When you ask an Icelander about the most beautiful spot in their country, many will inevitably mention "Þórsmörk." This enchanting area stands out as a favorite destination for camping and exploration during the summer months, often topping the list of beloved locales in Icelandic nature. Its romantic allure rivals that of the esteemed National Park Þingvellir, even though it's nestled in the Highland.
Þórsmörk is an oasis, beautifully sheltered by impressive rivers, mountains, ridges, cliffs, and glaciers. While classified as part of the Highland, its altitude isn't particularly high, allowing for a richer tapestry of vegetation than most Highland areas. Here, you'll find a stunning landscape filled with intriguing rivers, meandering creeks, towering peaks, gorgeous canyons, and exceptional hiking trails, as well as inviting camping sites. This picturesque region offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
An added thrill is its proximity to active volcanoes, which have recently let loose streams of glowing lava into some nearby canyons, enhancing its breathtaking beauty.
Þórsmörk is hiker's paradise:
Þórsmörk boasts a variety of exceptional hiking trails that cater to all levels, from moderate to quite challenging. Among the most popular routes in Iceland are the Laugavegur hiking trail, which stretches from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, and the Fimmvörðuháls trail, starting at Skógar and the stunning Skógafoss waterfall, also leading you to Þórsmörk. Both trails are renowned for their breathtaking views, as do many of the landscapes found within Þórsmörk itself. If you find yourself in this remarkable area, we highly recommend spending at least two to three days exploring the trails and soaking in the natural beauty that Þórsmörk has to offer.
Accommodation and camping:
Two Icelandic travel clubs carry out substantial operations during summer in Þórsmörk. In Básar, the travel association Útivist has a hut and a rather large camping area. All the facilities here are excellent, and wardens offer great service. Here, you can find exciting hiking trails and places to visit. Básar is a small valley on the east side of the river Krossá, which is very difficult to cross in any kind of vehicle. So Básar is a good choice for those who rent their large jeep to drive to Þórsmörk.
During summer, there are walking bridges to cross the river, so you always have the option of hiking over to the other side of the river. Langidalur valley is on the west side of the river and operated by Ferðafélag Íslands, the Iceland Touring Association. It is also a great place to stay, and the service, both in the hut and at the camping site, is as good as it gets in the Highland. Here, you can also get all the information you need about hiking trails and places to visit. If you choose to stay in Langidalur, you should NOT and NEVER cross the river Krossá. It is a hazardous river, and if you have a vehicle that you think can cross the river, contact the hut in Langidalur before going ahead with the idea. Both Básar and Langidalur are excellent places to visit with a local guide as well as to take a bus and stay there for a few days. Like all the places in the Highland, Þórsmörk could be visited only in summer.
Access is not easy and requires a good 4X4 vehicle:
Although it is pretty easy to find the way to Þórsmörk by taking a turn on Road Nr. 1 to Road Nr. 249, which also leads to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the road to Þórsmörk is a rough and challenging one. As Road Nr. 249 continues from Seljalandsfoss, it turns into Mountain Road Nr. 249 within eight kilometers. From there, by the old bridge over the river Markarfljót, it is a rugged road that can be traversed only with a large 4X4 vehicle. There are some streams, creeks, and rivers you need to cross, and most of them can change from "small" to "big" in a heartbeat due to rain, temperature changes, and all kinds of climate-related matters. Driving to Þórsmörk in a small car is irresponsible and can be very dangerous. One of the best options is to take a bus if you don't want to go through the expense of hiring an excellent 4X4 vehicle or take a tour with an experienced tour company.
If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.
Comentários