Thjorsardalur is a broad valley on the edge of the southern highlands of Iceland. It lies inland from the south coast lowlands, where the highlands begin. The Thjorsa is about 230 kilometres long.
Iceland's longest river
Thjorsardalur is shaped by the river Thjorsa, Iceland's longest river.
Hekla and the buried farms
The volcano Hekla stands nearby, on the edge of the valley. A major eruption of Hekla in 1104 buried farms in the valley under ash. Hekla stands nearby on the edge of the valley.
Stong and Thjodveldisbaer
The farm at Stong was abandoned after that eruption and was later excavated by archaeologists. A full-size reconstruction of a turf farmhouse, Thjodveldisbaer, was built nearby to show how people lived in the Commonwealth era.
Waterfalls and sights
The valley holds the waterfall Haifoss and the smaller green valley Gjain.
Visiting Thjorsardalur and highland tours
You can compare highland tours to see the current options.
Check access conditions
Before travelling for Thjorsardalur Valley Iceland: Key Facts, consult Iceland road conditions for the latest status on the roads you will use.
