HIKING IN THE VOLCANIC ‘LAND OF THOR’

• Unique guided day hikes in the Thorsmork Valley
• Climb to the scenic Fimmvorduhals Pass
• Explore Iceland’s  hidden hikers’ paradise
• Daily travel from our base camp hut

Iceland is a European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of about 320,000 and a total area of 39,769 square miles. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík, with the surrounding areas in the southwestern region of the country being home to some two-thirds of the national population. Iceland is volcanically and geologically active. The interior mainly consists of a plateau characterized by sand fields, mountains and glaciers, while many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate despite its high latitude just outside the Arctic Circle.

The settlement of Iceland began in AD 874 when the Norwegian chieftain Ingolfur Arnarson became the first permanent Norwegian settler on the island. Over the following centuries, people of Norse and Gaelic origin settled in Iceland. From 1262 to 1918 it was part of the Norwegian and later the Danish monarchies. Until the 20th century, the Icelandic population relied largely on fisheries and agriculture. In 1994, the nation became party to an agreement that established the European Economic Area, thus allowing it to diversify from fishing to economic and financial services. According to the Freedom of the Press (report), Iceland has the most open press in the world.

This is our new Icelandic hiking journey of a lifetime into the amazing glacial valley of Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) and up to the Fimmvörðuháls Pass. Þórsmörk is the last part of the famous Laugavegur Trail and considered by many to be the most beautiful part. It is named after the Norse god Thor, situated between three glaciers, the Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. To get there we need to cross several unbridged rivers, only reachable by large 4×4 vehicles.

Þórsmörk is regarded as “the hikers paradise” among Icelanders: breath-taking scenery, vast landscapes, and numerous trails to follow, you will immerse yourself into the purest natural settings Iceland has on offer. In this relatively small area, you will be able to cross rivers, hike mountains, walk by lava fields, contemplate the uniqueness of a glacier, and be treated to spectacular views. All of this while having fun in a safe way with our top-of-notch guides, who will show you the amazing hidden gems these valleys have to offer. We top off this amazing adventure with a celebratory BBQ on the last night in our Hut! All three nights are spent in the same hut.

The Iceland – Thorsmork Valley Explorer (Lodge Trip) is part of our Worldwide Adventure Tours Series. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.

TRIP OUTLINE:

DAY 1: Our adventure begins! Reykjavík to the Thorsmork Valley
Distance: 5 to 8km (3 to 5 miles)
Walking time: 3 to 4 hours
Ascent/Descent: 400m (1310 feet)

DAY 2: Þórsmörk to Fimmvörðuháls
Distance: 18km (11 miles)
Walking time: 7 hours
Ascent: 1000m (3280 feet)
Descent: 1000m (3280 feet)

DAY 3: The Tindfojull Circle
Distance: 14 to 16km (8 to 10 miles)
Walking time: 4 to 7 hours
Ascent/Descent: 450m (1480 feet)

DAY 4: Thorsmork to Reykjavík
Distance: 5 to 6km (3 to 4 miles)
Walking time: 3 to 4 hours
Ascent/Descent: 200m (660 feet)