Highlands · Iceland
Þórsmörk
Þórsmörk is a sheltered, lush valley cradled between three glaciers in the Highlands — the end point of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail and the start of the Fimmvörðuháls glacier pass route.
About Þórsmörk
Þórsmörk is a sheltered, lush valley cradled between three glaciers in the Highlands — the end point of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail and the start of the Fimmvörðuháls glacier pass route.
History & Background
The valley is named after the Norse god Thor — 'Thor's Forest'. Despite the surrounding glaciers, Þórsmörk has a mild microclimate that allows birch woodland and wildflowers to thrive. The valley sits directly below Eyjafjallajökull — the volcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks. Reaching Þórsmörk requires crossing several glacial rivers that can only be forded by modified 4x4 vehicles or on foot.
Key Facts
- ✔Name means 'Thor's Forest'
- ✔Surrounded by three glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, Tindfjallajökull
- ✔End point of the 55 km Laugavegur hiking trail
- ✔Accessible only by 4x4 river crossings
- ✔Eyjafjallajökull — responsible for the 2010 eruption — looms above the valley
