Mountain bikers explore Thorsmork trails

Mountain biking offers extensive opportunities in Thorsmork, where rugged scenery, river crossings and accessible trails attract riders, mbl.is reports. Snorri Gudjonsson, who has cycled for decades, says the region is an ideal destination for outdoor activities.

Snorri recently travelled with his friend Magnus Gunnarsson to Basar in Goðaland, where they stayed over the holiday weekend and set out on mountain bike trips through Thorsmork. They rode from Basar to the Krossá river, carried their bicycles across a footbridge and continued into the region.

From Valahnukur, they travelled south of Merkurrani and then into Husadalur. Snorri says the area has good trails, with some land levelled and slopes made easier for cyclists. Walking paths are also useful, although they are different from cycling trails and cannot be ridden up stairs or steps.

Langidalur also offers opportunities for cycling, including a route along the western side of the Krossá. Riders can follow the river as far as its source at Krossarjokull, a glacier flowing from Myrdalsjokull.

Snorri describes the landscape around the region as striking, including the highlands beyond Langidalur, the Tindfjoll mountains, beautiful birch forests and rocky islands in the river’s gravel flats.

During the recent trip, Snorri and Magnus rode sturdy mountain bikes with wide tyres. Snorri says electric assistance made the journey faster and easier.

He also points to cycling opportunities near the capital area, including Heidmork, Reynisvatnsheidi, Holmsheidi and Ulfarsfell. A convenient trail leads up Ulfarsfell, he says, and from the summit there is an exceptional view across the city.