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Thakgil | Hiking in South Iceland
If you like the hiking in Iceland and you are going to travel in the summer, write down this name: Thakgil (Þakgil). It's one of those places that almost no one knows about, but that leaves you speechless.
Located in the south of Iceland, Thakgil It's a hidden valley between moss-covered canyons, towering glaciers, frozen rivers, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. And best of all: it's perfect for hiking away from mass tourism.
When we discovered it, we barely found any useful information, so in this guide we tell you All you need to know: How to get to Thakgil, its campsite, the best hikes, and why it's worth a spot on your Iceland itinerary.
Where is Thakgil
Thakgil meets outside the town of Vik direction to the highlands, that is, towards the center of Iceland. It has no loss, carretera 214 It starts at Hotel Katla, which is about a 5-minute drive from central Vik. From there it is 14 kilometers, it took us in a small car about 45 minutes one way, stopping to take photos and record with the drone, and 30 minutes back.
Can you get to Thakgil without a 4x4?
We had read all sorts of reviews on Google, but after doing the carWe can confirm that yes, During the summer months Thakgil is accessible to non-4x4 vehicles, you just have to drive with extreme caution.
It may be that in the past the carRoute 214 might be in worse condition, or if it has rained heavily it might be muddy and not advisable, but under normal conditions it's not too difficult. Although, of course, with a 4x4 or SUV you'll enjoy it much more, as we did driving through the Westfjords.
Campsite from Thakgil
If it fits into your route, I suggest staying one night at the campsite; it's worth the effort.carDedicate a full day to the area. To do this, it's best to have your own space. tent or traveling in a van camper. Also There are some cabins that you can rent on their website.
It is only open in summer From June 1st to September 15th, or 30th if the weather is good, the price is 2.300 ISK/person (€15). The rest of the year, if carThis area is accessible; you can go camping and sleep there, but it doesn't have any services.
routes of Hiking in Thakgil
Hay four main routes in Thakgil area and also a small additional trail from the campsite. In this article we give you information about everyone and our experience doing the yellow trail.
💡 Don't go out of the enabled trails, Icelandic moss is extremely fragile. It dies with a few steps and takes about 100 years to regenerate.
Trail map from Thakgil campsite
All trails are marked using wooden stakes with the color of the route on top. The path in the green areas is very well marked but in the sandy parts it is blurred so it is more important to pay attention to the stakes.
It's also a good idea to bring a map of Iceland.cargado in Maps.me, the Thakgil trails are marked on the map and you can see your location, which is very helpful if you get lost or want to know how far along the route you are.
1. Ravine Walk Campsite Canyon
This is the shortest and least exciting of the Thakgil hikes in the whole area, but it's well worth doing.carsand upon arrival to give you a first idea of what awaits you.
You can easily reach this hike from the campsite via a path that enters this enarrow ravine and ends in a pool with a small waterfall. The round trip is along the same path.
2. Blue Trail
This trail does not appear on most maps because it has been recently enabled. I have added it by hand to the map above based on the drawing they had at the campsite.
An simple path and perfect for families, people not used to walking in the mountains or if you don't have much time in the area but want to see something beyond the campsite.
3. Maelifell, Red trail
From Thakgil, the route will take you to the Midfellshellir cave, where the shepherds used to stay during the autumn. From there, you will follow the path ascending the Midafrétt mountain range on the east side of the Midtungugil canyon, until you reach the impressive Leynirfoss waterfall.
You will also pass through the Raufargil canyon, and you will descend through more impressive landscapes until you return to Thakgil.
The red path crosses 3 rivers with quite a flow, so it depends on the level of the river that closes the path (indicated at the campsite). Even in optimal conditions it can be dangerous if you do not have experience, it is recommended to bring trekking poles. It also has an area with a very narrow passage.
4. Remundargil Canyon, Purple trail
This route leads to the waterfall Remundargilsfoss in the Remundargil canyon and a viewpoint with 350 views of the Katla glacier. As it could not be otherwise, you will pass through canyons and very green landscapes. You can do it circular or round trip to the glacier viewpoint.
The lilac path leaves from the outskirts of the campsite and you have to cross a stream, it begins at the yellow shortcut that I have indicated on the map.
5. Austurafréttur Range (yellow trail)
The yellow path, along with the red one, are the Thakgil's most spectacular. Although it is the longest and with the most unevenness, it does not have great difficulties if you are used to walking in the mountains.
The path begins together with the red towards Midfellshellir cave and separates when the yellow one approaches the Huldujökull glacier. Unfortunately we missed this part because we were immersed in dense fog, from there you can see the cut of the glacier and a waterfall that usually falls from the ice.
The route advances parallel to the glacier between fields of black sand until the Katla Glacier, where the fog dissipated and we were able to enjoy incredible views. A mix of green, white and black, so typical of Iceland and so special.
We continued through lush moss and the most Icelandic landscapes to an incredible canyon, which can also be seen in the first kilometers of ascent from the campsite but was hidden from us by the fog.
We are undecided whether to put this one, or the Múlagljúfur In our top 1 of the most spectacular canyons we have seen in Iceland, whatever the case, they are both incredible.
The Austurafréttur Range is already taking us down to the Thakgil campsite among landscapes of lush moss, volcanic formations, small caves and canyons. Every kilometer you travel is worth it.
After the route we had many kilometers left to return to Egilstadir (where we work) so we shortened the last kilometers by taking a detour from the lilac trail (marked on the map). In total, including lunch breaks and photos, it took us about 6 hours.
6. Yellow + Red trail, the longest and most spectacular hiking route in Thakgil!
If all the previous Thakgil trails don't suit you, or you don't know which one to decide on, looking at the map you will notice that the red and yellow trail create a perfect circle, you can Join both routes to do the best of Thakgil in one day.
Other Routes of Hiking in Iceland
There are many routes you can add to your route, two of our favorites are the circle of waterfalls in eastern Iceland and the upper part of the waterfall Hengifoss.
After reading about Thakgil and seeing the photos, I hope you'll be inspired to discover this gem. One of our favorite places in Iceland, despite doing a good part of the trail in fog!
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