Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and gear, as weather conditions change dramatically in an instant. You will be fording
rivers, and fog and rain can come up at any time. That means no jeans or cotton clothes
next to your skin at all. If you are not a seasoned hiker and don't know what to bring, do
your research first. Wardens have reported a huge uptick in unprepared hikers needing in-
tervention. Don't be one of them.
You'll also need to carry sufficient food and water.
LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
You don't have to schlep all your bags along the Laugavegurinn hike. Going with a tour
company, they usually transport your extra bags from the start to the end of the trail, and
even, sometimes, between huts.
If you buy a bus ticket to Landmannalaugar,
Trex
will transport luggage and parcels to
Þórsmörk for free. Otherwise, you can pay them by the piece: 1/2/3 pieces costs Ikr1700/
2700/3400.
ALTERNATIVE ACCESS POINTS
Improbable though it may seem, Reykjavík Excursions bus 18 goes from Reykjavík to
Álftavatn, Hvanngil and Emstrur daily from late June through August (Reyk-
javík-Álftavatn Ikr9000, four hours) with short stops to get out and walk around.
Þórsmörk
The confluence of several larger river-carved valleys, the hidden valley of Þórsmörk
(
thors
-mork, literally Thor's forest) sits at the beginning of the ever deepening Icelandic
interior. A nature reserve, Þórsmörk is a verdant realm of forest and flower-filled lees that
looks onto curling gorges, icy rivers, and three looming glaciers (Tindfjallajökull, Eyjaf-
jallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull). The glaciers protect the quiet spot from some of the harsher
weather; it is often warmer or drier in Þórsmörk than nearby. Be warned, though:
Þórsmörk's lovely setting and proximity to Reykjavík (130km) make it a popular spot in
summer.
Þórsmörk may seem relatively close to the Ring Road on a map, but you'll need to take
a bus or go by high-clearance 4WD (super-Jeep tour!) to ford the rivers on the way to the
reserve. As you get close, coming from the south, you must cross the dangerous Krossá
