valley of thor, iceland
DATES_flexible to suit you
ABOUT THE TRIP
Nestled in the heart of the nature reserve between two magical glaciers you'll find Þórsmörk (Thórsmörk) or Valley of Thor. The mountain and valley to which this area is named provide popular hiking routes including Laugavegur trail. We choose to only touch on this route for a few kilometres before finding our own way nearby. We encounter less trodden trails but equally as jaw-dropping. With so much to see in Iceland, we recommend you give yourself a few more days one side of the retreat. In close proximity are many famous tourist attractions including Skógafoss waterfall, Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park.
OVERVIEW
TRAIL RUNNING: 45KM OVER 2 DAYS
total ASCENT: 1500M
DURATION: 3-5 HOURS PER DAY
GRADE: CHALLENGING
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1-night traditional Icelandic chalet or local hotel on a twin share basis. 2 nights remote cabin, these are simple and work on 4 to a room bunk-bed basis.
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All-inclusive: All meals provided by accommodation hosts
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2 carefully curated guided trail runs. Designed by runners for runners
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Expert running guide throughout. Qualified Leader & Outdoor First Aider and experienced ultra-marathon runner
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Training plan prior to departure
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Exclusive Nomadic Runner discount on future trips
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Unique trail running experience, off the beaten track
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We plant trees! Instead of providing you with another T-shirt or medal, we mitigate the carbon involved with all our guest's flights for the trip
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We offer this as groups only, please contact us to discuss. Typically 4 or more can be accommodated.
PRICE
FROM £1250 per person
itinerary
day 01
Arrive and settle into the accommodation. Put your feet up, meet the team over an evening meal.
day 02
Breakfast will be available early giving us time for food to settle before heading off. First, we catch a 4x4 bus to take us to Thórsmörk, a remote and wild valley. Drop our bags at our new accommodation, take a final kit check and stretch before heading out on our first run. This sees us run along the valley and gently climb to one of the highest peaks in the area, Rjúpnafell. From here you get magnificent views in all directions and we take a moment to take it all in. After this, we descend to run beneath Tindfjoll and get a view of the river Krossa before heading back to our accommodation through lush green vegetation. The trails in this area can be technical underfoot with volcanic rock, we take our time and remember to enjoy the view. The afternoon is at your own leisure, relaxing back at base, or using the sauna and naturally heated pool facilities that are located nearby.
day 03
After breakfast and a warm-up we head out on a marginally shorter but no less spectacular run. This sees us join the fimmvörðuháls hike for a few km, before following the valley floor and river Hvanna. Two further small summits up Vestrihattur and Valahnukur form the final part of the days trail running. Back for lunch we rest and unwind for the remainder of the day ahead of the evening meal.
day 04
The team and guests share breakfast, say goodbye to Thórsmörk and head back to Hvolsvöllur via 4x4 bus. If you plan to fly home immediately please make sure that an evening flight is booked. However, with so much to see in Iceland, it's well worth and extra few days to explore if you can afford the time.
GETTING HERE
Fly:
Directly to Reykjavik Airport (Keflavik) . Routes are served by a selection of international and budget airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways. A host of car rental companies are available at good value prices.
Drive:
Reykjavik airport - Hvolsvöllur (2hrs)
We recommend car sharing where possible and are able to put you in touch with fellow guests should you be on the same or similar flights.
Accommodation
For this retreat we split the accommodation between two locations. First a guesthouse/hotel in Hvolsvöllur on a twin share basis.
We then relocate to Thórsmörk and due to its remote location there is simply not many options. We choose a private cabin for 4 with bunk beds, each has a small kitchenette. Shower and WC facilities are shared. There is however a sauna and naturally heat pool for all guests.
Main meals will be included Friday pm - Monday am and prepared by the guesthouse hosts. We provide some additional snacks for our guests but any additional food and drink outside of this will be not be included.
WHAT YOU NEED
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Comprehensive Insurance to cover you for this type of activity.
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In brief, your trail running kit! We'll provide a breakdown of what this might look like upon booking confirmation.
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Flights & travel to and from start/finish point (note: any transfers during the trip are covered by us)
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Local currency
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Any necessary visas
IMPORTANT NOTES
For our cancellation policy please see our terms and conditions.
Not included in booking fee:
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Any additional costs that are otherwise not stated under the booking (inc. insurance, additional food, drink & tips)
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Flights and travel to accommodation (transfers during the trip are covered)
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Additional activities, food and beverages unless otherwise stated
Further Info:
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Although we try our very best to keep to the itinerary and accommodation listed under each trip these are subject to change with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will notify guests of any changes at the earliest possible moment.