Thórsmörk

63.683888888889 - 19.483888888889Koordinaten: 63 ° 41 '2 " N, 19 ° 29 ' 2" W

The rugged and forested ridge Þórsmörk (also Thorsmörk, isl. Forest of Thor, [ ˌ θour̥s MÖRK ] ) is located between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull in the south of Iceland, in the municipality of Rangárþing eystra.

Location

It lies between the rivers Krossá, Þröngá and Markarfljót. The natural, widely branched glacial river Krossá has dug a bed between the two mountain ranges here. In the sheltered valley of the Krossá and on the surrounding slopes, there is a green vegetation of mosses, ferns and sparse birch forest.

The valley is enclosed on three sides by glaciers, as the upper end of the valley still projects the Mýrdalsjökull in the sky in the southeast. This involves on the one hand the risk of glacier runs, but on the other hand, due to it - similar to Skaftafell - a pleasant microclimate with more sunny days than the rest of southern Iceland.

Name

Is named the district after the Germanic god Thor / Donar ( Isl Þór ). For Iceland typical of the field name is not valid for the entire valley, but the north -limiting ridge, while the south side of the valley is the mountain river called Goðaland (Land of Goden, land of the gods ). Out of ignorance, however Þórsmörk is mostly used as a name for the whole valley.

History

The former settlement Þórsmörk originally consisted of three farms, which now no longer exist all. Since erosion is a problem, in 1924 excluded a particularly endangered by erosion area of the grazing and put under protection. Agriculture in the region has traditionally been difficult, now that tourism offers an additional source of income.

Traffic

Þórsmörk can be reached from Hvolsvöllur forth across the ring road (No. 1). Near the bridge over the stream Markarfljót branches off Highway No. 249, which is maintained to the hamlet Stóra Mörk as partially unpaved road. Then she sits down on a good 20 km, gravel road into the valley continues. However, there are some to overcome not quite dangerous fords of the posterior part of the valley. The road is impassable due to volcanic ashes angeschlämmte the glacier Gígjökull from the volcanic eruption in 2010.

During the peak tourist season in the summer and usually during the Easter season are available from the bus station in Reykjavík from bus tours to Þórsmörk.

The trail of Skógar to Landmannalaugar also crosses Þórsmörk.

Tourism

Þórsmörk offers overnight accommodation, a campground and a grocer. Popular the valley is not only for tourists but also for the local young people who annually meet in their hundreds on the first weekend in July there to celebrate the summer.

The area is one of the most rewarding destinations for hikers in Iceland dar. It offer from there are many routes to, from mountain and glacier tours on trekking trails such as the famous Laugavegur to small hikes, for example in the Canyon Stakkholtsgjá with its waterfall.

Impressions

Þórsmörk

Þórsmörk in June 2010 after the outbreak of Eyjafjallajökull

Grove at Þórsmörk