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Thakgil Purple Circuit Hike

Thakgil (or Þakgil) exudes a mystical atmosphere far from classic tourist sites. Its scenery is reminiscent of that of Thórsmörk. Its landscapes are characterized by gorges and canyons with sheer walls draped in green moss that contrasts with the black volcanic rocks. This unique place is worth discovering—it was truly one of my favorites.

The purple Thakgil circuit takes you on a journey through two enchanting canyons, including the Remundargil Canyon and its Remundargilsfoss waterfall, before leading you to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Kötlujökull glacier tongue. The hike is beautiful and varied, with the only slight downside being the return along the wide trail.

Remarks

Access: To reach Thakgil, drive on Route 214 for 16 kilometers. As it is not an F-road, Route 214 is accessible by all types of vehicles, but a 4x4 or SUV is recommended as the road is very rough and dotted with potholes.

Opening period: Like the Thakgil trails, this road is only open in the summer. The exact dates depend on snow conditions.

Accommodation: I strongly recommend spending at least one night at the Thakgil campground. Nestled in the heart of a natural amphitheater, the campground is surrounded by impressive rock walls covered with green moss that look almost impassable. Don't miss the cozy cave where campers can relax and share a meal at the end of a day of hiking.

Difficulties of the hike

Four hiking trails start from the Þakgil campground, including the purple trail, which is classified as intermediate difficulty. Like the other trails in the area, it is well-maintained and clearly marked. There are a few steep slopes, sometimes on loose and slippery ground, but none of the passages are particularly technical.

What you'll love

The Remundargilsfoss waterfall: a tall but narrow waterfall crashing onto rocks in an enchanting setting at the bottom of the canyon.
Panoramic views of the Kötlujökull glacier: this majestic viewpoint overlooks a tongue of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and is one of the highlights of the hike.
The landscapes of Thakgil: vertiginous gorges and canyons with rocky walls covered in bright green moss.