Family Adventure in the Heart of Þórsmörk, Iceland

Saying Goodbye to Þórsmörk

As the last day of our Þórsmörk adventure drew to a close, a bittersweet feeling settled over me. The past fifteen days had been an immersion into Iceland's raw beauty, a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments with my family. It was hard to believe our time in this magical valley was coming to an end. While I was eager to return to the comforts of home in Dresden, a part of me wanted to linger longer in this enchanting place.

The morning broke with a gentle rain, typical for October in Iceland. Maximilian, Clara, and I huddled together in our tent, listening to the soft drumming of rain against the canvas. Despite the weather, there was a certain coziness to it all, a feeling of being cocooned in nature's embrace. We savored a simple breakfast right there in our tent, as we wanted to make the most of our last moments in our cozy home in Þórsmörk.

After breakfast, we packed up our camping gear with a practiced efficiency honed over the past two weeks. It was a little sad taking down our temporary home, knowing that we were dismantling not just a tent, but also a collection of memories made within its walls. Clara helped fold her sleeping bag, a task she approached with surprising seriousness, understanding the significance of this final act. Maximilian checked the car, ensuring everything was secure for our drive back to Reykjavík.

Our first stop was the Thorsmork Skagfjörðsskali shop. I wanted to pick up a small memento of our trip, something to remind us of Þórsmörk long after we'd left. The shop was cozy and inviting, filled with Icelandic sweaters, handcrafted jewelry, and local snacks. I finally decided on a beautiful, hand-knitted Lopapeysa for Clara, a traditional Icelandic sweater that would keep her warm during the coming winter months in Dresden. It felt like the perfect way to carry a piece of Iceland with us.

Sometimes, the most profound journeys aren't about the destinations we reach, but the moments we collect along the way.

For lunch, we decided to treat ourselves to a meal at Gamla fjósið, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Icelandic cuisine. The restaurant was located in a renovated barn, giving it a rustic and cozy atmosphere. We were greeted by the friendly staff and seated by a window overlooking the stunning landscape. I opted for the traditional lamb soup, while Maximilian chose the Arctic char, and Clara, of course, had the pancakes. The food was delicious, a comforting and hearty meal that warmed us from the inside out. Gamla fjósið truly captured the essence of Icelandic hospitality, making us feel right at home.

After our satisfying lunch, we decided to take one last short hike near Básar, Þórsmörk. We chose the Básar Circle, a relatively easy trail that would allow us to soak in the beauty of the area one last time. The trail wound through birch forests and over small streams, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The autumn colors were still vibrant, painting the landscape in hues of red, orange, and yellow. Clara loved exploring the forest, collecting colorful leaves and chasing after butterflies. It was a perfect way to end our hiking adventures in Þórsmörk.

Before dinner, we stopped by Volcano Huts Húsadalur. We weren't staying there, but I'd heard wonderful things about their Lava Grill restaurant. We decided to have our last dinner in Þórsmörk there. The restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with hikers and travelers from all over the world. We ordered a selection of Icelandic dishes, wanting to savor the local flavors one last time. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and convivial.

As we sat there, enjoying our meal, I couldn't help but reflect on our time in Þórsmörk. We had hiked through stunning landscapes, crossed glacial rivers, and marveled at the Northern Lights. We had learned about Icelandic culture, tasted traditional food, and met friendly people from all walks of life. But most importantly, we had spent quality time together as a family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

After dinner, we returned to our campsite one last time. We sat around a small campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories from our trip. Clara, tired but happy, snuggled between Maximilian and me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. As the flames danced and crackled, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Þórsmörk had given us a gift, a collection of moments that had strengthened our bonds and enriched our lives.

The next morning, we packed up our campsite for the final time, a task tinged with melancholy. As we drove away from Þórsmörk, I looked back at the towering mountains and the vast valleys, etching the landscape into my memory. I knew that we were leaving a piece of our hearts behind, but I also knew that we were taking so much more with us.

The drive back to Reykjavík was filled with quiet reflection. Clara, lulled by the gentle motion of the car, fell asleep in her car seat, her Lopapeysa-clad figure a poignant reminder of our Icelandic adventure. Maximilian and I exchanged knowing glances, both of us silently acknowledging the profound impact this trip had had on our family.

As we reached Reykjavík, the city lights twinkled in the distance, a stark contrast to the rugged wilderness we had just left behind. We checked into our hotel, a welcome change from our cozy tent. A hot shower and a comfortable bed were a luxury after fifteen days of camping.

That evening, we enjoyed a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Reykjavík, celebrating the end of our Þórsmörk adventure. We reminisced about our favorite moments, laughing and sharing stories. Clara, wide awake and full of energy, recounted her adventures in great detail, her enthusiasm infectious.

As I write this, sitting in our hotel room in Reykjavík, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We had successfully navigated the challenges of camping in Iceland, immersing ourselves in the country's natural beauty and creating lasting memories. Þórsmörk had tested us, challenged us, and ultimately rewarded us with an experience that we would cherish forever.

Tomorrow, we will board our flight back to Dresden, leaving Iceland behind. But I know that a part of us will always remain in Þórsmörk, in the valley of Thor, where we discovered the true meaning of family, adventure, and the beauty of the natural world.

Thank you, Þórsmörk, for the memories. Until next time, bless.

Safe travels, everyone!


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


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


Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Gamla fjósið, where local ingredients meet breathtaking landscapes in Eyjafjöllum.


Discover the natural beauty of Bálar in Þórsmörk, a premier campground offering adventure and comfort in the heart of Iceland's wilderness.


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