Plizio Visual Lab
Þórsmörk
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
valley
Þórsmörk is a protected valley and mountain ridge in southern Iceland, positioned between the Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers. Named after the Norse god Thor, the area is renowned for its milder microclimate and surprisingly lush vegetation, including dense birch woodlands and ferns. The valley is crisscrossed by powerful glacial rivers like the Krossá, Þröngá, and Markarfljót, whose shifting currents often require specialized vehicles for safe passage. Geologically, the region was shaped by intense volcanic activity, with the surrounding mountains primarily composed of palagonite formed during subglacial eruptions. Since 1921, Þórsmörk has been a designated nature reserve, which has successfully preserved the native flora from overgrazing. The area is a major hub for hikers, serving as the terminus for the famous Laugavegur trail and the starting point for the Fimmvörðuháls trek. The landscape features a dramatic backdrop of sharp rock formations, deep gorges, and shimmering glacier tongues. Scientists value the region for its unique ecological conditions in an otherwise barren arctic environment. Þórsmörk remains one of the most popular destinations for nature enthusiasts seeking Iceland's wild side.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Valahnúkur · Gráfell · Hátindar
- Nearby: Vik (37 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 293 | 268 | 258 | 194 | 136 | 128 | 151 | 176 | 263 | 250 | 250 | 291 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The remote mountain valley is usually safest reached via special highland buses or heavily modified super jeeps, as numerous unpredictable and deep glacial rivers must be carefully crossed.
Best season
A visit is primarily and safely possible only during the short summer months when the rough highland roads are fully open and the weather gives significantly more stable outdoor hiking conditions.
Terrain & paths
The dramatically rugged area gives a wide variety of trails from gentle, green valley paths to steep mountain ridges, very often rocky and partially covered with loose volcanic ash.
What to bring
High-quality, reliable hiking gear, extremely waterproof outer clothing, and sturdy trekking poles are absolutely essential for the many demanding river crossings and tackling steep passages.
Parking
Those arriving with a regular rental car usually have to leave it safely parked at designated parking areas strictly near the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take a specialized highland bus from there.
Safety
Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to cross the treacherous glacial rivers with regular rental vehicles, as raging water levels can change drastically and dangerously within mere minutes.
Time needed
Due to the exceptionally challenging and lengthy journey required, at least a full-day trip is highly recommended, though enthusiastic hikers very often opt for multi-day camping stays in the area.
Geography
Facts
- The valley is named after the Norse god Thor.
- It is situated between the Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers.
- The Krossá river is notorious for its rapidly shifting water levels.
- The area has been a protected nature reserve since 1921.
- It is famous for its natural birch forests, rare in the Icelandic highlands.
- Þórsmörk is a key destination on the world-famous Laugavegur hiking trail.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Þórsmörk (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Þórsmörk?
Only by 4x4 bus or a serious off-road vehicle (many river crossings).
What does the name mean?
It means 'The Forest of Thor', after the Norse god of thunder.
Which hiking trails start here?
It is the endpoint of the Laugavegur trail and the start for Fimmvörðuháls.
Are there trees there?
Yes, it is one of the few areas in Iceland with birch forests.
Is the weather better there?
The mountains often protect the valley from wind and rain from the south.
Þórsmörk: where is it located?
Þórsmörk is located in Iceland.
Þórsmörk: what is there to see?
Highlights include Valahnúkur, Gráfell, Hátindar.
Þórsmörk: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Þórsmörk: why is it worth visiting?
Þórsmörk is a protected valley and mountain ridge in southern Iceland, positioned between the Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Kópavogur
Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
History & landmarks
Reykjavík City Hall
Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.
Hvolsvöllur
A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.
Fimmvörðuháls
Fimmvörðuháls is a mountain pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest waterfalls with a width of 25 meters.
Skógar
A historic village on the South Coast, famous for the powerful Skógafoss waterfall and its folk museum.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is famous for the walking path that leads behind the falling curtain of water.
Eyjafjallajökull / Seljalandsfoss
A spectacular duo of the world-famous volcano and a waterfall where you can walk behind the water curtain.
Nature
More places
Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is a smaller glacier in southern Iceland covering a stratovolcano of the same name.
Skógar Museum
Skógar Museum is a cultural heritage museum in southern Iceland with an extensive collection of artifacts and historic turf houses.
Mýrdalsjökull
Mýrdalsjökull is a prominent glacier in southern Iceland.
Torfajökull Massif
A large volcanic area in the southern highlands, famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and intense geothermal activity.