Hike Distance
~4 km round trip
Approximately 1.5-2 hours for the full exploration
Stakkholtsgjá Gorge in Þórsmörk
A narrow gorge deep in Þórsmörk, with tall moss-draped walls and a waterfall tucked away at the far end.
Location
Þórsmörk
South Iceland Highlands
Stakkholtsgjá is a narrow gorge in the Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) valley of South Iceland. The gorge cuts deep into the mountainside, and its walls close in as you walk further inside. The walls are blanketed in thick, bright green moss, and a shallow stream runs along the floor. At the very end of the gorge, a waterfall cascades from the rocks above into a small pool. The walls are sometimes just a few meters apart and rise dozens of meters overhead. Reaching Þórsmörk requires glacial river crossings, so you need a modified 4WD vehicle or the highland bus.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
River crossings required to reach Þórsmörk. Do not attempt in a regular car. Waterproof boots essential for the gorge hike.
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Official sources to check
Access
4WD / Bus Only
Glacial river crossings required to reach Þórsmörk
Season
June – September
Only accessible during summer months
What to Expect
Narrow Moss Walls
Tall canyon walls blanketed in thick green moss, sometimes only meters apart
Hidden Waterfall
A waterfall at the deepest point of the gorge, falling into a small pool
Stream Walking
The path follows and sometimes crosses a shallow stream along the canyon floor
Þórsmörk Setting
The surrounding valley is ringed by glaciers and mountains
Inside the Gorge
Sound echoes between the green walls, and light filters down from the narrow opening above
Adventure Access
Getting to Þórsmörk means fording glacial rivers by modified 4WD or highland bus
Getting There
Stakkholtsgjá is located in Þórsmörk (Thorsmork), accessible via Route 249 from the South Coast. From Route 1, turn onto Route 249 near Hella (about 95 km east of Reykjavík). The road requires crossing several glacial rivers, including the wide Krossá river, which can only be forded with a modified super jeep or by taking the scheduled Highland bus services. Trex and Reykjavík Excursions run buses from Reykjavík and Hella to Þórsmörk daily during summer (approximately June through September). The bus ride from Reykjavík takes about 4 hours. From the Þórsmörk campsite at Básar, the gorge entrance is about a 20-minute walk west along a well-marked trail. Regular rental cars cannot make the river crossings; attempting to do so voids insurance and is extremely dangerous. The Básar and Húsadalur campsites in Þórsmörk have basic facilities including restrooms and a small shop.
Best Time to Visit
Stakkholtsgjá is only accessible from approximately mid-June through mid-September when the Þórsmörk bus services operate and river conditions allow safe crossing. July is the peak month with the warmest temperatures (10-15°C), greenest moss, and longest daylight. August has similar conditions with slightly fewer visitors. Early September brings autumn tones, but bus services begin to wind down and river levels can rise unpredictably. June access depends on river conditions from spring melt. The gorge can be visited in light rain, but heavy rainfall raises water levels in the stream quickly and can make the deeper sections to the hidden waterfall hard or impossible to reach. Dry spells of 2-3 days produce the lowest stream levels and easiest access to the waterfall at the gorge's end. From October through May, Þórsmörk is completely inaccessible.
Planning help
Stakkholtsgjá Gorge FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.