Þórsmörk

Description

Destination of the day is Þórsmörk – English spelling Thorsmork, the “Woods of

Thor the Thundergod”. It's where the Icelanders traditionally go themselves to get

away from it all. Guarding Þórsmörk nature reserve from unwanted traffic are several

streams and glacial rivers cutting the rough track. Crossing requires caution. And

specially modified vehicles of course. First highlight of the day is the powerfully

beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a good 60 meters of constant rush. Conditions

permitting, how about a walk around it – yes, you can go behind Seljalandsfoss.

Soon after the road starts disintegrating and nature takes over your senses.

Bordering Þórsmörk nature reserve to the south is the famously ash-spewing volcano

Eyjafjallajökull, topped by glacial ice and snow. Amongst numerous places of interest

on our route is the Gígjökull glacier lagoon which is actually off the maps now. In

2010 it disappeared under volcanic rubble in a catastrophic flood of glacial melt and

debris, caused by the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. Where we go in the Þórsmörk Nature

Reserve depends from day to day on weather and other conditions, but canyons,

woodlands and caves are ideal settings for short walks.