Þórsmörk
Sheltered between three towering glaciers (Tindfjallajökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull) and surrounded by three rivers (Krossá, Þröngá, and Markarfljót), is the Þórsmörk nature reserve. Named after the hammer-wielding Norse god Þór, it is among the most popular hiking destinations in Iceland. At Þórsmörk you will find snow-capped mountain ridges, twisted gorges, moss-covered caves, and hidden waterfalls. The area has scenic surprises around every corner, making it a true hiker’s paradise. The views are especially dramatic in the fall when the whole valley turns into a spectacle of colors, from oranges, yellows, and reds to the ever-present lava black of the rock beneath. It can be hard to get to—effectively unreachable during winter—but it is worth the hassle. Þórsmörk cannot be reached in a regular car or even regular 4WDs. You will need to take an amphibious bus or travel with a guide in a Superjeep to cross the unpredictable and dangerous rivers that close off the valley to the south.