Guided Thorsmork Glacier Valley Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive and Bus from Reykjavik to Þórsmörk

Your journey begins this morning as you board the highland bus from the BSI bus terminal and travel towards the beautiful glacier valley of Þórsmörk. Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque villages of Selfoss, Hella, and Hvolsvöllur.

Arrive at Básar Hut, your base for the next three nights, and enjoy lunch before setting out on your first hike. Visit Álfakirkja (Church of Elves), a unique rock formation with a small cave beneath it, before continuing either into the beautiful Hvannárgil Valley or up Mt. Réttarfell. Return to the hut in time to prepare dinner.
Overnight Location: Básar Hut
Distance: 3-4 hours, 5-8 km, 400 m of ascent, 400 m of descent
Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 Climb to the Fimmvörðuháls Pass

After breakfast, set out to climb the hills leading towards the Fimmvörðuháls Pass. Follow the Kattarhryggir ridges, enjoying views of the impressive Útigönguhöfði mountain as you make your way towards Morinsheiði heath.

At the end of the Morinsheiði plateau, take in views of the lava stream created during the 2010 Fimmvörðuháls eruption. Continue higher to reach the lava field and the two craters, Magni and Móði, surrounded by impressive views of the glaciers and Þórsmörk Valley. Afterwards, return to Básar Hut for dinner and another night in the valley.
Overnight Location: Básar Hut
Distance: 7 hours, 18 km, 1000m of ascent, 1000m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Hike the Þórsmörk Tindfjöll Circle

Today you’ll follow a scenic trail with impressive views over Goðaland, the surrounding glaciers, and the inner reaches of Þórsmörk. Begin by crossing the Krossá River on footbridges before hiking into the Slyppugil Valley and towards Tindfjallagil.

Here, you’ll discover Tröllakirkja (Church of Trolls), a distinctive rock formation with a small cave beneath it. On the way back, follow the banks of the Krossá River until you reach the bridge and return to the hut. Celebrate your final evening with a barbeque feast.
Overnight Location: Básar Hut
Distance: 4-7 hours, 16-18 km, 450 m of ascent, 450 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Final Hike and Return Bus to Reykjavik

Spend your final morning in the beautiful Þórsmörk valley, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings or head out on one of the scenic trails in the area. One popular option is to hike up Valahnúkur for sweeping views across the surrounding landscape.

At 15:00, board the bus back to Reykjavík and enjoy one final look at Iceland’s dramatic scenery along the way. Your journey ends at the BSI Bus Terminal, with arrival expected at approximately 19:30.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 3 hours, 5-10 km, 200 m of ascent, 200 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch