Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) – A Horseback Riding Destination in Iceland
Introduction
Looking for Þórsmörk horse tours or curious about horseback riding Þórsmörk Iceland? This lush valley, framed by glaciers and mountains, is one of Iceland’s most beloved natural treasures. Its name means “Thor’s Forest”, and it truly feels like a hidden realm — a place of birch woods, glacial rivers, and dramatic volcanic ridges.
Þórsmörk sits between three mighty glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. Fed by meltwater from these ice caps, the valley is carved by braided rivers and filled with greenery, making it feel surprisingly sheltered compared to Iceland’s harsher highlands. For centuries, it was accessible only on horseback, and even today the Icelandic horse feels like the most natural way to explore it.
History & Landscape
Þórsmörk has long been both a grazing land and a refuge. Farmers once drove their sheep into its sheltered valleys, relying on horses to cross its unpredictable rivers. The valley’s name connects it to Norse mythology, invoking Thor, the god of thunder, who was seen as a protector of strength and fertility. To this day, locals speak of Þórsmörk as a sacred place — a sanctuary of life set against glaciers and volcanoes.
The terrain is strikingly diverse. Birch woodlands and mossy hillsides soften the black volcanic ridges. Lava formations from ancient eruptions stand like sculptures, while braided rivers like the Krossá shift courses from season to season. The valley was reshaped dramatically by the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, when floods of meltwater and ash carved new paths through the land.
Riding in Þórsmörk
Exploring Þórsmörk on horseback is unlike riding anywhere else in Iceland. Here, the landscape is more intimate than the vast beaches or highland deserts — every trail reveals hidden canyons, forest glades, or glacier views.
Riders tölting across the soft riverbanks soon find themselves fording shallow streams, guided by the sure-footed Icelandic horse. Few things compare to the feeling of riding through glacial waters with the valley opening wide around you, ice-capped peaks towering above.
What makes Þórsmörk special for horseback riding is the variety in a single journey: shaded birch trails, open lava plains, mossy ridges, and rushing rivers. Unlike the wide-open expanses elsewhere, Þórsmörk feels alive and constantly changing. Every bend in the path offers a new discovery.
Why Horses Belong Here
Before mountain roads and jeeps, horses were the only way into Þórsmörk. Farmers relied on them to bring supplies, herd sheep, and cross rivers that hikers still find difficult today. In autumn, round-ups (réttir) would see horses and people working together to bring livestock safely out of the valley.
Riding in Þórsmörk today keeps that history alive. Each hoofstep follows trails that have been used for centuries, and each river crossing is a reminder of how vital horses were to survival in this rugged environment. The Icelandic horse, with its calm temperament and unique tölt gait, remains the perfect partner for navigating Þórsmörk’s wild yet welcoming terrain.
Flora, Fauna & Seasonal Magic
Unlike much of Iceland’s stark highlands, Þórsmörk is rich with life. The sheltered climate allows birch forests, ferns, mosses, and colorful wildflowers to flourish in summer. Birdsong fills the air, with species like the golden plover and redwing nesting here.
In spring, riders may see the valley awakening with fresh greenery. Summer offers long days, warm breezes, and rivers sparkling under the midnight sun. Autumn transforms Þórsmörk into a tapestry of gold and red — birches glowing against dark volcanic cliffs. Each season brings a new way to experience the valley on horseback.
Hiking Connections & Adventure Spirit
Þórsmörk is also the final destination of the famous Laugavegur trail, one of the world’s great multi-day hikes, which begins in Landmannalaugar. Riders and hikers often share these paths, experiencing the same dramatic changes in terrain — from rhyolite mountains to lush forests.
Another legendary route is Fimmvörðuháls, a demanding trail that connects Skógar to Þórsmörk, passing craters created by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. While these trails test hikers on foot, the Icelandic horse allows riders to experience much of the same wonder at a natural pace, blending human adventure with equine partnership.
Practical Info & Nearby Highlights
Location: Þórsmörk lies in southern Iceland, north of Eyjafjallajökull, about 2.5–3 hours from Reykjavík. It’s reached by mountain buses, jeeps, or horses.
Nearby highlights:
Eyjafjallajökull Glacier – looming above the valley.
Gigjökull Glacier Lagoon – reshaped by the 2010 eruption.
Stakkholtsgjá Canyon – a dramatic gorge with hidden waterfalls.
Fimmvörðuháls Craters – two volcanic craters formed during Eyjafjallajökull’s eruption.
Riding experiences: Multi-day horseback tours often feature Þórsmörk as a highlight, combining river crossings, mountain views, and nights in rustic mountain huts. Shorter rides may also reach the valley edges for a glimpse of its magic.
Other Stunning Riding Destinations in Iceland
If you loved discovering Þórsmörk on horseback, make sure to explore these unforgettable places too:
Eyjafjallajökull – ride beneath the glacier volcano with panoramic views over South Iceland.
Landmannalaugar – colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and dramatic lava fields.
Black Sand Beach – experience the thrill of riding on Iceland’s most famous volcanic shoreline.
Holtsós – a tranquil lagoon with reflections of glaciers and wide-open skies.
Seljalandsfoss – the waterfall you can walk behind, framed by lush cliffs.
Skógafoss – one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, famous for its roaring cascade and rainbows.
Vík í Mýrdal – a charming coastal village surrounded by cliffs, beaches, and ocean views.
Mýrdalsjökull – a mighty glacier hiding Katla volcano, shaping the black sands of the South Coast.
Closing Thought
To ride into Þórsmörk is to enter one of Iceland’s most enchanting valleys — a place where glaciers, forests, rivers, and legends meet. It is an experience that combines history, mythology, and natural wonder, all from the back of the Icelandic horse.
Hestar og Fjöll offers a dedicated multi-day horseback tour into Þórsmörk, giving riders the chance to experience this valley of legends in depth.