4-Day Thorsmork Glacier Valley Hiking Adventure
Get into the journey of a lifetime on this amazing hiking experience in the glacier valley of Þórsmörk and up to the Fimmvörðuháls pass.
Tour code: IMG32
One of the world’s best treks, through volcanic landscapes and green moss
Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) is the last part of the famous Laugavegur trail, considered by many, the most beautiful part. It is named after the Norse god Thor, situated between three glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. To get there you need to cross several unbridged rivers, only reachable by large 4x4 vehicles.
Þórsmörk is regarded as “the hikers paradise” among Icelanders: breath-taking scenery, vast landscapes, and numerous trails to follow, you will immerse yourself into the purest Icelandic nature has on offer. In this relatively small area, you will be able to cross rivers, hike mountains, walk by lava fields, contemplate the uniqueness of a glacier, and get amazing views of this unique area.
All of this while having fun in a safe way with our top-of-notch guides, which will show you the amazing hidden gems these valleys treasure, such as the canyons, craters, and caves that only experienced locals know about. We top off this amazing adventure with a celebratory BBQ on the last night in our Hut! All three nights are spent in the same hut.
Tour Overview
- Meeting Point
- BSI bus terminal at 6:30 am
- Group Size
- 6-16 hikers
- Language
- English
- Accommodation
- Mountain Hut
- Walking per day
- 4-7 hrs.
- Total Distance
- 40 km
- Max. Ascent
- 1000 m (3280 ft)
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Duration
- 4 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging. Requires good strength and experience in hiking with a backpack 4-7 hrs a day in mountainous terrain.
Included
- Experienced and qualified guide
- Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in dormitories
- Transport at the beginning and end of the trek
- Breakfast (3), lunch (4), dinner (3)
Not included
- Hiking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian meal plan
- Showers in the hut (payable on site)
Optional extras
- Hiking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian meal plan
Tour Map and Itinerary
Click map for detailed itinerary4-Day Thorsmork Glacier Valley Hiking Adventure
Day 1
We start our journey by boarding the highland bus from the BSI bus terminal, which will drive us to the beautiful glacier valley of Þórsmörk. On the route, we will pass by the picturesque villages of Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvöllur. We’ll get off the bus at Básar hut, where we will lodge for the next 3 nights. After lunch, our first hike will be to visit Álfakirkja (church of elves), a unique rock formation with a small cave underneath and hike either into the beautiful Hvannárgil valley or up to Mt. Réttarfell. Return to our hut in time to prepare dinner.
- Hike 5-8 km (3-5 mi)
- Active walking time: 3-4 hrs.
- Ascent and descent 400 m (1312')
Day 2
We climb up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views over the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. At the end of the Morinsheiði plateau, we will enjoy the view of the lava stream that flowed down from the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in March and early April 2010.
As we gain height above Morinsheiði, we will reach the lava field and the two craters, Magni and Móði, with the magnificent view over the glaciers and this beautiful valley that erupted prior to the main Eyjafjallajökull crater. We head back to Þórsmörk with the magnificent view over the glaciers and this beautiful valley for our dinner and another night in our hut.
- Hike 18 km (11 mi)
- Active walking time: 7 hrs.
- Ascent/descent 1000 m (3280')
Day 3
Today, we will hike a scenic trail with an extraordinary view over Goðaland, the glaciers and the inner part of Þórsmörk. We start the hike by crossing the Krossá River on footbridges, and then we will proceed into the Slyppugil Valley and towards Tindfjallagil, where we will find a unique rock formation with a small cave underneath called Tröllakirkja (church of trolls). Heading down, we will follow the banks of the Krossá River until we find the bridge and return to our hut for a delicious barbeque feast!
- Hike 16-18 km (10-11 mi)
- Active walking time: 4-7 hrs.
- Ascent/descent 450 m (1470')
Day 4
On the final day, we spend the morning in the stunning Þórsmörk valley, where you can choose to unwind and soak in the serene surroundings or set out on one of the many scenic hiking trails that crisscross the area. A popular choice is to climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur and enjoy its breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.
At 15:00, we board the bus back to Reykjavík, enjoying one last glimpse of Iceland’s incredible landscapes along the way. The journey ends at the BSI Bus Terminal, with an expected arrival time of approximately 19:30.
- Hike 5-10 km (3-6 mi)
- Active walking time 3 hrs.
- Ascent/descent 200 m (650')
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Practical Information
How is it best to train for my tour?
To train for this tour, we highly recommend taking regular hikes in your local area, especially in places where the route includes both uphill and downhill segments, as well as uneven terrain. It's beneficial to carry some weight on your back during these hikes to simulate the conditions you'll experience on the tour. Begin with shorter walks and progressively increase their length to build the endurance needed for the longer hiking days you'll encounter during the tour.
Incorporating both low aerobic and aerobic training will help you build the strength and endurance required for longer hikes.
Lastly, it's crucial to train in the boots you plan to wear on the tour. Ensure they are well broken-in and comfortable to prevent blisters and discomfort during your trip.
I am a vegetarian/vegan/gluten intolerant, will there be a food option for me, what is it?
Special dietary options, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, and gluten-free, are available for an additional cost. These options will provide meals that meet the requirements of your diet.
The date I want to book is not available, can I still request to book?
If a date is not available, it is either fully booked or not offered on that date. Due to hut allocation, we may not be able to add additional spots, but you are welcome to contact us via email: incoming@mountainguides.is