcanic scree and narrow ridgelines higher up, with some exposure on the Valahnúkur ridge route. The valley's position between the Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers gives it noticeably milder, more sheltered weather than the surrounding highlands, supporting the birch woodland that is unusual for the Icelandic interior. Highlights include the narrow Stakkholtsgjá canyon, reachable via a short detour with a wade across a shallow stream to reach its waterfall, and the Valahnúkur ridge, which offers panoramic views of all three surrounding glaciers. Two hut and campsite bases, Húsadalur and Básar, serve as trailheads and offer the only shelter, food service, and reliable water in the valley; hikers using the huts should book ahead in peak season.
| Distance | 8-15 km (multiple routes) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-6 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | 4WD required or highland bus |
| Best season | June-September |
| Address | Húsadalur / Básar, Þórsmörk, South Iceland |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Þórsmörk, South Iceland
What to bring
- hiking boots
- waterproof jacket
- trekking poles
- warm layers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Húsadalur / Básar, Þórsmörk, South Iceland
63.6830, -19.4830 View on map
Highlights
- Views of three surrounding glaciers
- Stakkholtsgjá hidden canyon
- Birch woodland trails
- Valahnúkur ridge panorama
Tips for visiting
- Book huts or campsites at Húsadalur or Básar ahead of time in July and August, when highland bus arrivals peak.
- The Stakkholtsgjá canyon detour involves wading a shallow stream; waterproof boots help.
- Ridge routes like Valahnúkur have exposed sections; check weather before heading up in wind or low visibility.
- The F249 road crossing to reach Þórsmörk requires a suitable 4WD vehicle; most visitors instead take the highland bus.
- The valley's sheltered microclimate makes it noticeably calmer than the surrounding highlands, but pack layers regardless.
When to visit
July and August offer the fullest highland bus schedule and the most reliable weather for the exposed ridge routes.
Accessibility
The lower woodland paths are relatively flat but have soft, uneven dirt surfaces, while the ridge routes involve steep, exposed scree; none of the trails are wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How do hikers get to Þórsmörk?
Most visitors take the seasonal highland bus from Reykjavík or Hvolsvöllur, since the F249 access road crosses several unbridged glacial rivers that require a well-equipped 4WD vehicle to cross safely.
What is the Stakkholtsgjá canyon detour?
It is a short side trip into a narrow, moss-lined canyon that ends at a hidden waterfall, reached by wading a shallow stream partway along the approach.
Is Þórsmörk connected to the Laugavegur Trail?
Yes, Þórsmörk is the southern endpoint of the Laugavegur Trail and the northern endpoint of the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, making it a common overnight base for multi-day hikers as well as day visitors.
Why is the vegetation so lush compared to the highlands?
The valley sits in a sheltered pocket between three glaciers that block much of the wind and bad weather affecting the surrounding highlands, creating a milder microclimate that supports birch woodland.