Þórsmörk

Valley · Southern Region, 🇮🇸 Iceland

Time zone Atlantic/Reykjavik

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Featured Lists

Ævar Guðmundsson / CC BY 2.0

Þórsmörk Essentials

Þórsmörk is a glacial valley in the southern Icelandic highlands, enclosed by the Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers. This region features the Krossá river, native birch forests, and the dramatic Stakkholtsgjá canyon. It serves as the terminus for the 55-kilometer Laugavegur trail and the Fimmvörðuháls pass. The landscape contains a diverse mix of black volcanic sands, green moss-covered ridges, and active volcanic systems including the subglacial Katla and the infamous Eyjafjallajökull.

9 places

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

Hidden Gems of Iceland

This collection features unique sites across Southern Iceland, from the 1973 U.S. Navy DC-3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur’s black sands to the isolated Þrídrangaviti Lighthouse perched on a basalt pillar. The list includes the reconstructed Viking-era farmstead at Stöng and the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall tucked inside a canyon. Explore the volcanic landscapes of the Gjáin valley, the Þjófafoss waterfall on the Þjórsá river, and Seljavallalaug, one of Iceland’s oldest outdoor swimming pools built into a mountainside.

7 places

Jerzystrzelecki / CC BY 3.0

Iconic Waterfalls of Iceland

This collection features a diverse range of South Iceland's waterfalls, from the 60-meter vertical drops of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss to the bright blue glacial waters of Brúarfoss. The list includes the 122-meter Háifoss, Iceland's third-tallest cascade, and unique geological sites like Gljúfrabúi, tucked inside a hidden canyon, and Nauthúsafoss, accessible through a narrow ravine. These landmarks showcase specific features including basalt columns, volcanic chasms, and pathways that allow access behind the falling water.

16 places

Julien Weber / CC-BY-SA

Alpine Huts & Campsites

This collection features essential stopovers along Iceland's premier hiking routes, including the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails. These locations provide basic shelter and camping facilities in remote terrains like the rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar and the volcanic valleys of Þórsmörk. Several sites offer geothermal pools and cooking facilities, serving as vital logistics hubs for navigating the Highlands' volatile weather and rugged landscapes.

15 places

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Historic Churches

South Iceland's historic churches reflect the region's cultural heritage and architectural evolution. From the iconic red-roofed Víkurkirkja, which serves as a refuge during volcanic activity, to the medieval learning center at Oddi, these sites offer insight into Icelandic Lutheran traditions. Many structures, such as Hrunakirkja and Bræðratungukirkja, are built in the traditional timber style and are situated against dramatic landscapes including the Eyjafjöll mountains and the black sand coast.

10 places

Chmee2 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Glaciers and Volcanoes

Explore the raw geological power of South Iceland, where massive ice caps meet active volcanic systems. This collection features the historic Geysir geothermal area, the namesake of all erupting hot springs, alongside the second and fourth largest glaciers in the country, Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Witness the stratovolcano Hekla and the infamous Eyjafjallajökull, while visiting the Eldfell volcanic cone on Heimaey. These sites illustrate the dynamic forces of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, showcasing subglacial eruptions and vast geothermal fields.

7 places

pjt56 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Scenic Viewpoints

This collection features iconic geological formations across South Iceland and the Highlands. It includes Skógafoss, a 60-meter waterfall known for its frequent rainbows, and the black basalt columns of Reynisfjara Beach. The list also highlights Brúarfoss's distinct turquoise glacial waters and the 122-meter drop of Háifoss. Completing the set is the emerald-green volcanic cone of Mælifell, which rises 200 meters above the black sands of the Mælifellssandur desert near the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

5 places