Þórsmörk, the “Valley of Thor,” is a green valley between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. It suits hikers: the Laugavegur trail ends here, and walks from 2.5 miles (4 km) to 9 miles (15 km) start from the valley.
Camping in Langidalur isn’t permitted until May 20, and campers are expected to book ahead.
At a glance
- Name: Þórsmörk means “Valley of Thor”
- Setting: between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull
- Trails: south end of the Laugavegur trail; Fimmvörðuháls also starts here
- Day hikes: 2.5 miles (4 km) to 9 miles (15 km), 1 to 7 hours
- Where to sleep: huts in Langidalur and Húsadalur, plus campgrounds
- In July, the high at Hvolsvöllur is 56°F (13°C).
Where is Þórsmörk and what is it like?
Þórsmörk sits between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The name means “Valley of Thor.”
It’s a lush, green valley surrounded by towering mountains. It’s known for a varied landscape, good hiking trails and a sheltered setting between glaciers and mountains.
Marked trails run widely around the area. Þórsmörk is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, and it has also become popular with cyclists, since it suits mountain biking.
What is there to do in Þórsmörk?
The Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails
The Laugavegur trail connects Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, and its southern end is here. The hut in Langidalur marks that end of the trail.
Fimmvörðuháls is the other big route out of the valley, and it runs between two glaciers. Both are described as popular and busy, so plan beds and campsites early.
Day hikes from the valley
Four walks have published lengths. Valahnúkur is about 2.5 miles (4 km) and takes 1 to 2 hours. Réttarfell is about 5 miles (8 km) and takes 3 to 4 hours.
The Tindafjöll Circle is about 5.6 miles (9 km) and takes 3 to 4 hours. Rjúpnafell is about 9 miles (15 km) and takes 6 to 7 hours.
Valahnúkur fits a short arrival or departure day. Rjúpnafell needs a full day, so start early.
Stops on the way in
Four sites are named as stops on the way into Þórsmörk: Nauthúsagil, Merkurker, Gígjökull and Stakkholtsgjá. Stakkholtsgjá is a canyon, and visiting it is one of the things Þórsmörk offers.
Flora and fauna are part of the visit too.
Anyone who wants the canyon without a long walk has an easy pick here.
Volcano Huts: pool, sauna and LavaGrill
Volcano Huts stand in the Húsadalur valley, inside the Þórsmörk nature reserve. A natural shallow pool and a sauna are included in the accommodation.
The LavaGrill restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, cakes and coffee, and packed lunches. A packed lunch is handy before a long hike like Rjúpnafell.
If you want long trails, the valley is the place. For a short outing, Valahnúkur and the stops on the way in are enough. Cyclists will find it suits mountain biking.
Where to stay in Þórsmörk
Two bases are named. It’s the natural stop for those finishing the trail.
In Húsadalur, Volcano Huts offers mountain huts, four-person cottages, two-person rooms, glamping tents and a large campsite. It suits those who want a private room, a pool and a sauna after a hike.
Camping in Langidalur isn’t permitted until May 20. Campers are expected to book in advance.
When should you go to Þórsmörk?
The mildest weather at Hvolsvöllur comes in July and August, with highs of 56°F (13°C) and 55°F (13°C) and lows near 49°F (9°C). June is close behind, at 52°F (11°C) in the afternoon, with 3 inches of rain.
Camping in Langidalur opens May 20, so late May is the earliest for tents there. May itself reaches 48°F (9°C).
September brings 6 inches of rain, and the winter months run from 40°F (4°C) to 42°F (6°C) in the afternoon, with lows around freezing. December brings 6 inches of rain. Hikers who dislike cold and wet should aim for summer.
What to know before visiting Þórsmörk
According to the U.S. State Department, no visa is needed for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
- Your passport must have 3 months’ validity beyond your date of departure from the Iceland/Schengen Area. Six months is recommended.
- Iceland does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for visa free entry unless it has 3 months beyond your planned date of departure.
- No vaccinations are required.
- Marked hiking trails are found widely around the area.
Booking Þórsmörk for November: what to know
November at Hvolsvöllur brings highs of 42°F (6°C), lows of 35°F (2°C) and 6 inches of rain, so pack for wet cold.
Book a bed in the Langidalur hut through the blue button on the FÍ page. Accommodation and other services at Volcano Huts can be booked through its website. Confirm the dates you want when you book.
Sources
- fi.is (https://www.fi.is/en/hiking-trails/thorsmork-and-fimmvorduhals), checked 2026-10-30
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/volcano-huts-thorsmork/), checked 2026-10-30
- fi.is (https://www.fi.is/is/gonguleidir/thorsmork), checked 2026-10-30
- fjardabyggd.is (https://www.fjardabyggd.is/vidburdir/), checked 2026-10-30
- travel.state.gov (https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/iceland.html), checked 2026-10-31
- ambwashingtondc.esteri.it (https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/en/chi-siamo/gli-uffici/), checked 2026-10-25
- meteostat.net (https://meteostat.net/en/station/04048), checked 2026-10-30
- fi.is (https://www.fi.is/en/mountain-huts/all-mountain-huts/view/thorsmork-langidalur), checked 2026-10-30