Southwest Iceland & the Golden Circle - Iceland - page 291

A 2½-hour loop takes you up to the brilliant viewpoint at Valahnúkur, which takes in
canyons, glaciers and sightlines all the way to the ocean. From Húsadalur, follow the trail
up to the viewpoint then down into Langidalur. From there pass along the ridge between
the valleys back to your starting point. Or, do it in reverse.
You can hike one way and connect with buses on either side, as well.
Tindfjöll Circle HIKING
The longest of the most popular 'short hikes' in the area takes around 4½ hours from
Langidalur and around six hours from Húsadalur. It will take you along the Tindfjöll gorge
and ridge. Húsadalur (Volcano Huts Thorsmork) sells maps.
Wander through the Slyppugil Valley (or follow the like-named ridge), then hike across
moraine along the side of a second ridge. You'll then pass through Tröllakirkja - the
trolls' church - with its sweeping stone arches. A lush green field appears next before re-
vealing a postcard-worthy viewpoint to the Þórsmörk valley. Follow the top of the sand-
stone ridge until you find yourself at the coursing Krossá river, which leads you back to
Langidalur, or Húsadalur further on.
Yoga & Massage YOGA, MASSAGE
( www.volcanohuts.com )
At the time of research, friendly Emil, a certified masseuse and yoga instructor was offer-
ing two yoga sessions daily (Ikr2500), deep-tissue massage by appointment (10 minutes/
one hour Ikr2000/10,900), and sweat-lodge ceremonies (Ikr10,000) at Volcano Huts
Thorsmork.
Tours
Guides throughout the south, such as Southcoast Adventure , South Iceland Adventures
and Icelandic Mountain Guides are a great value-add as not only do they get you to the re-
gion, but they can take you to hidden valleys, waterfalls and glacier approaches that the
buses do not reach, while sharing local geological and cultural insights. For example,
Gígjökull glacial tongue with its formerly enormous morraine was one of the main sites of
flooding when Eyjafjallajökull erupted; you can get close enough to lick it.