Super Jeep Tour to Thorsmork Valley

Into Thor's Hidden Valley

Thorsmork is one of Iceland's most spectacular locations, and the fact that it is essentially unreachable without a super jeep is part of its magic. Tucked between three glaciers — Eyjafjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull, and Tindfjallajokull — this lush valley of birch forests, moss-covered ridges, and river canyons feels like a secret that the highlands have been keeping.

Midgard Adventure runs this day trip from their base near Hvolsvollur on the south coast. Their super jeeps are purpose-built machines with tires nearly as tall as a person, and watching them ford glacial rivers is an adventure in itself.

The Drive In

The journey to Thorsmork is not just transit — it is a core part of the experience. After leaving paved roads behind, the super jeep navigates gravel tracks, volcanic ash plains, and multiple glacial river crossings. The Krossa river is the most dramatic, a braided glacial torrent that changes its channels daily. Your driver reads the water like a book, choosing the crossing point with practiced confidence while passengers grip their seats and grin.

The landscape transitions dramatically as you approach the valley. Barren volcanic flats give way to green hillsides, birch scrub appears, and suddenly you are in one of the most sheltered and beautiful spots in the entire country. The contrast with the harsh terrain you just crossed makes the arrival feel earned.

Hiking in Thorsmork

Once in the valley, the guide leads a hike along one of several trail options, adjusted for the group's fitness and weather conditions. Popular routes include the ridge walk to Valahnukur, which offers panoramic views of all three glaciers, or the canyon trail through Stakkholtsgja, a narrow gorge with a small waterfall hidden at its end.

The hiking is moderate — expect uneven terrain, some steeper sections on ridge walks, and about two to three hours of walking time. The trails are well-marked and the guide sets a comfortable pace with stops for photos and explanations of the geology and ecology.

Thorsmork's birch forests are remarkable in an Icelandic context. Most of the country's original woodland was cleared by Viking settlers, but Thorsmork's sheltered position preserved its trees. Walking through actual forest in Iceland feels unexpectedly novel.

The Complete Package

The full day runs about 10 hours from departure to return. The super jeep ride, the river crossings, the hiking, and the valley scenery combine into what many travelers describe as their single best day in Iceland. It is more adventurous than the Golden Circle, more accessible than a multi-day trek, and delivers landscapes that are genuinely difficult to see any other way. For anyone spending more than a few days in Iceland who wants to go beyond the standard tourist trail, Thorsmork should be at the top of the list.