Guide to Hikes in Thórsmörk
💡 Note : All blue text is clickable.
How to get to Thórsmörk ?
Although located only 30 km from the Golden Circle, Thórsmörk remains an isolated place in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands. Its access is made difficult by several powerful rivers, making the crossing risky.
🚙 By car: a challenge for experts only
The F249 road is one of the most difficult in Iceland. It crosses several rivers, some of which can be deep and unpredictable. A robust off-road vehicle is essential, such as a Toyota Land Cruiser at least.
It is strongly advised not to attempt this road without solid river crossings experience. Every year, many vehicles are trapped by the waters.
🔹 High risk: some rivers are impassable depending on the weather conditions.
🔹 No insurance: car hire companies do not cover damage caused by river crossings.
👉 If you have any doubts, take the bus!
🚌 By bus: the safest solution
The bus is the most reliable and safest way to get to Thórsmörk. These specially designed vehicles only run from mid-June to mid-September, when the roads are passable.
🎟️ Main companies: You can check the timetables and book your tickets for the two main companies using the links below:
📍Where to get off?
When you make your reservation, you can choose between three stops, corresponding to the main campsites in Thórsmörk (see map below):
🔹 Langidalur (central point): ideal for most hikes.
🔹 Básar: recommended if you plan to hike to Fimmvörðuháls.
🔹 Húsadalur: a bit out of the way, perfect if you are staying at the Volcano Huts.
If you are unsure, choose Langidalur: its central location provides easy access to the main trails.
Hikes in Thórsmörk
🗺️ Interactive hiking map
📍All routes start from either Langidalur or Básar.
🎨 The colors of the icons indicate the difficulty.
👉 Click on a hike to display its detailed information sheet.
The Thórsmörk region is a true paradise for hikers, offering numerous trails that are perfectly marked. This is not an exhaustive list of all the routes here, but a selection of our favourites.
🥾 List of hikes (from easiest to most difficult)
1️⃣ Valahnúkur (1 h)
➝ A must-do summit offering panoramic views of the entire valley. Ideal for sunrise or sunset. Starting point: Langidalur.
2️⃣ Hvannárgil (2 h)
➝ A superb walk to the Hvannárgil canyon, with a detour to the summit of Réttarfell. Starting point: Básar.
3️⃣ Tindfjöll loop (3 h 30)
➝ A classic route offering some of the most beautiful views of the valley. Starting point: Langidalur.
4️⃣ Réttarfell (1 h 45)
➝ A short but technical hike to a summit with a vertiginous view of the Hvannárgil canyon. Starting point: Básar.
5️⃣ Móði and Magni craters (7 h)
➝ Spectacular hike to the craters created by the 2010 eruption. Varied landscapes and a volcanic atmosphere guaranteed! Starting point: Básar.
6️⃣ Rjúpnafell (6 h)
➝ An extension of the Tindfjöll circuit, leading to one of the emblematic peaks of Thórsmörk. Thrills guaranteed, both during the very steep ascent and the exceptional view at the summit! Starting point: Langidalur.
7️⃣ Fimmvörðuháls Trek (10 h)
➝ One of Iceland’s most legendary hikes, linking Thórsmörk to Skógar. Long, technical, but unforgettable! Starting point: Básar.
🔥 It’s up to you to choose your adventure! 🔥
ℹ️ Notes
All hikes can be started from Langidalur, Básar or Húsadalur. We simply indicate the preferred starting point to optimise the duration of the route.
📥 Download the itineraries between the campsites here:
🏕️ The Laugavegur trek connects Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk in 4 days. Most hikers do it from north to south, but it is just as beautiful the other way.
