Located off F‑249 amidst the lush Þórsmörk Valley, Básar Campsite sits within a birch-forested meadow offering immediate access to incredible trails, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes. This site is ideal for travelers with 4×4 vehicles seeking both adventure and rustic comfort in one of Iceland’s most verdant regions.
Access & Vehicle Requirements
To reach Básar, visitors must turn off Ring Road (Route 1) near Seljalandsfoss onto road 249, which becomes F‑249. Several unbridged glacial rivers must be forded—only well-equipped 4×4 vehicles should attempt this route. River conditions change quickly, so check in with local rangers before setting off.
Facilities & Atmosphere
At Básar, you can choose to camp in flat, grassy areas or shaded spots in the surrounding birch forest. Amenities include:
- Cold drinking water, toilets, and an outdoor grill
- Showers (≈ 600 ISK per use)
- Sleeping-bag accommodation inside cabins is available (hut capacity up to 75 people)
- Dogs allowed on a leash
- Communal bonfires every Saturday evening during summer months (weather permitting)
Hiking & Local Attractions
Básar serves as a central hub for several scenic hiking routes in Þórsmörk:
- Básahringurinn loop: Gentle one-hour walk offering views of Þórsmörk, Réttarfell, and surrounding ridgelines
- Réttarfell viewpoint: Perfect for panoramic photography and sunset hikes
- Hvannárgil canyon: A fairytale-like gorge with dramatic rock formations and mossy walls
- Útigönguhöfði: A challenging walk for panoramic views of the valley, glaciers, and distant ridges
- Fimmvörðuháls trail: Access the famous pass between glaciers (popular one-day or two-day hike to Skógar)
Pricing 2025
- Campsite facilities: 2,400 ISK per person
- Cabin hut accommodation: 13,700 ISK per night (indoor bunk bed lodging)
- Shower access: 600 ISK
- Lodging tax: 400 ISK per tent
- Free admission for children under 12
Payments are accepted at the ranger’s hut, and some services may require cash or card on arrival. Booking ahead is recommended for overnight hut stays but not required for campsite pitches.
Why Visit Básar?
- Accessible wild highland base: Easier to reach than Húsadalur or Volcano Huts, yet still deep in Þórsmörk, no need to cross Crossa River.
- Forest-meadow setting: Rare shade and shelter in Iceland’s highlands
- Hiking central: Ideal starting point for trails across Þórsmörk
- Local community feel: Run by Útivist, with occasional bonfires and huts attended by wardens
- Spectacular views and solitude: Even in mid-summer, the site remains pleasantly uncrowded
Final Tips
- Arrive prepared with proper gear, river-crossing experience, and an awareness of swiftly changing weather and river levels.
- Check info and weather forecast before departing.
- For hikers, plan your route ahead—asks about sleeping-bag hut bookings if you want indoor lodging.
Located off F‑249 amidst the lush Þórsmörk Valley, Básar Campsite sits within a birch-forested meadow offering immediate access to incredible trails, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes. This site is ideal for travelers with 4×4 vehicles seeking both adventure and rustic comfort in one of Iceland’s most verdant regions.
Access & Vehicle Requirements
To reach Básar, visitors must turn off Ring Road (Route 1) near Seljalandsfoss onto road 249, which becomes F‑249. Several unbridged glacial rivers must be forded—only well-equipped 4×4 vehicles should attempt this route. River conditions change quickly, so check in with local rangers before setting off.
Facilities & Atmosphere
At Básar, you can choose to camp in flat, grassy areas or shaded spots in the surrounding birch forest. Amenities include:
- Cold drinking water, toilets, and an outdoor grill
- Showers (≈ 600 ISK per use)
- Sleeping-bag accommodation inside cabins is available (hut capacity up to 75 people)
- Dogs allowed on a leash
- Communal bonfires every Saturday evening during summer months (weather permitting)
Hiking & Local Attractions
Básar serves as a central hub for several scenic hiking routes in Þórsmörk:
- Básahringurinn loop: Gentle one-hour walk offering views of Þórsmörk, Réttarfell, and surrounding ridgelines
- Réttarfell viewpoint: Perfect for panoramic photography and sunset hikes
- Hvannárgil canyon: A fairytale-like gorge with dramatic rock formations and mossy walls
- Útigönguhöfði: A challenging walk for panoramic views of the valley, glaciers, and distant ridges
- Fimmvörðuháls trail: Access the famous pass between glaciers (popular one-day or two-day hike to Skógar)
Pricing 2025
- Campsite facilities: 2,400 ISK per person
- Cabin hut accommodation: 13,700 ISK per night (indoor bunk bed lodging)
- Shower access: 600 ISK
- Lodging tax: 400 ISK per tent
- Free admission for children under 12
Payments are accepted at the ranger’s hut, and some services may require cash or card on arrival. Booking ahead is recommended for overnight hut stays but not required for campsite pitches.
Why Visit Básar?
- Accessible wild highland base: Easier to reach than Húsadalur or Volcano Huts, yet still deep in Þórsmörk, no need to cross Crossa River.
- Forest-meadow setting: Rare shade and shelter in Iceland’s highlands
- Hiking central: Ideal starting point for trails across Þórsmörk
- Local community feel: Run by Útivist, with occasional bonfires and huts attended by wardens
- Spectacular views and solitude: Even in mid-summer, the site remains pleasantly uncrowded
Final Tips
- Arrive prepared with proper gear, river-crossing experience, and an awareness of swiftly changing weather and river levels.
- Check info and weather forecast before departing.
- For hikers, plan your route ahead—asks about sleeping-bag hut bookings if you want indoor lodging.
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