Family Adventure in the Heart of Þórsmörk, Iceland

A Day in the Valley of Thor

Today was a day of embracing the raw, untamed beauty of Þórsmörk. The crisp air, the stunning vistas, and the sheer sense of being immersed in nature's grandeur made it a day I know I’ll cherish forever. It's days like these that remind me why I fell in love with Iceland in the first place, and why I'm so eager to share its wonders with Clara and Maximilian.


Discover Þórsmörk, Iceland's breathtaking mountain peak boasting stunning hikes, lush valleys, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Volcano Huts Húsadalur. The spread was wonderful with local Icelandic ingredients. Fuelled up for the day, we set out to explore more of Þórsmörk. The weather in Þórsmörk in October can be quite cold, with average temperatures around 47°F. We made sure to dress warmly, with our trusty hiking boots and Lopapeysa sweaters.


Discover tranquility and adventure at Volcano Huts Húsadalur, your gateway to Iceland's majestic landscapes and authentic local cuisine.

Our first stop was the Básar Hut & campsite. The drive there was an adventure in itself, requiring us to navigate several river crossings in our trusty vehicle. It's a good thing we checked the road conditions beforehand, as the water levels can change rapidly. I must admit, there was a moment where I held my breath, hoping we wouldn't end up like that family in the small van we heard about, stuck in the middle of the river. Thankfully, Maximilian's excellent driving skills and our sturdy vehicle got us through without a hitch. We parked near the Skagfjörðsskáli hut on the south bank of the Krossa river.


Explore the untouched beauty of Þórsmörk at Básar Hut & Campsite, your gateway to Iceland's stunning outdoor adventures.

Arriving at Básar, we were greeted by a landscape that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. The campsite was nestled in a birch-forested meadow, offering a rare combination of shade and shelter. We took a leisurely stroll around the area, soaking in the tranquility and admiring the vibrant autumn colors. Clara was particularly fascinated by the wildflowers that still managed to bloom despite the approaching winter.

The beauty of Þórsmörk lies not just in its landscapes, but in the sense of peace and connection it fosters with nature.

After our walk, we decided to check out the Thorsmork Skagfjörðsskáli shop. It was a small but well-stocked shop. I picked up a few souvenirs, including a hand-knitted wool scarf and a small wooden carving of a puffin. It's always nice to support local artisans and bring home a piece of Iceland with us.


Discover the serene beauty of Thorsmork Skagfjörðsskáli, an ideal hostel for hikers and nature lovers in Iceland's stunning landscapes.

For lunch, we had planned to visit Vogafjós Farm Resort, but it turned out to be quite a distance away, near Lake Mývatn. Since we were in Þórsmörk, we opted for a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery. We found a cozy spot near a small stream, spread out our blanket, and enjoyed sandwiches with a view. Clara entertained us with stories she made up about the surrounding landscape, her imagination as boundless as the Icelandic vistas.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine and farm life at Vogafjós Farm Resort near Lake Mývatn.

In the late afternoon, we made our way to Kjarr Restaurant for dinner. Located near the Systrafoss waterfall in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the restaurant is known for its international cuisine and cozy atmosphere. We started with the seafood soup, which was flavorful and warming. For the main course, I opted for the seafood pasta, while Maximilian chose the prawns. Clara, of course, went for her usual, the kids menu had a burger. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Kjarr Restaurant in Kirkjubæjarklaustur - where tradition meets innovation.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures. Þórsmörk had truly captured our hearts with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. We were grateful for the opportunity to experience its beauty as a family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Tindfjöll and Hrafntinnusker. I'm particularly excited about Hrafntinnusker, known for its obsidian mountains and geothermal activity. We'll be having breakfast at Eldstó Art Cafe/Restaurant, lunch at Heima Bistro, and dinner at Kol Restaurant. I'm also hoping to check out the Smiðjan Brugghús bar in the evening.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Iceland has a way of grounding me, reminding me of what truly matters in life. It's a place where I feel most connected to myself, to my family, and to the world around me. And I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

One thing I did forget to pack was a portable charger. With all the photos and videos I've been taking, my phone battery is constantly running low. I'll definitely have to remember that for our next adventure. I also wish I had brought binoculars for bird watching. I spotted a few interesting species today, but I couldn't get a good look at them. Perhaps I can find some at one of the local shops.