Let's stay in southern Iceland, near the Katla volcano – a place that has always fascinated me. During a road trip with a group in 2019, I discovered the extraordinary Þakgil (Thakgil) campsite. We arrived late at night, and it wasn't until I stepped out of my tent the next morning that I could fully take in its beauty. A flat valley surrounded by moss-covered hills lay before me, like something from a fairytale. I wrote about it shortly after returning from that trip. The place left such a lasting impression that I returned during last year's summer vacation - and I know it won't be our last meeting.
That second visit was short again and left me even more longing than the first. Due to prior arrangements with my travel companion, there was no chance for any trekking, even though there was plenty of trails offering unforgettable experiences. Luckily, I now live in Iceland, and another holiday under Katla is within reach.
The road to the campsite.
It was a bit challenging, and a 4x4 was useful, but I also saw a few regular cars that managed to make it there. The landscapes along the way more than made up for the effort. It was impossible to drive the route without stopping to admire the views.
On the way to the campsite, we are right below the Katla volcano, which is covered by a massive glacier. In the event of an eruption, huge amounts of ice melt, and water collects beneath the glacier. When it finally breaks free, it causes a glacial flood (in Icelandic, jökulhlaup). The main flow of water moves across the vast Mýrdalssandur outwash plain, along which the road runs.
The plain was formed as a result of glacial floods and stretches all the way to the ocean, creating a landscape that is both harsh and beautiful at the same time. Countless winding glacial rivers meander through the valley, constantly changing their courses.
It is a desert dominated by the black volcanic sediments and the bright green of the moss.
The last major eruption occurred in 1918, and based on the statistics, the next one could be just around the corner. However, it’s important to remember that even increased geothermal activity can cause a flood beneath the glacier – and this happens quite often. The most recent one occurred shortly before my visit (in July 2024), damaging a section of the national Route 1. Knowing all this, a trip to the Þakgil campsite takes on a whole new dimension.
The best viewpoint on the road
...and one of the best I've ever seen. As I mentioned, it’s impossible to drive the road leading to the campsite without stopping. Even if someone is in a hurry, they should stop at least once – at a spot where an unobstructed view opens up, showing a vast stretch of the Mýrdalssandur plain.
This is the path the floodwaters will follow if Katla fully awakens.
A simple turn is enough to see the ice cap of Mýrdalsjökull glacier covering the volcano.
At the viewpoint, you'll find informational signs about the Katla Geopark. It's a vast protected area that includes unique volcanic and glacial landscapes. Within it, you'll find attractions such as the Sólheimajökull glacier I described in my previous post, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Also, the Þakgil canyon and the campsite of the same name, located at its entrance.
The campsite area
It can only be reached through a narrow passage along the river. It is surrounded by mountains and has a perfectly flat surface, giving it a somewhat surreal feeling.
The atmosphere of this place is extraordinary. The sense of complete isolation from the world, combined with the proximity of Katla, made me keep glancing at the mouth of the gorge, expecting to see some strange creatures – or at least the Army of the Dead straight out of the LOTR ;)
The kitchen and dining area are located in a small cave lit by candles.
You know what I find curious? I always take so few pictures at this campsite. It's like I completely forget about it, getting lost in the fairytale-like reality.
I would really love to come back here next summer for at least a few days. This time, I plan to go for a proper trek and explore the area. Third time’s the charm!
What an outstanding experience! Absolutely stunning is your account of the Þakgil campsite. The picture you create—the mossy hills, the plain valley, the odd sensation of loneliness, even the candlelit cave kitchen—is very clear and enthralling. I almost sense the wonder of the site.
The juxtaposition of the beautiful beauty with the threatening presence of Katla volcano and the possibility of a jökulhlaup lends the trip an exciting twist. It highlights the trip even more. The photographs are wonderful too; they exactly capture the spirit of the area. Particularly appealing is the photo of the point of view over the Mýrdalssandur plain. That is a perspective I would like to see myself.
I&'m quite pleased you brought up the Katla Geopark. It sounds like a fantastic region to discover, and definitely it would be on my travel bucket list. The arduous journey to the campsite also appeals to me—it seems like an actual adventure in and of itself!
Your tale has motivated me to look for more isolated and special camping spots around. Thanks for your wonderful account! I am eagerly looking forward to your next journey report—we hope you can tour that next summer!
Thank you for your comment, I'm happy that I could share this experience!
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It is amazing how nature shapes its own form. The way it expresses itself and generates its identity is unique. The most impressive thing is how it forms itself to leave a view to human beings.
The scenes are worthy of a movie, Iceland is beautiful. Interesting that the volcano has not erupted for years, but everything now looks like this.
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Absolutely breathtaking! The photos of Thakgil campsite and the surrounding landscapes are incredible, it's no wonder you feel a sense of isolation and magic there.
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Wow, Þakgil sounds like something straight out of a Viking fairytale! A hidden gem where you half-expect elves to pop out from behind mossy hills—or at least a very confused tourist. 😆 Hope Katla stays asleep for your next visit!
I hope so too :D
Ufff are very harmonious scenery, lots of green, it's all a beauty without a doubt. Greetings !
Greetings from Iceland :)
woooo looks like another planet but it is awesome at the same time :D i love it
I'm happy you like it!
Wow! Beautiful landscapes. This reminds me so much of our own Mt. Pinatubo here. 😁
woow, it's so beautiful there, indeed a similar vibe!
Greetings 😁 wow, Þakgil Campsite is truly a place to behold. Worthy of a review for the community. The desolation, the untouched contact of nature and the atmosphere it has in general is overpowering.
Greetings from Iceland, thank you for stoping by!
This looks so pretty witnessing this first hand omyyy
🙂 yes, it was so unreal!
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Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Your post has been manually curated by the @worldmappin team. If you like what we're doing, please drop by to check out all the rest of today's great posts and consider supporting other authors like yourself and us so we can keep the project going!Will have to follow you since Nordic countries have our favourite type of scenery. Iceland has been a dream for a decade now but we just never find the right time to go there.
I also love northern vibes, and I’m happy to share this with you. I hope that one day you’ll finally find time for Iceland :)
That is completely different from what I thought iceland was, stunning pics that you have taken my favorite is the round green patches
i wonder how amazing it would be to be personally here. the place looks so peaceful and stunning.