Zak Goldstein

Apr 30, 20232 min read

Þórsmörk Hikes (Part 2): The Húsadalur - Merkurrani Loop

Updated: Jun 21

A hike in the greenest part of Iceland that covers two loops, two camps, multiple peaks, canyons and the stunning views of Þórsmörk.

Looking down at Krossá in Þórsmörk from Valahnjúkur

DINK Details

Great views all the way for this Thorsmork hike.

Difficulty: Medium Month: Sept	Time¹: 9.5 hours Distance: 8.25 mi Elv. Gain: 2,182 ft
Obstacles: - Optional steep path to peak - F249 & Crossing Krossá²	Prep: A good camera Bus tickets or stay overnight

1. How long we took to walk it with breaks and all

2. Getting to this area requires crossing a deep dangerous river. Bus tickets are recommended.

This is a lot easier without a fear of dying.

Getting To Trailhead

We started on the other side of the Krossá river since we stayed overnight at the Volcano Huts. Getting to our trailhead was as easy as putting on pants and walking out the front door.

Our other article covers getting to and around the Þórsmörk area. It will cover the F-road and other ways of getting to this area.

The Hike

Start Time: 9:45am

Starting out with our first loop trail with Valahnjúkur peak (the main event of Þórsmörk). This was an easy loop with a worthwhile payoff.

Valahnjúkur Viewpoint

It was so pretty we spent a fair time relaxing and taking pictures! You can see Eyjafjallajökull from here too.

Tindfjöll Peak

We finished off the first loop and headed towards the second loop. On the way there, we passed the second camp where we saw people getting ready for their bus or more hiking.

The interesting part for us on this trail was the amount of trees. This was not common in 2018, there are projects now to regrow trees across Iceland. At this time, the amount of vegetation was shocking.

Pictured, a wild Neas scaling the landscape for a cave to live in. After we staged a dangerous climbing scene, we arrive at our second peak of Tindfjöll.

Heading down Tindfjöll, looking at Krossa

Merkurrani canyon is the next stop for our way back.

Obstacles

Rjúpnafell Trail (optional)

There is a turn off for Rjúpnafell Mountain, we did not do this. It is a steep path but rumor has it, a wonder view.

Thin Paths

Not as bad as the previous day's path but good footing and fair weather are something to keep in mind. We took the left side of Merkurrani canyon to head back. Our ordeal from yesterday left us numb to fear, making this a lot easier.

Wrap Up

End Time: 7:15pm

Finishing up the the main loop of our hike, we hit flat ground and head back to camp. The sun was setting and left us with a beautiful view to finish the day