A miniature forest
Ferns, moss and dwarf trees — what Iceland was before settlement.
Syrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Syrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Syrio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Syrio — CC BY-SA 4.0
A narrow gorge covered in moss and ferns in southern Iceland near the entrance to the Þórsmörk valley, ending at a small waterfall hidden inside the rock. What makes it distinctive is the access: to get in you must walk up the stream bed itself between the walls, and at one section a rope fixed into the rock helps you climb a short pitch. The result is that reaching the waterfall feels like a discovery rather than a visit. The vegetation here is striking: the gorge gives shelter from the wind and constant moisture, so ferns, moss and dwarf trees grow at a density unusual in the exposed south of Iceland. These small plant pockets show what the island was like before settlement stripped its woodland. Decisive practical points: getting wet is guaranteed — you walk in the water. The rocks are slippery and the rope is necessary at one section. Not suitable for anyone afraid of confined spaces or with balance problems. The track to the car park is gravel and may need a vehicle with reasonable clearance.
Ferns, moss and dwarf trees — what Iceland was before settlement.
The end of the gorge is invisible from outside — arriving feels like discovery.
One short pitch needs climbing with the help of a fixed rope.
Near Þórsmörk, south Iceland
At settlement in the ninth century about a quarter of the island was covered in birch woodland. It was cut for building and fuel, and sheep grazed what remained and prevented regeneration, so the woods disappeared over centuries and the volcanic soil was exposed to the wind. Large reforestation efforts are under way today. Pockets like this gorge survived because sheep cannot reach them.
Older children who can wade and climb with a rope, yes — and they will enjoy it greatly. Young children, no: the rocks are slippery and the final pitch needs balance and strength. You can stay in the first part of the gorge with them without going deep.
Sign in to write your review of this place.
No reviews yet — be the first.