Reykjavik to Thorsmork: Routes, Travel Tips, & More

Covering a distance of approximately 150 kilometers, there are several ways to reach Thorsmork from Reykjavik. The journey takes place on two different types of roads: the longer first half comprises the smooth Ring Road (Route 1), while the shorter second half involves taking the F249 road after traveling 105 kilometers on the Ring Road. When it comes to transportation options, you can travel from Reykjavik to Thorsmork by car, bus, or on foot.

By car

Renting a 4x4 car for a self-driving tour from Reykjavik gives you flexibility, but opting for a tour operator who can transport you from Reykjavik to Thorsmork with a professional driver is a safer and more convenient option. Driving from Reykjavik to Thorsmork takes approximately two and a half hours under normal traffic conditions.

Pro tips:

• For driving the F249 road, renting a super jeep is recommended due to the rugged terrain and river crossings that lead to Thorsmork.
• Hiring a local guide is recommended when self-driving a 4x4 vehicle to Thorsmork from Reykjavik. This ensures that even in areas with no GPS signal, you have expert guidance to take you along the route to popular tourist attractions, such as the Krossa River and Gljúfrabúi.
• Self-driving excursions to Thorsmork are not recommended unless you have experience driving in deep rivers and rugged terrain. It’s best to travel with a professional driver.
• Keep in mind that Thorsmork is only accessible during summertime unless you’re specifically on a guided tour in a modified super jeep.

By bus

Buses from Reykjavik to Thorsmork take around four hours under normal traffic conditions. Opting for bus travel provides a safe and convenient option, enabling you to unwind and admire the picturesque surroundings without concerns about driving or navigating difficult terrain. To begin your journey, you have two options: either take the Line 3 bus from downtown Reykjavik's Ráðhúsið station and transfer at Mjódd or board a Line 52 bus directly to Mjódd. Both buses will take you up to Hvolsvollur. From Hvolsvollur, you can catch a second bus to the Volcano Huts, serving as the starting point for Thorsmork tours. You could also book a tour operator who runs large group tours in buses that take you straight from Reykjavik to Volcano Huts, but this service is extremely rare.

Pro tips:

• There are daily bus departures from Mjódd to Hvolsvollur all year round, whereas daily departures from Hvolsvollur to Thorsmork are only from May through September, with rarely any buses operating in October and none from November through April.
• Book your tickets online or through specific bus stations as you travel from Reykjavik to Thorsmork. This way, you do not have to exchange the exact Icelandic Krona amount to pay for the bus.
• There are limited departure times for buses going towards Thorsmork, so book your tickets well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season of May to August.

On foot

Hiking from Reykjavik to Thorsmork without any stops would take approximately a day, but this option is not practical. An alternative is to reach Thorsmork from Reykjavik by incorporating a hike from start points closer to Thorsmork, preferably after veering off the Ring Road.

The most convenient option is to start your journey by foot to Thorsmork after crossing the Krossa River, which will take approximately six hours. The Fimmvörðuháls and Laugavegur trails are other hiking options starting from two completely different routes than the F249 road. The starting point for the Fimmvörðuháls hike is Skógar, almost 156 kilometers away from Reykjavik. You can get to Skógar from Reykjavik via the Ring Road on a bus or by car. Reaching Thorsmork from Skógar by foot takes about 10 hours. Similarly, the starting point of the Laugavegur trail is Landmannalaugar, almost more than 192 kilometers away from Reykjavik. There are three mountain roads leading to Landmannalaugar, all of which can be accessed by 4×4 vehicles. Reaching Thorsmork from Skógar on foot takes about three days.

Pro tips:

• Head straight to Thorsmork from Reykjavik during the winter months for a camping adventure to witness the Northern Lights away from the light pollution of the city areas.
• Walk with a professional tour guide at all times who can navigate remote locations.
• Select the Laugavegur trail to Thorsmork if you are fit for a multi-day trek. Despite being the longest route, it's highly favored by tourists and is the most popular trekking route in Iceland due to its scenic beauty, including attractions like Nauthúsagil waterfall and Grashagakvísl river.

A Reykjavik to Thorsmork itinerary can vary in duration based on the combination of the Reykjavik tour and the alternate route chosen. After exploring Reykjavik, there are three distinct routes to consider. If you opt for road F249, you can expect a two-day adventure that includes a sightseeing tour in Reykjavik and visiting attractions like Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Nauthúsagil Canyon before reaching Thorsmork. The Fimmvörðuháls hike, spanning about three days, starts at Skógafoss waterfall and offers breathtaking views along the challenging trail to the Fimmvörðuháls pass. A combined Reykjavik tour and Fimmvörðuháls hike has an ideal four-day itinerary. Alternatively, the Laugavegur trail, combined with a Rekjaik tour, provides a six-day adventure, immersing you in captivating landscapes such as Hrafntinnusker and Álftavatn on the way to Thorsmork.

Do you want to plan your perfect trip from Reykjavik to Thorsmork by including the stops of your choice in between? Fill out our Iceland customized trip form so our experts can craft you the itinerary you desire to follow.

To get an idea of where to start your itinerary and when to plan it, read through our Iceland guide and guide on the best time to visit Iceland.