Þórsmörk: Valahnúkur Loop

Of all the Thorsmork hiking trails, the Valahnúkur loop is the classic short hike. Þórsmörk, Thor's Wood, is a green valley in south Iceland sheltered by three glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull, with braided rivers, birch woods and dramatic ridges. Valahnúkur, a 458 m viewpoint above the Langidalur and Húsadalur valleys, offers a 360-degree panorama over all of it in a short, easy hike.

The loop is about 4.5 km with around 260 m of ascent and takes one and a half to two hours. It starts at the Langidalur hut, climbs to the summit of Valahnúkur, then descends to Húsadalur before returning past Snorraríki. Paths are well marked, with some steep steps and loose gravel. It is a good introduction to Þórsmörk and a perfect evening walk after arriving by bus.

Þórsmörk is also the end of the Laugavegur trail, the start or end of Fimmvörðuháls, and a base for many other day hikes. If you plan to stay overnight, book early: Volcano Huts in Húsadalur, the FÍ hut at Langidalur (being rebuilt; due to reopen on 17 June 2027) and the Útivist huts at Básar fill up fast in summer, especially on weekends. Volcano Huts booking is done directly with the operator, and FÍ and Útivist take hut bookings through their own websites.

Highlights

• 360-degree views over Þórsmörk from Valahnúkur
• Three glaciers on the skyline: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, Tindfjallajökull
• Braided glacial rivers and birch woods below
• Easy access from the Langidalur and Húsadalur huts

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Þórsmörk is reached only by F-road (F249) with several unbridged glacial river crossings, including the Krossá, which regularly traps vehicles. Do not drive a rental car into Þórsmörk; rental insurance typically excludes river damage. In summer, highland buses from Reykjavík Excursions, Trex and others run to Þórsmörk, stopping at Básar, Langidalur and/or Húsadalur. Super jeep tours are another option.

Where to stay

Volcano Huts in Húsadalur offers dorms, private huts, a campsite and a restaurant; book via their website, well in advance for July and August. FÍ runs the Skagfjörðsskáli hut at Langidalur (being rebuilt: the old hut is due to be demolished in autumn 2026 and the new one to open on 17 June 2027), and Útivist runs huts at Básar. All have campsites. Camping outside designated sites is not allowed.

Best time to hike

The buses and huts typically operate from June to September. July and August are busiest, especially on weekends. The weather in Þórsmörk is often milder than the surrounding area thanks to its sheltered position. Evenings in midsummer are long and light, perfect for this short hike.

Safety

The loop is easy, but some sections are steep and loose. The main danger in Þórsmörk is the glacial rivers: never attempt to wade the Krossá or drive across it in an unsuitable vehicle. Check vedur.is and safetravel.is before setting out. Call 112 in an emergency.