Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
river. Regular 4WDs cannot make it. You'll see that they are parked where people have
hitched rides with buses or super-Jeeps.
Or hike in from Skógar or Landmannalaugar.
The higher, northeastern reaches of the area are known as
Goðaland
(Land of the
Gods), which is - as the name suggests - divine. Rock formations twist skyward like the
stone arches of an ancient cathedral. Fluorescent Arctic flowers burst forth from spongy
moss bringing brilliant slashes of colour. At its higher altitudes, Goðaland often has rough-
er weather than Þórsmörk.
Goðaland is the endpoint for the glorious
Fimmvörðuháls
hike, which starts in Skógar.
The main camping area in Goðaland is
Básar
; to go between it and Þórsmörk by car you
must make the dangerous Krossá river crossing mentioned above. Walkers use footbridges.
Húsadalur (Volcano Huts Thorsmork)
is open year-round, but buses tend to run May to
mid-October. The rest of the year you'll need private transport to reach Þórsmörk.
Activities
Although Þórsmörk is the terminus for the uber-popular Laugavegurinn hike, many tired
trekkers catch a bus out of the reserve immediately, missing spectacular day hiking (sans
backpack). Some continue along the
Fimmvörðuháls
trail into Skógar, a truly incredible
walk, but better approached in the opposite direction (depart from Skógar).
Coming by guided super-Jeep
tour
can be a lovely treat, revealing more than what you'll
find on your own.
It's also possible to volunteer to help with trail maintenance at
Þo
́
rsmö rk Trail Volun-
Stakksholtsgjá
HIKING
Stakksholtsgjá is a wonderful alternately rocky and mossy gorge with a hidden
waterfall
.
Walk along the river bed, hop across the river, and when it splits in two veer left down a
narrower canyon. Scamper over boulders and you'll spot a crashing waterfall (or dramatic
icicles in winter). The walk takes around 90 minutes. Reykjavík Excursions buses also
stop here.
Valahnúkur Circle
HIKING
