South Iceland is one of the most visited regions in Iceland, and for a reason. The number of amazing natural attractions that can be found in this part of the country is incredibly high, and many travelers choose this area to spend several days doing a road trip. The region is well connected by road, and there are plenty of places to park your campervan and spend the night.
Some of the places here have gained international fame, but others remain almost hidden. These are real treasures that only a few know about, but they are absolutely staggering. One of them is Þakgil, a quiet valley surrounded by mountains wrapped in green moss, just at the feet of a massive glacier. For campervan travelers seeking solitude and raw beauty, Þakgil offers a perfect blend of adventure and peace, far from the crowded tourist trails.
Key Takeaways
Þakgil is a narrow and green valley located in South Iceland.
There’s a campsite there with space for campervans.
It’s really close to Mýrdalsjökull glacier, and there are several hiking trails to explore the area.
What’s Þakgil?
Þakgil is a quiet and secluded valley at the edge of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in South Iceland, roughly 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the village of Vík. Its name can also be spelled Thakgil (the Icelandic character Þ is like ‘th’ in English) and means “roof canyon.” It’s a narrow valley surrounded by cliffs covered in green moss that shield it from the fierce winds that often whip across the island. The most striking thing about its look is the contrast of colors and textures: A stream carves its way at the bottom of the valley between rocks blanketed in green, with towering peaks close by. If the day is clear, you’ll also feel the constant presence of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
The canyon has been created by the interaction of two of the natural forces that have shaped Iceland: glaciers and volcanoes. That’s the reason why Iceland is often referred to as the “Land of Ice and Fire”. The active Katla volcano is hidden beneath Mýrdalsjökull, and its eruptions -the most recent in 1999- have created huge changes in the region’s landscape. But fear not, as the authorities are constantly monitoring the volcanic activity in the country and know how to proceed in the unlikely event of an eruption.
For visitors, Þakgil is a playground. There are lots of hiking trails that go through canyons and get to different viewing points, with vistas of black volcanic deserts and green slopes. For those passionate about photography, there are endless opportunities here. The area is extremely beautiful, but the different light conditions in each season or within the same day create different atmospheres.
Where’s Þakgil and How to Get There
Þakgil lies about 200 kilometers (124 miles) southeast of Reykjavík, so it’s quite easy to get there from the capital in a day.
Start by heading east on Route 1, the famous Ring Road, passing through the towns of Selfoss and Hella. The landscapes you’ll drive through are amazing, so take your time and make stops if you feel like it. After 3 hours, more or less, you’ll pass Vík. 5 kilometers (3 miles) after, you’ll see a sign pointing left that says Þakgil and another sign for Route 214 (Kerlingardalsvegur). You’ll see Hotel Katla just at the crossroad. Then it’s 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) till you reach the camping and parking area. It’s not an F-road, so a standard campervan can handle it, but go slow, as there can be potholes and bumps that require driving with caution, especially in wet weather.
The journey ends at Þakgil’s campsite, where you’ll find ample space for campervans, as well as tent spaces and cabins. Some of the hiking routes in the area start just there, so there’s no need to travel further to start exploring.
Where to Stay in Þakgil and Nearby
Campervan travelers have plenty of options for parking up near Þakgil, each with its own vibe and amenities. Here’s a rundown of the best spots:
Þakgil Camping Ground
Distance: Just there!
Price: Adults (12 and above) 2400 ISK ($18 or €17)
One of the best things about Þakgil, apart from its astonishing appearance, is that there’s a camping area on site. It offers spaces for campervans, clean toilets, hot showers, and an outdoor dishwashing sink. There are also wooden cabins for up to 4 people that can be rented. It’s open from June 1 to September 30.
Vík Camping
Distance: 20 km/12 miles from Þakgil
Price: Adults 2000 ISK ($15 or €14)
Vík í Mýrdal is a great place to use as a base to explore Þakgil and the south coast. It has campervan pitches, restrooms, showers (for a small fee), and electricity hookups. There are shops, restaurants, and gas stations, so it’s perfect for restocking.
Skógar Campsite
Distance: 55 km/34 miles from Þakgil
Price: Adults (from 14) 2200 ISK ($16.5 or €15.50)
Near the famous Skógafoss waterfall, this spot is about an hour from Þakgil. It provides campervan spaces, toilets, showers, and a cooking area, surrounded by grassy fields and mountain views.
Volcano Huts Þórsmörk
Distance: 110 km/68 miles from Þakgil
Price: Adults 3900 ISK ($29.50 or €27.50)
This one is a bit far away from Þakgil and can only be accessed in the summer months, but the location is astonishing. Þórsmörk is a beautiful green valley in the south of the Icelandic Highlands. This site requires a 4x4 campervan due to river crossings on the access road. It offers parking, toilets, showers, and a restaurant, plus access to stunning hikes.
Básar Camping Ground
Distance: 112 km/69 miles from Þakgil
Price: 2200 ISK ($16.5 or €15.50)
Also in Þórsmörk, Básar is another 4x4-only option with campervan parking, basic toilets, and showers. It’s surrounded by birch woods and mountains, and it’s a peaceful retreat after a day at Þakgil.
