Thakgil

Thakgil sits in a fold of hills between Myrdalsjokull and the sands, a sheltered green pocket of moss and grass surrounded by the eroded ridges that give the place its name - the roof gorge. A small campsite operates there in summer, and its distinguishing feature is that the common room and dining space is a cave in the rock, lit and furnished. Walking routes go out from it into the hills towards the glacier, and because it is an hour of gravel off the ring road it stays quiet even in July. The road climbs and twists with drops on one side and is not suitable for large vehicles.

The landscape

• A sheltered green pocket - moss and grass among eroded ridges.
• A cave used as a dining hall - the campsite's common room in the rock.
• Walking routes into the hills - tracks towards Myrdalsjokull.
• An hour of gravel - the filter that keeps it quiet.

When to go

June to early September, while the campsite and the road are open. A full day.

Before you go

Road 214 is rough, narrow and slow, with exposed drops, and hire agreements sometimes exclude it. The site is open only in summer and books out at weekends. Supplies must be brought in - there is no shop. Weather closes in from the glacier quickly.

Nearby

Hjorleifshofdi is on the sands south; Vik is around the headland west.

Key facts