WHERE TO CAMP IN THORSMORK: A COMPARISON OF THE THREE MAIN CAMPSITES.
Quite literally sandwiched between dramatic glaciers and braided rivers, Thórsmörk(or Þórsmörk) is one of Iceland’s most atmospheric hiking areas. Sheltered by the surrounding mountains, it feels a world away from the weather-beaten Highlands – greener, more lush, and surprisingly sheltered from the wind.
For hikers, it’s a gateway to the start or end of the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails and a destination in its own right, with shorter day hikes and cosy valley views.
If you’re planning to overnight here, you’ll likely stay at one of three main Þórsmörk campsites: Volcano Huts (Húsadalur), Langidalur, or Básar Huts. We’ve stayed in the area and explored each option – here’s what you need to know to choose the right one.
Getting to Thórsmörk
Þórsmörk isn’t accessible by normal car – the road involves multiple river crossings that require a high-clearance 4×4 or travel by highland bus. During summer, Reykjavík Excursions and Trex run daily buses to the three main Þórsmörk campsites from Reykjavík, Hvolsvöllur, or Skógar.
Each campsite is on a slightly different branch of the Krossá river valley, but buses tend to stop at all three campsites.
Three campsites in Thórsmörk
There are three campsites in Thórsmörk, each offers a unique perspective on the valley and different styles of accommodation.
1. Volcano Huts – Husadalur
Facilities:
This is the most built-up and commercial of the Þórsmörk options. There’s a reception and café/bar, hot showers, proper indoor toilets, a small sauna, and even glamping tents and rooms for hire. The camping area is flat and grassy, with a communal campers kitchen (it’s fully stocked with crockery too) – a rarity in this part of the Highlands.
There are also loads of sockets for charging phones or devices. AND….WiFi.
Husadalur does have a bit of a party vibe, in the sense that there’s a well stocked bar. Although, sadly no happy hour! When we stayed, there was a DJ playing in the tepee for a tour group end of tour party. And, the next day a running event ended at the camp, so the restaurant was full of uber fit runners eating burgers and drinking beer. In short – the feeling is “festive.” And we liked it.
Tip – you can include breakfast in your camping rate. It’s also possible to enjoy a buffet at the restaurant for around 4,000 isk person.
Rates:
3,900 ISK per person for camping (includes showers and kitchen use). Higher prices for glamping or cabin stays.
Location:
Set in the lush Húsadalur valley, the surroundings here are beautiful and there’s great access to walking trails. Just note, it’s 1.5km off the Laugavegur trail and if you plan to walk the Fimmvörðuháls, you’ve got a bit of a longer walk to to get to the start at Basar camp (4km or so.)
Verdict:
This is the most comfortable option, especially if you’re at the end of a long hike and want some proper facilities. It can feel busy and less “wild,” but it’s ideal for recharging. Personally, we really enjoyed staying here, especially the chance to have a proper shower.
Best for:
Post-hike recovery, hot showers, and hikers arriving with tired legs and big appetites. Or anyone looking for a more glamorous campsite for a few days.
Booking and enquiries are via the Husadalur website.
2. Langidalur
Facilities:
Run by the Icelandic Touring Association (FÍ), this campsite has a large hut with sleeping bag accommodation, basic cooking facilities in two kitchens (indoor for hut guests only), outdoor toilets and sinks, and a communal shelter with picnic benches. Showers are available for a fee (1000kr)
For tent campers, there are no indoor facilities (apart from the toilets.) The pitches are on grass and the grounds are very pretty. It’s also quite a sheltered site because of the location.
There are no restaurant facilities on site, but there is a small shop. If weather is fine, those staying in the outdoor grill. And there’s a spacious patio area too.
Rates:
3,200 ISK per person for camping. Showers and facilities are extra (500–700 ISK). Rates for the hut this year are 15.800kr.
Location:
Langidalur sits on the northern side of Krossá river, right at the end of the Laugavegur trail. It’s well-placed for the final day of the trek or as a base for circular hikes. The iconic Valahnúkur viewpoint is just behind the hut – one of the best sunrise or sunset spots in Þórsmörk.
Honestly, this site is so pretty. The views to the glacier are spectacular and we just loved how green and well looked after the grounds are.
Verdict:
More basic than Volcano Huts but still very functional. You’ll be around serious hikers, and the vibe is low-key and peaceful. Less of a ‘scene’ than Volcano Huts, but more relaxed for it.
Best for:
Laugavegur hikers, quiet campers, and those who don’t mind basic facilities in exchange for a calmer atmosphere.
Booking is via the FI website.
3. Básar Huts
Facilities:
The most remote and rustic of the three. There are toilets and showers, a few indoor spaces for those staying in the hut, and camping on rocky grass. There’s also an indoor bar and restaurant, as well as a small shop in the rangers hut.
For campers, there are large pitches that would suit 4x4s or bigger tents. As there are trees, pitches can be sheltered too.
It has a feel of being more of a family camp site, with kids and dogs too.
Rates:
2.400 ISK per person in tent + tax 400 ISK per tent and 600 for showers. Rates for huts are 13.700 ISK.
Location:
Located south of Krossá, across a footbridge from the other two camps. The location is ideal if you’re walking the Fimmvörðuháls, which starts behind the site. That said, it’s the quietest site and surrounded by beautiful forested hills.
Verdict:
This is the wildest-feeling option. It’s got fewer mod cons, but you’re unlikely to be disturbed by day-trippers or coach groups. Great if you’re walking on or want somewhere peaceful.
Best for:
Peace and solitude, forest camping, or those continuing on to the Fimmvörðuháls trail. It’s also popular with families and Icelandic tourists staying for longer.
Booking and enquiries are via the Ultivist website.
Our take
We stayed in the area after bad weather forced us to reroute – and were glad for the hot showers and food at Volcano Huts. But if we were to return, we might opt for Langidalur for a quieter vibe and for better access to the Fimmvörðuháls trail.
Choose based on your route, how much comfort you need, and whether you want peace or facilities. Either way, Þórsmörk is worth the effort to reach – a green and magical corner of Iceland that feels genuinely special.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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