Exploring the Wild Beauty of Þórsmörk, Iceland

A Day of Discovery in Þórsmörk

Today was nothing short of magical. Þórsmörk continues to reveal its secrets, and I feel like I'm falling deeper in love with Iceland with each passing day. From the depths of a stunning canyon to the warmth of a tomato-filled greenhouse, today was a feast for the senses and a testament to the diverse beauty of this incredible island.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant Mika in Hvolsvöllur. I opted for the traditional skyr with berries, while Liam went for a more substantial plate of eggs and bacon. Fuelled up, we set off towards Þórsmörk, eager to tackle the day's adventures. The drive itself was breathtaking, with the Icelandic landscape unfolding before us like a movie scene. I couldn't resist stopping every few minutes to capture the views with my camera; Liam, ever the patient one, simply chuckled and waited. I swear, I could spend a lifetime just photographing Iceland’s ever-changing vistas.

Our first major stop was the Stakkholtsgjá canyon. I’d read so much about it, but nothing prepared me for the sheer scale and beauty of this natural wonder. The canyon is located inside the Thorsmork Valley, and the access requires driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as the road involves crossing several shallow fords. Liam expertly navigated our trusty SUV through the rocky terrain, and soon, we were parked at the entrance of the canyon, ready to explore. The weather was kind to us, a gentle breeze and soft sunlight filtering through the clouds, perfect for hiking and photography.

The entrance to Stakkholtsgjá is flanked by towering palagonite cliffs, rising a hundred meters high. As we stepped inside, I felt like we were entering another world. The narrow stream running through the canyon added to the sense of tranquility, the sound of water echoing against the moss-covered walls. The hike through the canyon was relatively easy, though it required a fair amount of caution. The path was uneven, and we had to cross the shallow river multiple times. I was grateful for my waterproof hiking boots, though Liam, ever the daredevil, simply waded through barefoot, much to my amusement and slight concern.

As we ventured deeper into the canyon, it narrowed, and the walls became even more imposing. The moss-covered cliffs were home to thousands of birds, their calls adding to the symphony of nature. It was easy to see why this place is often described as otherworldly; it felt like something out of a fantasy novel. I couldn't help but imagine elves and trolls lurking in the shadows, their presence adding to the mystical atmosphere. I made sure to take my time and capture the beauty of this place, hoping to convey its magic through my photographs.

Every photograph is a story waiting to be told, a moment captured in time that speaks to the soul.

The highlight of Stakkholtsgjá was the waterfall at the end of the canyon. It wasn't a massive cascade, but it was beautiful nonetheless, the water plunging into a small pool surrounded by lush greenery. I took dozens of photos, trying to capture the perfect shot, the light playing off the water and the moss-covered rocks. Liam, meanwhile, simply sat and enjoyed the view, a peaceful smile on his face. It was moments like these that made our trip so special, a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

After Stakkholtsgjá, we decided to skip the Fimmvorduhals Trailhead for today. While the Fimmvörðuháls pass, connecting Skógafoss to Þórsmörk, sounded incredible, stretching between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, I was a bit tired after the canyon hike. We knew we wanted to take our time and fully appreciate the experience, and perhaps we could consider it another day. Plus, the idea of walking through areas reshaped by the 2010 volcanic eruption was somewhat intimidating. So, we hopped back into the car and headed towards our next destination: Friðheimar tomato farm.


Explore Stakkholtsgjá Canyon: A breathtaking hiking paradise with stunning landscapes and unique rock formations in the heart of Iceland.

Friðheimar is a truly unique place, a family-run restaurant located in the middle of a greenhouse. As we drove up, the scent of ripe tomatoes filled the air, a welcome change from the crisp, fresh air of the highlands. The restaurant is open from 11:30 am to 4 pm, and it's highly recommended to book in advance, as it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Luckily, I had made a reservation a few weeks prior, so we were all set for a tomato-themed feast. The restaurant is open every day from 11:30 pm -4 pm.

As we stepped inside the greenhouse, I was immediately struck by the warmth and the vibrant green of the tomato plants. It was like entering a tropical oasis in the middle of Iceland. We were seated at a table surrounded by rows of tomato plants, each one laden with ripe, red fruit. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, the air filled with the murmur of conversations and the gentle hum of the greenhouse equipment. The menu at Friðheimar is, unsurprisingly, tomato-based. Their most famous dish is the tomato soup, which is served on a buffet with sour cream, home-baked bread, cucumber salsa, butter, and fresh herbs. I'm not usually a fan of tomato soup, but I have to admit, this was something special. The soup was rich and flavorful, the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and the homemade bread was simply divine. Liam, who is a big fan of tomatoes, was in heaven. He went back for seconds (and thirds) of the soup, while I contented myself with a few slices of the bread and a generous helping of cucumber salsa. Each table even has its own basil plant with scissors, encouraging you to snip fresh basil to add to your meal—a lovely touch!


Experience farm-to-table dining in Iceland at Friðheimar's enchanting greenhouse restaurant featuring fresh tomato dishes.

After our delightful lunch, we decided to explore the UNA Local Product shop in Hvolsvöllur. I had read about this quirky little store, known locally as Sveitabúðin Una, and I was eager to see what local crafts and souvenirs they had to offer. The shop is located in a bright red, corrugated Nissen hut, which was once part of the town's first store. As we walked in, we were greeted by a treasure trove of Icelandic goods, from handmade crafts to local delicacies. I was particularly drawn to the hand-knitted sweaters, each one unique and beautifully made. I ended up buying a cozy wool scarf for myself and a small wooden troll for my niece, a perfect reminder of our Icelandic adventure. Liam picked up some local jams and spices, eager to bring a taste of Iceland back home.


Explore UNA Local Product in Hvolsvöllur for unique Icelandic souvenirs and handmade crafts that embody the spirit of Iceland.

Our final stop for the day was dinner at SVO Restaurant & Bar, located in Hotel Hvolsvöllur. We were both craving something hearty after our day of exploring, and SVO seemed like the perfect choice. The restaurant is known for its blend of Icelandic flavors and international dishes, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. I opted for the lamb rack with lime demi-glace, while Liam went for the horse steak with peppercorn sauce. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, the flavors rich and satisfying. The service was also excellent, the staff attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home. The restaurant is a cozy and welcoming place in Hvolsvöllur, offering delicious food made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The elegant presentation and the fresh, tender fish of the day make it a noteworthy stop.


Experience authentic Icelandic flavors and European cuisine at SVO Restaurant & Bar in Hvolsvöllur.

As we drove back to our campsite in the fading light, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible day we had. From the depths of Stakkholtsgjá canyon to the warmth of Friðheimar tomato farm, and the charm of UNA Local Product, Þórsmörk had truly captured my heart. I am already looking forward to tomorrow, where we plan to visit Skógafoss and the Skógar Museum. I have heard the Skógafoss waterfall is stunning and I am excited to capture its beauty through my lens. The Skógar Museum should also offer a fascinating glimpse into Iceland's cultural heritage. And perhaps we'll end the day with a drink at Sæsa Bar, a local spot I've heard good things about. Until then, goodnight from Þórsmörk!