Thorsmork Glacier Valley Trek

Meet your guide and group at Reykjavík’s bus terminal bright and early, then jump on the highland bus towards the south coast. After passing small towns and waterfalls, the road turns rough and the vehicle starts wading the famous Krossá and neighbouring rivers – the only way into Thorsmork. You hop off at the Básar hut, your base for the next three nights. After lunch you head out on a first warm‑up walk to Álfakirkja (“the elves’ church”) and either into the Hvannárgil valley or up Réttarfell for a first taste of the views, before returning to the hut for dinner. Hike 5–8 km (3–5 mi), 3–4 hrs, Ascent/descent ~400 m.

Today is your biggest day on the hill. Leaving the hut, you climb steadily towards the famous Fimmvörðuháls pass, following narrow ridges like Kattarhryggir with huge views back over Thorsmork and across to the surrounding glaciers. Higher up you reach the fresh lava field and the twin craters Magni and Móði, created in the 2010 eruption that preceded Eyjafjallajökull’s main show. After time to explore and take it in, you descend the same way, legs feeling the distance but with the hut, hot food and a warm stove to aim for. Hike ~18 km (11 mi), ~7 hrs, Ascent/descent ~1000 m.

With big legs from yesterday, today’s loop feels varied rather than harder. You cross the Krossá safely via footbridges, then head into Slyppugil and towards Tindfjallagil, where strange rock towers and a small cave known as Tröllakirkja (“the trolls’ church”) break up the walking. The route links viewpoints over Goðaland, hanging glaciers and the inner part of Thorsmork before dropping back towards the river. You follow the banks back to the hut, usually with enough daylight left for a relaxed BBQ and a last night gathered around the table. Hike 16–18 km (10–11 mi), 4–7 hrs, Ascent/descent ~450 m.

Your final morning in Thorsmork is more relaxed. You can sit with a coffee and just watch the light move across the valley, or join a last walk up Valahnúkur – a small peak with one of the best “bang for buck” views in Iceland. After lunch you shoulder bags for the last time and catch the afternoon bus back out across the rivers and plains. The trip finishes back at Reykjavík’s bus terminal in the early evening. Hike 5–10 km (3–6 mi), ~3 hrs, Ascent/descent ~200 m.