Þórsmörk

Þórsmörk or the Valley of Thor is hidden among three glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull on the South Coast of Iceland. Being one of the country’s most popular hiking destinations it draws thousands of adventurous visitors every year. Furthermore, it is a beloved location for both photographers and nature lovers as well.

One of the main characteristics of Þórsmörk is the sharp contrast between the ice-capped peaks surrounding the valley and the lush emerald hue of local flora. The area is often covered in a veil of gentle mist, which is a result of the warm valley air meeting the cold breath of the glaciers above. Þórsmörk is almost always warmer than the rest of the country, however, due to the above-mentioned humidity, it also tends to be wetter, which is the main reason behind the colorful vegetation. Being a popular area for hiking enthusiasts it consists of many different hiking routes, all with varying distances and difficulties. If you are trying to find the most magnificent views, you might have to prepare for a little physical challenge.

There are two extremely popular hiking routes, the shorter Fimmvörðuháls and the longer Laugavegur path to the Landmannalaugar geothermal area. Regardless of your choice, you have to be well-prepared and read all the necessary information before deciding to take any of the paths. As Þórsmörk is part of the Icelandic highlands, hiking is only possible during the summer months (May 1^st to October 15^th), since the road is impassable during the winter months. As both paths can take up to several days, it is important to have proper clothing, enough food and a communication device with you. The area only has a handful number of place where you could rest, however the service is still rather minimal compared to the coastal settlements of Iceland. Nevertheless, if you manage to reach the end of the trail, the exceptional beauty will reward you and the memories will last a lifetime.