An exciting day tour following the Southlands, and going inland along a rugged jeep trail, skirting glaciers and fording streams to the Thórsmörk Preserve.
Thórsmörk has always been a special part of Iceland. Nestled at the head of a long glacial valley and bordered by glaciers, it is a rare area of hidden, primal wilderness. Though Man has exerted little influence here, Nature's dynamic powers continue to shape the region, and the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 caused dramatic changes to the landscape.
The Markarfljót River flooded when melt water from the Gígjökull glacier caused the glacial lagoon to burst through the terminal morraine, and for weeks in 2010 the approach to Thórsmörk was completely closed. However, now, a dry approach is possible along the bottom of the lagoon and right to the foot of Gígjökull. Ironically, the same floodwater that threatened farmlands and bridges, left behind it dried streambeds in some places and difficult, unbridged river crossings in others.
Our efforts are rewarded when we reach a narrow side canyon that offers hikers a look into a narrow passage-way where a secret waterfall plunges right at one's feet. In olden times rugged outlaws are said to have used this area as a hide-out, using clever tricks to fool those chasing them.
Weather permitting, we may get spectacular views of the glaciers, including the notorious Eyjafjallajökull, which now blankets the tranquil volcano beneath it. Near the cabins at Thórsmörk, the hardy birch shrubs and trees are now nourished by the same volcanic ash that once threatened to choke them to death. We explore the area as much as time and river conditions allow before returning along the valley for a parting visit at the gorgeous horse-tail waterfall, Seljalandsfoss. We then take the Ring Road back to Reykjavík.
Looking towards Thorsmörk from Markarfljót's floodplain
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Seljalandsfoss is over 60m high (180+ ft.)
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Price: €147, minimum of 2.
Included: Certified English-speaking driver-guide, visits to Seljandsfoss, Fljótshlíð Valley, Markarfljót River, Saga Centre (in season), return to hotel(s).
Not included: food or refreshments - lunch eg. at a café along the way, or perhaps purchase sandwiches at Hvolsvöllur
Duration: 7-8 hrs depending on museum visits, roads, weather, etc.
Price subject to change due to currency fluctuation and rising fuel costs.
