Hiking & Trekking

Day Hike over Fimmvörðuháls

hiker's favourite

This spectacular trail was named as one of the Best Hikes in the World by National Geographic. Take in the sights on this truly beautiful day tour.

Tour code: AG017

Hikers walking close to a recently formed volcanic crater on Fimmvörðuháls

Andrea Burgherr

View over a glacier that is crawling down into a valley near Þórsmörk

Lisa Germany

Group of trekkers walking up a winding path on a hill side

Lisa Germany

Two hikers looking down to an area called Morinsheiði

Lisa Germany

Hikers walking across snowy area and away from the newly formed volcanic crater Magni

Lisa Germany

The hut in the middle of Fimmvörðuháls trail

Lisa Germany

Another waterfall that is on the famous Fimmvörðuháls highland route

Lisa Germany

Group of people hiking up a narrow trail on lush green hill side

Lisa Germany

One of many waterfalls on Fimmvörðuháls route

Lisa Germany

A sign on Fimmvörðuháls showing the way to Skóga, Fimmvörðuháls and Básar in Þórsmörk

Ólafur Rafnar Ólafsson

The magnificent Skógafoss waterfall on the south coast of Iceland

Björgvin Hilmarsson

Steam rising from a volcanic area and a man standing there seems small in the surroundings

Jean Christophe Bechet

Hikers walking on a flat terrain with mountains in the background

Lisa Germany

Jan Zelina

An amazing glacial view from Fimmvörðuháls

Lisa Germany

Lisa Germany

This fantastic hiking day tour takes you over the famous Fimmvörðuháls pass from Skógar to the Þórsmörk valley in the Icelandic Highlands. We start the day from the 60m high Skógafoss waterfall, where we follow the route up past "waterfall way", a series of 26 waterfalls adorning the hiking trail. As the route leads between the two glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, we get to experience the lava fields and volcanic craters of Móði and Magni, formed from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.

After reaching the highest section of the hike, we continue with a decent into the valley of Þórsmörk, where we get to see breathtaking views of the highland mountains of Iceland, and Þórsmörk valleys lush greenery and birch forests.

You can add the option of the Highland Bus Pass to your booking, allowing you to join from Reykjavik.

Tour Overview

Meeting point

Hvolsvöllur - N1 Gas Station

Meeting point

Departure from Reykjavik available as bookable extra
Group size

6 - 14 participants

Group size

Please note we require a minimum of 6 people to confirm a departure, but you can book individually
Language

English
Walkin per day

10 hours
Total Distance

22km (14 mi)
Max Ascent

1000 m (3280 ft)
Difficulty

Demanding

Difficulty

Demanding some effort and certain endurance. Good health and some hiking experience is required. 6-8 hours walk per day. Often involves carrying your own gear.
Availability

July - August
Duration

10 hours
12

Minimum age:

12 yrs

Book this tour

Tour Highlights

Fantastic Glacier View

Volcanic Craters from 2010

Impressive Waterfalls and Canyons

Included

Experienced and qualified guide
Transport at the end of the trek

Not Included

Rain gear
Good shoes
Warm clothing
Drinks and food

Optional Extras

Transfer from Reykjavik

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary

After meeting your certified guide at Hvolsvöllur, we set off for the Fimmvörðuháls pass. Please make sure you have all necessary equipment for the hike.

Remember you are going up to 1000 meters so the weather is most likely different from the weather in the parking lot.

Your guide will lead you over the Fimmvörðuháls pass into the Þórsmörk valley. Following the walk, you will be taken back to the original meeting point of the tour with the Highland Bus.

Click to activate the map

How long in advance do I need to book?

I want to join the Day Hike over Fimmvörðuháls tour but the season is over/not started?

How does it work if I want transfer from Reykjavík?

What can I expect regarding the weather?

What is the address of the meeting place?

Meeting location GPS points can be found on your voucher, as this can change between years.

For your own well being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also, respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. There are NO shops on the way so make sure you come prepared! Note the weather in 750 meters can be very different from the weather in the parking lot at Sólheimajökull. More cold and wind can sometimes be expected.

Boots and Clothing

Hiking Boots – Appropriate for hiking on rough terrain and snow. Preferably shoes that go above ankle
Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic
Long Johns (late season – late August/September)
Light sweater, wool or fleece (2nd layer)
Warm Jacket – Wool or fleece (3rd layer)
Pants – light and fast drying – e.g. soft-shell
Jacket with a good hood – Waterproof and breathable
Rain pants – Waterproof and breathable material
Gloves
Socks – Wool or synthetic
Warm hat– Wool or synthetic

Other Gear

Backpack – 25-35 litres, big enough to store extra clothing when not used, optional gear and food
Sunglasses – most sun glasses should work and make the walk more enjoyable on sunny days

Optional Gear

Walking Pole(s)
Sun protection / face and lips. High SPF 30 or more
Sun/rain hat or a baseball cap for sun protection
Camera

Food and Drink

Lunch – Sandwiches, biscuits, power-bars etc.
Water – 1 litre of water and/or sport drink. Water intake varies of course between people
Refillable water bottle recommended

A mixture of sweets, raisins, nuts, seeds and chocolate and a few (2 -3) sandwiches is ideal. A 1 litre water bottle is also mandatory but energy drinks are optional. There are NO shops on the way so make sure you come prepared!