Thakgil is a campsite in a gorge in South Iceland, inland from Vík. Mountains stand on every side, and the dining area sits inside a cave. Hiking trails start at the site itself: the yellow loop runs 14 km to a viewpoint over the ice cap, and a waterfall is about eight minutes away. The drive in crosses lava fields on a mountain road. There is no mobile signal and no wifi.
- Entrance
- Camping fee, payable on site
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- Parking
- Free parking at the site.
- Difficulty
- Trails start at the campsite and are marked with posts with coloured tops. The yellow loop is 14 km, about five hours round trip with stops, and climbs to a viewpoint over the ice cap.
- Transport
- 4x4 advised — Route 214, 14 km gravel from near Vík
- Advance booking
- Recommended for cabins in peak summer
- Address
- Route 214 (Kerlingardalsvegur), 871 Vík
What makes it special
Thakgil sits in a bowl of green mountains, in a gorge inland from Vík. The drive in is half the reason people come: a mountain road across lava fields, with long views and tight spots. Trails leave straight from the campsite and are marked with posts with coloured tops. Two and a half hours of walking brings views of the glacier, and the yellow loop runs 14 km to a viewpoint over the ice cap. A waterfall about eight minutes from the site is cold enough for a plunge, and people use it as one.
Good to know
- No signal: there is no mobile coverage and no wifi at Thakgil. Download your hiking maps before you drive in.
- The road: narrow in places, with awkward passing when a car comes the other way. Do not attempt it in wet weather.
- Washing: the showers run hot and the toilets are clean.
- Dogs: allowed at the site.
- Payment: credit cards, debit cards and contactless are accepted.
Getting there
The last stretch to Thakgil is a mountain road across lava fields. It is narrow in places, and meeting an oncoming car means one of you finds a spot to pull in. Take a 4x4. In dry summer conditions a two-wheel-drive camper van has made it through, but the road is not worth attempting in the wet. Cars stop at the campsite, and the walking starts there: the trailheads are at the site, not further on.
Best time to visit
Best: dry summer days. The road in is manageable when dry, and the 14 km yellow loop takes about five hours with stops, which summer daylight covers easily.
Avoid: wet weather. The mountain road is not one to take on in the rain, and everything about a visit here depends on getting in and out of the gorge.
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Thakgil on the map
The road in is narrow, with tight sections where two cars meeting have to squeeze past. Do not drive it in wet weather. On the long trails there is no mobile signal to call for help.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Thakgil?
The road in is a mountain road across lava fields, and a 4x4 is the safe choice. In dry summer conditions a two-wheel-drive camper van has driven it, but wet weather is a different matter.Is there mobile signal or wifi?
No. Neither works at Thakgil, so download your hiking maps before you arrive.Can you visit without camping?
Yes. The hiking trails start at the campsite, and the drive in is worth it on its own.How long is the yellow loop trail?
14 km round trip, about five hours with photo stops and a break at the top. It climbs to a viewpoint over the ice cap and is marked with posts with coloured tops.Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed at the site.