Kirkjubær Camping Ground
Distance: 83 km/52 miles from Þakgil
Adults (13 and above) 2000 ISK ($15 or €14)
Closer to Vík and just off the Ring Road, this small site near the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur offers campervan spots, toilets, and a quiet setting. It’s a good midway stop if you’re exploring beyond Þakgil.
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The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and can change at a moment’s notice. The south of the country is not as cold as the north, but it rains quite a lot. However, Þakgil’s location, inside a valley, protects it from the wind, as it is not as exposed as other places. Bear in mind that the camping site is only open from June to September and that the road leading up to Þakgil can be closed in winter if the weather is too harsh.
Spring (April and May)
Temperatures move between 2°C and 8°C (36°F-46°F), with occasional rain or snowmelt. The days grow longer, but trails may still be muddy or icy, so timing is key: late May is safer for campervan trips.
Summer (June to August)
This is the best time to go, with highs between 10°C and 15°C (50°F-59°F) and long daylight hours, with almost 24 hours of natural light at the end of June. Rain is common but brief, and the valley looks at its best.
Autumn (September and October)
The cold starts to gradually arrive, with temperatures dropping to 0°C-10°C (32°F-50°F). The moss gets different colors, but the wind is stronger, and the trails are wet and muddy. The campsite closes at the end of September, so plan accordingly.
Winter (November to March)
Þakgil is visually beautiful when covered in snow, but the conditions can be quite hard. Route 214 may close, and camping isn’t an option, so it’s not the best time to plan a trip up there.
What to Wear at Þakgil
It’s important to pack smart to be comfortable and safe in Þakgil. The weather can swift instantly, so it’s essential to adapt to these changes.
Dress in layers: Use a thermal inner layer, and a fleece or wool sweater.
Waterproof jacket and pants: Rain can strike anytime, and wet trails are common.
Sturdy hiking boots: good grip and proper ankle support, as the trails can be slippery.
Hat and gloves: Even in summer, the nights can be chilly or the temperatures drop suddenly.
Quick-dry clothing: Stay comfortable if you get damp from streams or showers.
What to See and Do Near Þakgil
As we have mentioned earlier, South Iceland is full of great places to visit.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (25 km/15 miles)
Just west of Vík, this is an iconic black sand beach with basalt columns and the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the Atlantic. It’s a great place to take a walk and soak in the breeze of the Atlantic, but be careful, the waves here, called “sneaker waves” come out of nowhere and are really strong. Near the beach you can find Dyrhólaey, a promontory with natural rock arches. It’s a great place to see puffins, especially during the summer months when they come to nest.
Skógafoss (50 km/31 miles)
One of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, Skógafoss plunges 60 meters into a misty pool. It’s just off the Ring Road, and there’s a free parking area right at its base. You can also climb the staircase to the top for fantastic views of the area, but bear in mind that it’s 527 steps.
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier (visible from Þakgil)
This massive ice cap, covering the Katla volcano, is an excellent backdrop for the hiking trails in Þakgil. It’s a massive presence, and it can be visited on a guided tour. If not, you can just enjoy the view from a distance.
Remundargil is a beautiful canyon that is part of the Þakgil valley. There’s a steep but rewarding trail that starts near the Þakgil campsite, leading to this narrow ravine carved by a glacial river. The path goes past moss-covered cliffs and a small waterfall, offering a quieter, more intimate experience. It’s about an hour round-trip, depending on your pace.
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (45 km/28 miles)
If you’re looking for a touch of history, the DC-3 plane wreck is also one of the most photographed places in South Iceland. In 1973, a US Navy DC-3 plane crashed in Sólheimasandur due to fuel shortage. While all crew members survived, the aircraft was left behind and has become an increasingly popular destination. The contrast between the fuselage and the black sand on this remote beach is astonishing. It's perfect for taking pictures.
Travel Tips
A campervan trip to Þakgil takes a little preparation. Here you have some practical advice to keep your adventure on track:
Check the road conditions: The weather can have a huge impact on the roads in Iceland, and some may close if it’s too adverse. While the road leading up to Þakgil is not an F-road, it’s gravel, so always check the status before heading out, especially in winter.
Stock up in Vík: Þakgil has no shops or gas stations, so buy groceries, water, and snacks, and fill up your tank at the N1 or Krónan in Vík, which is the closest town.
Bring a map or offline GPS: Cell phone service can be low or nonexistent at some parts of Þakgil. It’s a good idea to download offline maps on your phone or bring an old-school paper map.
Pack extra water: The stream at Þakgil isn’t potable, and the campsite only offers basic facilities. Bring at least a few liters per person per day in your campervan for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth.
Leave no trace: Þakgil is a beautiful natural area that seems untouched, and we all need to play our part so it keeps that way.Pack out all the trash you generate.
Conclusion
Many places in Iceland seem to be away from human development. Natural jewels that show the rawest of Iceland and that often leave visitors speechless. Þakgil is, without a doubt, one of them. Even if it feels away from everything, it’s well connected and close to some of the best monuments in South Iceland. Don’t hesitate and add this stop to your campervan adventure. You won’t regret it.
