Móði and Magni Craters Hike
Key facts about the hike
- Difficulty
- Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
- Duration
- 7h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
- Distance
- 16.2km
- Elevation gain
- 1,100m
- Type of route
- Loop
- Maximum altitude
- 1,067 m
- Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
- Moderately
- Marked
- Yes
- Popularity
- Moderate
- Region
- Highlands
- Start point
- 63.67791, -19.48269
- Activity
- Hiking
Hike overview
The hike to the craters of Móði and Magni begins in Thórsmörk (the Valley of Thor), named after the Norse god. Nestled between the Myrdalsjökull and Eyjafallajökull ice caps in the highlands, this wild region is a favorite place of Icelanders and a true paradise for hikers. Sheltered from Atlantic winds, the valley has a surprisingly mild summer climate, which promotes lush vegetation, including numerous birch forests.
Móði and Magni, named after Thor's sons, are volcanoes born from the famous 2010 eruption of Eyjafjöll, which paralyzed air traffic for weeks. This hike follows the Fimmvörðuháls trek trail on the way out and returns via a wild, less-frequented canyon.
This circuit is particularly rewarding, revealing spectacular and varied panoramas. You will quickly pass from a green valley to a high mountain landscape surrounded by vast glaciers and then to a desert landscape dotted with lava fields as far as the eye can see. Just when you think you've seen it all, the superb Hvannárgil Canyon surprises you on the return trip, rivaling the splendor of the landscapes you passed on the way there.
Map and elevation profile of the hike
Móði and Magni Craters Hike
Difficulties of the hike
As with all hikes in the Thórsmörk region, the trail is well-maintained and clearly marked. This route follows the Fimmvörðuháls trek trail on the way out and returns via a wild, less-frequented canyon. This challenging hike includes the route's length and significant elevation gain, steep slopes with dizzying passages, and snowy or icy sections at higher elevations that sometimes remain late in the season.
What you'll love
- The Goðahraun lava field: Walking on this black expanse feels like walking on another planet's surface. The chaotic rock formations and fumaroles are a reminder that Iceland is a land in constant evolution.
- Impressive glacier panoramas: Breathtaking views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers from the volcanic plateau between these two ice giants, illustrating the country's nickname, "Land of Ice and Fire."
- The magnificent Hvannárgil Canyon: This wild, uncrowded canyon has its share of surprises and rivals the spectacular landscapes of the outward journey.
- Exceptional landscape diversity: Breathtaking scenery quickly changes from green valleys to high mountain landscapes surrounded by vast glaciers and then to desert landscapes dotted with lava fields as far as the eye can see.
Practical information
Getting to Thórsmörk
I strongly recommend taking one of the bus companies to reach the region. The F249 road to Thórsmörk has some of the most challenging river crossings in Iceland and should only be attempted by highly experienced drivers with suitable vehicles.
You can book tickets with the bus companies Icelandia and TREX.
Hiking in Thórsmörk
Check out my Thórsmörk hiking guide to help you choose your hikes.
Photos
See all 29 photos →
More hikes to do in Iceland
Nearby hikes
Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/iceland/modi-and-magni-craters/