Fimmvörðuháls Trekking Iceland

This spectacular trail is named one of the Best Hikes in the World by National Geographic.

This complete crossing over Fimmvörðuháls is probably the best-known hike in Iceland, along with the Laugavegur trek. This popular trail marks the sighting of the first phase of the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Since then, the Fimmvörðuháls hike has become a real hot spot for nature and outdoor lovers. You will encounter spectacular nature and exciting geological features along the way. Your highly experienced and knowledgeable trekking guide will lead you from the nature reserve of Þórsmörk, up between the two glaciers and over a new batch of formed lava. From there, you will travel past two popular lava craters Magni and Móði before descending to the lowlands on the southern side of Fimmvörduhals. In the evenings, you will enjoy delicious Icelandic meals and rest in cozy mountain huts. At the end of the hike. you will be greeted by the magnificent Skógafoss waterfall and a view of the Atlantic coastline, which is just a short distance away. The astonishing diversity makes this trekking tour a favorite activity in Iceland.

Day 1 – Reykjavik - Thorsmork

The tour starts from Reykjavik BSI bus terminal, wherefrom we take the regular public bus at 07:00 am to the beautiful Þórsmörk nature reserve. Thorsmörk is known to be the valley, that is hidden behind the glaciers in the south highlands. We arrive in Þórsmörk around noon and after lunch we’ll have the opportunity to explore this natural wonder and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Night in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.

Day 2 - Þórsmörk - Fimmvörðuháls

We start the day by walking from Þórsmörk by crossing the mighty river Krossá on a footbridge. Here from we enter the magic landscapes of Goðalönd – lands of the Gods. Nesting at the foot of two glaciers this is a wonderland of ridges and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses, certainly fit for gods and humans alike. Many believe that those hills are homes of elves. We continue up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views to the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. At the end of the Morinsheiði plateu we enjoy the view of the lava stream that flowed down from the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in March and early April 2010. The lava is all set with different outlets of fuming steam and decorated with green and yellow Sulphur.

As we come higher up on Morinsheiði we enter again area with the new lava and the two craters Magni and Móði that erupted prior to the main eruption that occurred in Eyjafjallajökull crater. We cross these new lava felts just at the foot of the magnificent red craters, through places were the lava is almost still glowing warm inside the fissures and cracks on its surface. After crossing safely the lava, we get a view to the lava and the craters from the opposite site, before crossing the top of the high pass of Fimmvörðuháls, to get to the hut between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, where we set up for the night.

Distance: 12 - 14 km (7 - 9 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2953 ft)

Day 3 - Fimmvörðuháls - Skógar - Reykjavík

After spending the night between the two magnificent glaciers we head down to south shore of Iceland, an area named Skógar. At the beginning, the path takes us over to an old and abandoned hut that does not offer much shelter anymore. We come to the Skógaá River and follow the river exploring its many hidden gorges, and waterfalls all the way to the famous and beautiful Skógafoss waterfall. The river and its surroundings offer great scenery. The coast seems to be within arm’s reach, and you can almost feel the surf on your cheeks. After we have enjoyed the magnificent Skógafoss, we hop on the scheduled bus to back Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik BSI bus terminal at 7:20 pm, where the trip ends.

Distance: 12 - 13 km (7 - 8 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
Descent: 1000 m (3280 ft)

Please note

There is no access for vehicles on the track Fimmvörðuháls. Dry food and sleeping bags/blankets have been stored in the huts so we need to carry sleeping bag liner, toiletries, extra clothing and a little bit of fresh food.  Both huts are heated, Þórsmörk hut has electricity and showers. They have dormitory with twin bunk beds, participants have to be prepared to share a bunk with other travelers from the group

If clients formally cancel their participation of this tour:
15% of the tour price is non-refundable.
50% of tour price is refunded if cancelled 30-59 days prior to departure.
25% of tour price is refunded if cancelled 16-29 days prior to departure.
0% of tour price is refunded if cancelled 15 days prior to departure.