Just as with many things in life a 4x4 is not the same as a modified 4x4.

We have seen hundreds of vehicles getting stuck even in the smallest rivers in Þórsmörk and we would not like you to be added to the list.

What is considered a nonsuitable 4x4?

• Anything that does not have a snorkel
• Any car with tires less than 31”

What is a snorkel? It is the car’s breathing device that is attached to modified cars, it is not something that you can take and put back again like in humans, it is a mechanical art!

When you come to Iceland you will see those modified Jeeps all around. Modified with snorkel and huge tires! Some of them have also been lengthened to room more people in them. Why not spend an adventure with more friends and family.

(see the thing on the left side of the picture)

Why big tires?

Think about crossing a river on foot, or going into the ocean. It is not an issue to just walk next to the shore and dip your toes when the water level is low. But when you get in deeper and the water covers some part of your body, then walking becomes difficult and you might even start floating.

The same happens with the cars, when the tires are bigger than the water level, it will not be a problem - sometimes- to cross the rivers. But if the tires are small, there are bigger changes that the car will just float, flip over, and be taken away.

You get the idea.

One of the vehicles recommended to come to us is the classic Land Rover Defender.

But even if you have a large vehicle, you can get into an accident.

How to prevent it from happening?

• Be well informed about the rules on driving in Iceland.
• Visit the website Safe Travel
• Check the weather forecast constantly. As they say, the weather in Iceland changes every 10 minutes.
• Check the road conditions just prior to starting driving out

Why rent a “proper 4x4” car?

Because we never know the conditions of the rivers in Þórsmörk. Sometimes they have more water than other times and your car can become a boat, which is not what they are made for unless someone starts inventing a 4x4 vehicle that becomes a boat.

The easiest way to get to Þórsmörk and not think about the type of car to rent, or the conditions of the rivers is just to book a transfer service from Reykajvík, Hvolsvöllur or Brú Base (nearby Seljalandsfoss).

That way, you will just sit back and relax while an experienced Super Jeep driver takes you along the highlands towards Þórsmörk.

The end of the Fimmvörðuháls trail is Básar which is ~6km from Húsadalur (where the Volcano Huts are located).

In order to get to the Volcano Huts you need to hike. There is not a scheduled transfer service going from Básar to Húsadalur.

Al alternative is to book a transfer service from Básar-Brú Base (option 1 here) and ask the driver to drop you off in Húsadalur.

The start of the Fimmvörðuháls trail is Básar which is ~6km from Húsadalur (where the Volcano Huts are located).

See the hike HERE

There are two options for transfer service from Skógar:

Private bus company

One departure a day in the morning, usually at around 10:00 am. The bus makes a long stop (6 hours) in Hvolsvöllur and takes you to BSI Bus station. The tickets for this bus are bought here (option 2).

Public bus company

The departure later in the day makes several stops on the way towards Reykjavík. The last stop is in Mjódd bus station in Reykjavík. Check the schedule and buy the bus tickets on Strætó website.

It is sometimes confusing to choose the right departure/arrival location in Þórsmörk.

Þórsmörk is a large area in the highlands of Iceland. We can think of it as an estate/county and the different locations in it as cities/towns.

• Básar is the end of the Fimmvörðurháls trail and it is 6km away from Húsadalur
• Langidalur is 1.5 km away from Húsadalur
• Húsadalur is where the Volcano Huts are located and the end of the Laugavegur trail.

Interesting facts:

When the Krossá river has plenty of water, the footbridge cannot sometimes be put on it. However, the river is less wide on the Langidalur side.

If there is no bridge on the Húsadalur side, you could hike to Langidalur to cross over. But the bridge might not be there either -> Book a bus ticket!

Note that there will be other streams of water along the way, have your gear ready to avoid getting too wet!

The hike from the Krossá parking lot on Húsadalur side to the Volcano Huts is ~3km.

All types of accommodation at the Volcano Huts are within walking distance from each other. It might take you about 2 minutes to reach your friends.

The shower and toilet facilities are within walking distance from the Glamping tents, and the cottages.

There is a shared toilet for those staying in the private rooms, and at the mountain huts. The showers are within walking distance.