How To Hike in Thorsmork, Iceland (Map & Instructions)

The Thorsmork Iceland hike is one of the most stunning experiences you can have in Iceland’s rugged wilderness. Hidden deep in the Icelandic Highlands, Thorsmork (Þórsmörk), meaning “Valley of Thor”, is a breathtaking destination of glacial rivers, mossy canyons, and volcanic ridges.

Nestled between three glaciers — Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull — this remote nature reserve is where you’ll find Iceland’s most dramatic hiking landscapes. It’s a wild, remote, and deeply atmospheric place that rewards every step with jaw-dropping views.

This area marks the southern end of the famous Laugavegur Trail, Iceland’s most iconic long-distance route. But you don’t need to hike the entire trail to experience its magic — Thorsmork itself offers plenty of day hikes that will stay etched in your memory.

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about hiking in Thorsmork, including how to get there, a trail map, and detailed hiking instructions.

THORSMORK HIKE OVERVIEW

Start / Finish: Básar Hut or Volcano Huts (Langidalur)
Distance: 12–14 km (depending on the route)
Duration: 4–6 hours round trip
Elevation gain: 600 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: Mid-June to mid-September

The hike through Thorsmork is a loop or there-and-back trail through some of the most surreal volcanic scenery in Iceland. The path leads you along black sand plains, across shallow glacial streams, and up to panoramic ridges overlooking the Krossá River Valley.

WHAT MAKES THORSMORK SPECIAL

Thorsmork is a place where Iceland’s raw power and beauty collide. The contrast of lush green moss against black volcanic earth is unreal. Waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs, glaciers gleam in the distance, and rivers carve their way through canyons that seem to belong on another planet.

When the light hits the mountains in the evening, the whole valley glows gold and green — it’s absolutely magical.

GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD

Reaching Thorsmork is an adventure in itself. The valley is only accessible by specially equipped 4×4 buses or super jeeps, as several deep glacial rivers must be crossed on the way.

BY BUS

Highland buses run daily from Reykjavik, Hella, and Hvolsvöllur to Thorsmork (June–September). The journey from Reykjavik takes around 4 hours.
There are two main drop-off points:

Volcano Huts (Langidalur) – great for shorter hikes and overnight stays.
Básar Hut – the starting point for most Thorsmork ridge hikes.

BY CAR

If you have a 4×4 vehicle approved for river crossings, you can drive via F249, but this is not recommended unless you are experienced with deep water crossings. The Krossá River is particularly dangerous — many travelers choose the bus for safety.

THORSMORK HIKING INSTRUCTIONS

Below is a suggested circuit hike that combines two of the most beautiful routes in Thorsmork: Valahnúkur Mountain and Tindfjöll Circle.

LANGIDALUR TO VALAHNÚKUR (1 hour ascent)

Start from Langidalur Hut (Volcano Huts). Follow the marked trail up Valahnúkur Mountain (458 m), one of the best viewpoints in all of Thorsmork.

The climb is short but steep, and within 45 minutes, you’ll stand on a summit with 360° views of glaciers, rivers, and moss-covered mountains. From here, you can see the braided Krossá River winding through the valley like silver threads.

Take a few moments at the top — this is Iceland at its most dramatic.

VALAHNÚKUR TO HÚSADALUR & BASAR (1 hour 15 minutes)

Descend from the summit and follow the trail down to Húsadalur, where you’ll find small streams, birch forests, and the cozy Volcano Huts lodge — a perfect spot for coffee or lunch.

From here, continue toward Básar, crossing the Krossá River via the pedestrian bridge (only open in summer). The contrast between green vegetation and the dark volcanic plain is mesmerizing.

BASAR TO TINDFJÖLL RIDGE (2 hours)

From Básar, pick up the Tindfjöll Circle Trail (Path T2). This part of the hike takes you high above the valley onto a narrow volcanic ridge with spectacular views back toward Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.

The trail is steep in sections, with some loose gravel and short scrambles, but it’s well-marked and manageable for most hikers with a decent fitness level.

On clear days, you’ll see the black plains of Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon stretching endlessly toward the horizon — one of the most incredible views in Iceland.

RETURN TO LANGIDALUR (1 hour 30 minutes)

Descend gradually back into the valley and return to Langidalur. The descent offers excellent views across the glacial rivers, and if the weather is kind, you’ll end your day under a warm evening glow across Thorsmork.

At the end of the hike, you can rest at Volcano Huts, enjoy a meal, or relax in their natural sauna before catching the evening bus back.

MAP OF THE THORSMORK HIKE

Below is a map showing the Valahnúkur and Tindfjöll trails from Langidalur and Básar.
The map includes:

Trail routes (in red)
Volcano Huts & Básar Huts (in blue)
River crossings & viewpoints (in yellow)

Using the map:
Click the top-right corner to open in Google Maps. Tap the star to save it to your account and use it offline on the trail.
If you prefer a physical map, get the Ferðakort 4 – Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork hiking map.

BEST TIME TO HIKE IN THORSMORK

The best time to hike in Thorsmork is from mid-June to mid-September. During this period:

The highland roads (F-roads) are open.
Rivers are passable and bridges are installed.
Weather conditions are the most stable.

We hiked in late July, and conditions were perfect — around 14°C with light wind and clear skies. Early morning hikes are best for photography and avoiding the midday bus crowds.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE THORSMORK HIKE

Waterproof Hiking Boots: The terrain can be wet, rocky, and slippery.
Hiking Poles: Very useful on steep, gravelly slopes.
Layered Clothing: Weather changes fast — bring a rain jacket and warm fleece.
Water & Snacks: There are streams for refilling bottles, but carry at least 1L of water.
Map or GPS App: Maps.me or AllTrails work well offline in this area.
Camera or Drone: Drones are allowed here and the aerial shots are phenomenal.

WHERE TO STAY IN THORSMORK

You can either camp or stay in one of the mountain huts.

Volcano Huts (Langidalur): Comfortable private rooms and dorms, with a restaurant and sauna.
Básar Hut: Basic mountain hut and campground managed by the Icelandic Touring Association.
Camping: Allowed in designated areas — bring warm gear as nights get cold.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON HIKING THORSMORK

The Thorsmork Iceland hike is one of the most rewarding experiences in Iceland. It’s a land of contrasts — ice and fire, green and black, calm and wild.

Standing on Valahnúkur Ridge, with glaciers shining in the distance and rivers carving the valley below, you truly understand why Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice.

Whether you do a short hike or stay overnight to explore deeper trails, Thorsmork will leave you in awe — and make you want to return again.