Exciting 2-Day Self-Guided Hiking Tour in Thorsmork Valley
Description
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Description
Hike through the incomparable beauty of Thorsmork Valley in South Iceland on this incredible two-day self-guided tour. Adventurous travelers who want to explore the great outdoors and discover part of the Laugavegur hiking trail at their own pace should book this tour today.
The tour begins at the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik. You’ll board the Highland Bus and travel past picturesque scenery, including the villages of Selfoss, Hella, and Hvolsvollur. Get off the bus at the Langidalur mountain hut, where you’ll be sleeping during the tour.
The cabin is a popular choice of accommodation for hikers in this area. It has a cozy atmosphere, dormitory-style rooms, and a kitchen area where you can cook. You can hire a sleeping bag here if you don’t have one with you.
Once you’ve dropped any heavy belongings at the hut, you can start the first day’s hike.
Thorsmork Valley, named after the Norse god of thunder, Thor, is one of Iceland’s most popular hiking destinations. The area is the final section of the Laugavegur trail. It sits between three massive glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull, and Tindfjallajokull.
You’ll hike through the valley and enjoy magnificent views of the glaciers and mountains surrounding you. Since this is a self-guided tour, you can walk at your own pace. On the first day, you’ll pass a river, a cave, unusual rock formations, and stunning canyons.
After an enjoyable afternoon of hiking, you’ll return to the mountain lodge to cook dinner and get a good night’s rest. It’s also a great place to meet fellow hikers and other travelers.
The following day, you’ll have a choice of hiking routes. The first takes you through the Slyppugil valley to the imposing Rjupnafell mountain and into the Tindfjallagil area. It’s a stunning place to hike, right in the heart of Thorsmork Valley.
Alternatively, you can hike a section of the Fimmvorduhals pass. The trail passes through spectacular lava fields and boasts views of the Magni and Modi volcanic craters, created in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll enjoy unforgettable vistas and a fantastic hike on one of Iceland’s most beautiful trails. Remember to bring your camera and a spare battery to capture the stunning scenery.
After two thrilling days of self-guided hiking, you’ll return to the mountain hut to board the last bus back to Reykjavik.
Don’t miss your chance to take a self-guided hike in Thorsmork Valley in South Iceland’s Highlands. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Reykjavik to Thorsmork Valley
The first day of your self-guided hiking tour takes you into the heart of Thorsmork Valley at the end of the Laugavegur trail. The adventure begins at the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik.
You’ll board the Highland Bus and drive a couple of hours out of the city, passing farmland, mountain ranges, and rivers. The journey will take you past the villages of Selfoss, Hella, and Hvolsvollur.
You’ll get off the bus at the Langidalur mountain hut, your accommodation for the evening. The cabin is deep in the Thorsmork Valley, making it a fantastic place for travelers hiking the Laugavegur trail. It offers shared accommodation space, a kitchen, and shower facilities.
You can start hiking when you’ve dropped some of your belongings at the hut.
The first day’s route takes you over the Krossa river on a footbridge. You’ll also pass the Trollakirkja rock formation, a rocky cliff whose name translates to “troll church” because of its unusual appearance. It looks a bit like a church carved into the mountaintop.
You can then decide whether to follow the trail to the Hvannagil canyon or the Rettarfell mountain. Take the canyon route to see glacial rivers and lush vegetation, or climb the mountain path to enjoy a stunning view of the valley below.
Since this is a self-guided tour, you can stop for a rest or snack anytime. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch with you so that you have plenty of energy for the walk.
Depending on which route you choose, you’ll walk around three miles (five kilometers) or about five miles (eight kilometers) and ascend between about 220 yards (200 meters) and 440 yards (400 meters).
After a rewarding hike, you can return to the mountain cabin to chat with other hikers, prepare a meal, and get a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 - Fimmvorduhals Pass or Slyppugil Valley
The tour’s second day lets you explore Thorsmork Valley in South Iceland. You have a choice of routes to take before you return to Reykjavik.
You’ll start the day with breakfast at the mountain lodge. Ensure you eat well, as you’ll need plenty of energy for your hike.
Depending on your chosen route, you’ll walk between 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) and 11 miles (18 kilometers).
The first option takes you onto the famous Fimmvorduhals pass. This trail leads you up a total ascent of over 1,000 yards (1,000 meters), so it can be challenging. However, it’s worth the effort.
You’ll walk along the Kattarhryggir ridge, which offers spectacular views of the Utigonguhofdi mountain, often referred to as “the queen of Thorsmork.”
You’ll also pass two of the youngest volcanic craters in Iceland, Magni and Modi. They were created in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted. Visitors can sometimes see steam rising from these craters, so it’s an incredible place to visit.
The alternative route for your second day of hiking follows a gentler path. You’ll ascend a total distance of around 440 yards (400 meters), taking a scenic trail with fantastic views over the Godaland area.
You’ll also walk into the Slyppugil valley and can climb the Rjupnafell mountain if you have the energy. Whichever hiking path you follow, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent scenery.
The Thormsork Valley section of the Laugavegur trail provides unforgettable views over glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, and caves.
At the end of your hike, you’ll return to the mountain cabin to collect your belongings. The last bus to Reykjavik leaves at 20:00. The drive takes two to three hours, so you should arrive at the bus terminal by around 23:00. From here, you can return to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.
What to bring
Good to know
This is a self-guided tour, so you'll be hiking on your own or with other hikers you meet on your journey.
Food and drinks are not included on this tour, so you must bring a supply that will last for two days. There are cooking facilities at the mountain hut.
