A stroll in the wood of the God Thor - Iceland

Tucked away at the foot of the small hill Valahnükur, from whose summit the view is breathtaking, this Icelandic refuge is open solely during the summer months. It allows the visitor to spend time in the heart of the Thorsmörk national park, situated around 100 miles from Reykjavik. Thorsmörk, or 'the wood of the God Thor', is one of the Icelanders' favourite valleys given the beauty of its landscapes. It has been classed as a natural reserve since the 1920s and is one of Iceland's most stunning sites. It forms the 'cul de sac' of a glacial valley, wedged between two glaciers: Myrdalsjökull and Eyjafallajökull.

A valley cut off from the rest of the world by the River Markarfljot, whose river bed is constantly changing along with the water levels, Thorsmörk is only accessible by 4x4. The glacial rivers are unpredictable and the fords are deep and changeable. Once the river has been passed, it is then possible to penetrate the Stakkholtsgja gorge whose geography resembles that of a canyon. An easy hike with a guaranteed change of scenery!

Texte et photos : Julien Nessi.

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