Þakgil
About Þakgil
Þakgil is a grassy canyon campsite tucked into the hills northeast of Vík, close enough to the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap that you can hike to a glacier viewpoint from your tent. The name means roof canyon, and the jagged, moss-covered ridges around the site make it one of the most dramatic places to camp on the South Coast.
Getting to Þakgil takes some commitment. Turn inland off the Ring Road just east of Vík onto Road 214, then follow about 14 to 16 km of rough gravel with steep, bumpy sections. It isn't an F-road, but a 4x4 or high-clearance car is the sensible choice, and there's no winter service. Plan on about three and a half hours from Reykjavík.
The Thakgil campsite has tent and camper pitches, a handful of small cabins, toilets and showers. Its best feature is the dining room, a natural cave fitted with a grill and a fireplace. Camping costs 3,000 ISK per person aged 12 and over, according to the operator.
Marked trails start right at the site, from a short walk into a side canyon with a small waterfall to the longer Remundargil route that climbs to a view over the Kötlujökull glacier. Most people stay at least two nights to hike in daylight without rushing. The site is open in summer only and the operator lists September 30 as its closing date, so check thakgil.is for the opening date before you drive in.
Good to know
How do you get to Þakgil?
Turn off the Ring Road just east of Vík onto Road 214 (Kerlingardalsvegur) and drive about 14 to 16 km of rough gravel. The campsite is roughly 20 km from Vík in total.
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Thakgil?
Road 214 is not an F-road, but it is steep, bumpy gravel, so a 4x4 or high-clearance car is the safer choice. Drive slowly, and avoid it after heavy rain.
When is Thakgil campsite open?
Only in summer. The operator lists September 30 as the closing date, and the road has no winter service, so check thakgil.is for the opening date.
How much does it cost to camp at Þakgil?
The operator lists camping at 3,000 ISK per person aged 12 and over, with one shower per night included. Cabins are priced separately.
What hikes start at Þakgil?
Marked trails leave from the campsite, including a short walk to a waterfall in a side canyon and the longer Remundargil hike, about 12 km round trip, to a viewpoint over the Kötlujökull glacier.
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