Named after the Norse god Thor, the mountain-ridge Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) is a beautiful Nature Reserve and a “must see” during your stay in Iceland. Situated in the south of Iceland, it is a favorite among hikers as it offers good access to endless hiking trails in beautiful volcanic landscapes, for example the famous 53-km long Laugavegur up to Landmannalaugar (600 m above sea level), with views over the three glaciers Eyjafjallajökull (famous for the eruption in 2010), Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. Fun fact: Landmannalaugar means “the People’s Pools”, and is so called because of the many geothermal hotsprings that can be found in the area. The soil in this region is especially rich in sulfur and other minerals, causing a plethora of beautiful colors in the the mountains.
The name “Thórsmörk” properly refers only to the mountain ridge between the rivers Krossá, Þröngá and Markarfljót, but sometimes also describes the wider region between Thórsmörk and Eyjafjallajökull. The valley is closed in between glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull being at the rear end of the valley, and therefore has a warmer climate than the rest of south Iceland. In the summer, you will see plenty of green vegetation consisting of moss, fern, birchwood and other small shrubs.
Some of beautiful stops along Laugavegur are Hrafntinnusker (Obsidian Reef), where the elevation increases to 470m, and Álftavatn (Swan Lake).
Þórsmörk truly is an experience of a lifetime. You will see the true Iceland during a day among glaciers, glacial rivers and volcanoes.
Duration: 8-10 hours.
Remember to bring your camera, warm clothes, rain gear and sturdy shoes. Meals not included, lunch stops and shorter breaks will take place.
Tour highlights:
Seljalandsfoss
Skógafoss
Vík in Mýrdal
Black Sandbeach
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Cape of Dyrhólaey
The South Coast day tour is very popular with our guests, and offers a magnificent and diverse experience of Icelandic nature. It gives you a vivid picture of Iceland, its geology, its culture and landscapes.
Driving through farmlands, you have a view of some of Iceland’s volcanoes, numerous ice caps, Glacier outlets and Glacier Rivers. Majestic waterfalls, wide black sandy plains and beaches of black and fascinating basalt rock formations.
On clear days Hekla volcano can be seen in the distance, a 1490m high snow topped mountain where devastating eruptions throughout Iceland´s history has taken place.
We also pass the infamous Eyjafjallajökull which suddenly put the world to a hold in the spring months of 2010, erupting and grounding around 20 million airplanes worldwide, as very fine ashes from its crater spewed ash high up into the atmosphere.
Whilst the world was coping with the paralyzed modern aviation system grounded, the locals where fighting for theirs and their animals sheer existence.
Iceland has abundance of waterfalls and on this tour we visit two powerful and majestic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss.
The tour takes us to the most southern part of Iceland around the small coastal town Vik in Mýrdal. The black sand beaches of the south coast with its incredible black basalt column formations and its fierce sea of the South Coast is a place of interest. A beautiful and wild destination, some even say one of the 10 most beautiful beaches on Earth. However, also a spot to be extremely
cautious. Here, Atlantic rollers (waves) can attack with full force, as there is no landmass between there and Antarctica.
In the same area Dyrhólaey rises 120 meters high and is 12 kilometers long. It offers a breathtaking view in all directions, across the distinctive black sands stretching east and west.
Dyrhólaey is a haven for birdwatchers. However, one has to be causious when walking around in this area. Many birds nest on the grounds.
Sólheimarjökull Glacier is worth a visit. A light walk and visit to the tongue of Sólheimarjökull Glacier is considered a general introduction to the many Icelandic glaciers of Iceland.
The summer-scenery gives way to dramatic icy cliffs and glaciers in the winter, which gives you the impression of stepping into a black and white dreamscape. Every season has its charm and power.
Duration: 8-10 hours.
Please note: Subject to seasonal availability.
Remember to bring your camera, warm clothes, rain gear and sturdy shoes. Meals not included, lunch stops and shorter breaks will take place.
Tour highlights:
Seljalandsfoss
Skógafoss
Vík in Mýrdal
Black Sandbeach
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Cape of Dyrhólaey
The Golden Circle Tour will give you a first-hand introduction to the country. Driving through Iceland’s rough and fertile agricultural landscape, you will see the mountains and glaciers of the south interior of Iceland in the distance, while our knowledgeable guides tell you stories, facts and figures of Icelandic geology, history and culture, all from within the comfort of our converted Land-cruiser.
We will be making stops along the way, i.e. photo stops, viewpoints, viewing Iceland’s beautiful horses, the herds of sheep, or other natural sights along our route. Several nice lunch-spots are available along the way (lunch not included), depending on time and place.
Highlights of the tour are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (The Golden Waterfalls) and the tour includes the Þingvellir National Park, the historical and geological wonder, literally “Parliament Plains” – considered in many ways the heart of Iceland, the essence of both its history and geology. Here one can view a fissure zone situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the American and Eurasian
tectonic plates are constantly pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year, making evident the rifts of the earth´s crust.
At the Geysir geothermal area you will witness the Strokkur geysir shooting boiling hot geothermal water about 30 meters (98 ft) up into the air every 3-10 minutes. Other geothermal steam vents in the area are equally interesting, making the whole area quite magical.
Not far from the Geysir geothermal area, almost at the very beginning of the interior Highlands of Iceland lies the Gullfoss (Golden Waterfalls), created with Glacier waters tumbling down from the Glacier Langjökull that lies in the Highlands above. The majestic Gullfoss itself is a crevice that goes about 32 m (105 ft) into the earth.
Good to know:
Remember to bring:
Good walking shoes, preferable water-resistant.
Sensible clothes, including wind-breaker
Highlights:
Þingvellir National Park
Gullfoss – The Golden Waterfall
Geysir – Geothermal area