A Day in Þórsmörk: Waterfalls, Wilderness, and Ecosystem Restoration

Last Friday, the GRÓ LRT fellows went on a one-day field trip to the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve, with a focus on ecosystem restoration, resilience, and disaster risk reduction, along with some sightseeing.

The day started with visits to Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, two of Iceland’s well-known waterfalls. The weather was calm and the views impressive; a good way to begin the trip.

The group then continued to Básar in Goðaland, located in Þórsmörk, an area surrounded by glaciers and mountains. There, the fellows learned about land restoration efforts in the area, and how they help prevent erosion and support healthier ecosystems. Þórsmörk is an example of how long-term restoration work can improve resilience in fragile environments.

After lunch at Básar, the group took a short hike on Eystri Hattur, to explore the area further and observe the results of restoration work in the landscape.

On the way back to Reykjavík, there was a final stop at Nauthúsagil, a narrow ravine with a small stream and steep rock walls with trees hanging down from the cliffs above.

This trip gave the fellows a chance to connect further what they have learned in the programme to real examples in the field, and to spend time together in Icelandic nature before the programme ends later this month.