Fimmvörðuháls Trek
Embark on an unforgettable adventure that connects Skógar to the Thórsmörk valley via the mythical Fimmvörðuháls pass. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in Iceland, it is also one of the most challenging. Situated between two huge glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, the Fimmvörðuháls Pass rises to an altitude of 1,042 meters. The landscape around the pass was transformed in 2010 by the spectacular eruption of Eyjafjöll, paralyzing air traffic for weeks and created two craters, Móði and Magni, named after the sons of Thor.
The route takes you through a surprisingly diverse landscape. Your journey begins at the majestic Skógafoss waterfall. You'll be surrounded by lush, green vegetation, punctuated by 26 waterfalls along the Skógá River. As you approach the glaciers, the landscape changes to a rocky, arid environment. You cross a vast lava field between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, before plunging into the sublime Thórsmörk valley. Here, the contrast between moss-covered mountains and black valleys carved by glacial rivers is striking.
This is an adventure for experienced hikers with excellent stamina. The route is long and challenging. Several sections on ice or snow (the length of which varies according to the season) require great care, as the surface can be extremely slippery. The use of trekking poles is strongly recommended. You'll also encounter a few dizzying passages and have to navigate through lava fields and scree.
More details on the hike
- click here to book your bus ticket from Hella / Hvolsvöllur to Skógar.
- click here to book your bus ticket between Thórsmörk and Hella / Hvolsvöllur
The first bus arrives in Skógar at 9:45 am and the last bus leaves Thórsmörk at 8 pm. This gives you around 10 hours to complete the trek, which is usually enough time for most hikers. Note: if you don't have a car, you can also start from Reykjavik, but this will considerably lengthen the journey.
If you prefer to take your time and explore more of the beautiful Thórsmörk area and its many hiking trails (see our guide to Thórsmörk), you can spend the night at Básar campsite in Thórsmörk.
Another option is to book a night at the Baldvinsskáli hut, which is located near the Fimmvörðuháls pass, about halfway up the trail. This allows you to split your hike into two days and take full advantage of the surrounding scenery.
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
REMARKS
This is a one-way hike. See the “More Information” section below to organize your return.
The term “trek” may be misleading, given that the vast majority of hikers do it in a single day. However, it fits in perfectly with the famous Laugavegur trek from Thórsmörk to Landmannalaugar.
For those who want to take their time and enjoy the experience to the full, it is possible to split the route into two days, spending a night at the Baldvinsskáli hut halfway along the way.
It's important to note that this hike can only be done between the end of June and the beginning of September, as the road to Thórsmörk is closed outside this period. There is also too much snow on the trail out of season.
REMARKS
This is a one-way hike. See the “More Information” section below to organize your return.
The term “trek” may be misleading, given that the vast majority of hikers do it in a single day. However, it fits in perfectly with the famous Laugavegur trek from Thórsmörk to Landmannalaugar.
For those who want to take their time and enjoy the experience to the full, it is possible to split the route into two days, spending a night at the Baldvinsskáli hut halfway along the way.
It's important to note that this hike can only be done between the end of June and the beginning of September, as the road to Thórsmörk is closed outside this period. There is also too much snow on the trail out of season.
More details on the hike
- click here to book your bus ticket from Hella / Hvolsvöllur to Skógar.
- click here to book your bus ticket between Thórsmörk and Hella / Hvolsvöllur
The first bus arrives in Skógar at 9:45 am and the last bus leaves Thórsmörk at 8 pm. This gives you around 10 hours to complete the trek, which is usually enough time for most hikers. Note: if you don't have a car, you can also start from Reykjavik, but this will considerably lengthen the journey.
If you prefer to take your time and explore more of the beautiful Thórsmörk area and its many hiking trails (see our guide to Thórsmörk), you can spend the night at Básar campsite in Thórsmörk.
Another option is to book a night at the Baldvinsskáli hut, which is located near the Fimmvörðuháls pass, about halfway up the trail. This allows you to split your hike into two days and take full advantage of the surrounding scenery.
Slideshow
Nearby hikes
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Let chance guide your steps: Each time you visit Horizonrando, you will discover a new selection of hikes in Iceland, chosen at random.
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Dettifoss West
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