Iceland Thórsmörk

Nestled between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull is Þórsmörk, the Valley of Thor.

The walk to Valahnúkur offers one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Þórsmörk, with panoramic views across lush green valleys, rugged mountain ridges, glacial rivers, and the nearby hut. The relatively short but sometimes steep trail leads to a rocky summit where the surrounding highlands reveal their full scale and beauty. On a clear day, you can even spot distant glaciers stretching across the Icelandic landscape.

No matter what time of day you go, this spot is just breathtaking.I would recommend that you take all your equipment with you.

For more depth, use an interesting foreground element with a wide aperture to create a soft, out-of-focus effect.

No wide-angle lens? Create a manual panorama by taking several overlapping images from left to right, keeping your camera level, then stitch them together in post-processing.

Include a person in the frame to show the true scale of the landscape.

For northern lights: Use a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/1.4–f/2.8) and start with an exposure of 3-8 seconds. If it's too bright, go lower with your shutter speed, as I did. Adjusting your ISO according to the brightness of the aurora. A tripod is essential, and a short exposure helps preserve the movement and details of the lights. Include the jetty in your composition to add depth and scale.

You can reach the hut by hiking the Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar or by taking a highland bus from Reykjavík. If you plan to drive yourself, a suitable 4x4 vehicle is essential, as the route involves challenging F-road conditions and potentially dangerous river crossings. So please take extra care here! I would recommend booking a bus. This is also possible from the ring road. There are bus stops.

The hike to Valahnúkur starts near the hut in Þórsmörk and takes around 30–60 minutes to reach the summit, depending on your pace. The trail is relatively short but steep in places, with a few rocky sections that require sure footing, making it a moderate walk rather than an entirely easy stroll. Follow the marked path uphill, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Þórsmörk’s green valleys, glacial rivers, and surrounding mountains

For the Laugavegur hike, taking a Highland bus to Landmannalaugar is usually the most practical option. The trail is a one-way route of around 55 km, starting in Landmannalaugar and ending in Þórsmörk, so you don't have to worry about getting your car back to the starting point. Several seasonal bus services connect Reykjavík with Landmannalaugar, and buses can also take you back from Þórsmörk after finishing the hike.

For Laugavegur specifically, I’d recommend the bus because the trail is not a loop; driving there means you would need to arrange transport back to your car in Landmannalaugar. The bus makes the logistics much easier. Get dropped off at the trailhead, hike all the way to Þórsmörk, and take a bus back from the other end.

Please check the booking page https://www.fi.is/en/mountain-huts/camping and reserve your hut or camp spot with your own tent in advance.

Conditions can be very challenging and different each day. Please be well prepared and check your equipment before.