REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

The valley of Thórsmörk is considered a pearl of Icelandic nature. Surrounded by glaciers, it seems like a green oasis in the wilderness. In 4x4 vehicles, especially modified for the purpose of traversing Iceland’s varied terrain, we travel over the lava plateau Hellisheidi and proceed via the southern coastal lowlands, to the greenhouse village Hveragerdi. The route passes through some of the prettiest countryside in Iceland – on a clear day there are frequent views of mountains including snow shrouded Hekla, the country’s most active volcano, and the towering, ice capped Eyjafjallajökull.

The valley of Thórsmörk is considered a pearl of Icelandic nature. Surrounded by glaciers, it seems like a green oasis in the wilderness. In 4x4 vehicles, especially modified for the purpose of traversing Iceland’s varied terrain, we travel over the lava plateau Hellisheidi and proceed via the southern coastal lowlands, to the greenhouse village Hveragerdi. The route passes through some of the prettiest countryside in Iceland – on a clear day there are frequent views of mountains including snow shrouded Hekla, the country’s most active volcano, and the towering, ice capped Eyjafjallajökull. We make a brief stop in Hvolsvöllur, the region where one of the best known classical Icelandic sagas, Njáls Saga, is set. From now on the route changes as we continue inland. We cross several brooks and rivers, and experience the wilderness at its best. A stop at a glacier fed lagoon makes us realise how close we are to surrounding glaciers, as their icy tongues appear from the hills above. In this desert of ice and rock, the lush valley of Thórsmörk is a clear contrast. After leaving the glacier lagoon we drive through the beautiful landscape of the valley of Thórsmörk before stopping for a barbecue lunch. We shall explore a little of the surrounding area on foot, walking from one valley to another along a mountain path. (It is a short hike, but those who wish may stay behind to enjoy the scenery.) Following this exhilarating experience, we head back towards Reykjavík, making one last stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss. Here we have the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall.

This tour involves some walking over rough ground – approximately 300 metres (984 feet) at Seljalandsfoss (optional), 10 metres (33 feet) at the glacier lagoon and 45 minutes (optional) at Thórsmörk, over gravel, grass and some challenging steps, possibly also mud. It is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users, pregnant women and those who suffer from neck or back pain. Participants should be prepared to get ‘bumped around’ a bit in the 4x4’s. Please note that our drive will be on tarmac roads until we reach Seljalandsfoss. Wear sensible shoes and warm clothing – layers (including a windproof jacket) that you can remove if necessary are best. Please note that places of interest may be visited in a different order than that described.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES