Fimmvörðuháls Hike – 2-Day Guided Trek from Skógar to Þórsmörk
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Introduction
The Fimmvorduhals hike is one of Iceland’s classic mountain adventures, connecting Skógar on the South Coast with the dramatic Þórsmörk valley. Our guided two-day trek takes you past dozens of waterfalls, between two glaciers, across the volcanic landscapes of the 2010 eruption, and into the green valleys of Þórsmörk.
Beginning beside the famous Skógafoss waterfall, we follow the Skógá River upstream past a succession of waterfalls before climbing into increasingly rugged mountain terrain. The route crosses the high pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, two of Iceland’s best-known glaciers.
We spend the night at Fimmvörðuskáli mountain hut. The following morning, we continue through the volcanic landscape surrounding Magni and Móði, the two craters created during the 2010 Fimmvörðuháls eruption, before descending toward the green valleys and birch woodland of Þórsmörk.
This is a demanding mountain hike, but splitting the journey over two days gives you more time to enjoy one of Iceland’s most varied and memorable trails.
Price From
Per person · Small group tour
Free cancellation (see tour-specific policy)
For bookings made under our limited-time offer, cancel more than 14 days before departure for a full refund.
or between 14 days and 48 hours before departure for a 50% refund.
Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
These terms replace the standard cancellation policy for bookings made under this offer.
To cancel, please contact our office directly.
Easy booking with instant confirmation
Travel & medical insurance suggested
Operated by licensed local guides
No hidden fees · Small groups only
Book now and save 10% for a limited time! Use code TREK10 when booking. Cancel more than 14 days before departure for a full refund, or between 14 days and 48 hours before departure for a 50% refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. These terms replace the standard cancellation policy for bookings made under this offer.
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Seasonal availability · Book early
Tour Itinerary
Skógar, Waterfalls and the Fimmvörðuháls Pass
Skógar, Waterfalls and the Fimmvörðuháls Pass
Meet your guide at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík at 06:30; departure is at 07:00. You can also board at designated stops along the South Coast; please choose your boarding point when booking.
We arrive at Skógar at approximately 10:00 and begin our Fimmvorduhals hike beside the famous Skógafoss waterfall.
From here, the trail follows the Skógá River upstream. Skógafoss may be the best-known waterfall along the route, but it is only the beginning. As we climb above the South Coast, we pass a remarkable series of waterfalls and increasingly expansive views.
The green landscape gradually gives way to more rugged mountain terrain as we approach the Fimmvörðuháls pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
Our destination is Fimmvörðuskáli, a mountain hut high on the pass. Here we settle in for the evening, enjoy dinner together, and spend the night surrounded by one of Iceland’s most dramatic mountain landscapes.
Facility at Fimmvörðuskáli:
Traditional Icelandic mountain-hut accommodation in a shared sleeping area. Dinner and sleeping bags are provided, allowing you to hike with a lighter backpack.
Distance:
Approximately 12–13 km / 7.5–8 mi
Ascent approximately 1,000 m / 3,280 ft
Included:
- Bus transportation from Reykjavík to Skógar
- Professional local guide
- Guided Fimmvörðuháls hike
- Shared mountain-hut accommodation at Fimmvörðuskáli
- Dinner at Fimmvörðuskáli
- Use of sleeping bag at the hut
Good to know
Supported trek / Luggage transfer
This is a supported trek, so you can enjoy the Fimmvörðuháls Trail without carrying a heavy overnight pack. Sleeping bags are provided at Fimmvörðuskáli, and dinner at the hut is included. Please bring your own lunches and snacks for both days, as well as breakfast for Day 2. You only need to carry a daypack with your food, water, clothing, and personal essentials, making the trek more comfortable while still enjoying the full mountain experience.
Difficulty Level
The Fimmvörðuháls hike is considered challenging.
Although splitting the route over two days reduces the daily distance, hikers should be prepared for sustained climbing, steep descents, uneven volcanic terrain, possible snow patches, exposed sections, and rapidly changing mountain weather.
You should have good general fitness and be comfortable hiking for several hours over mountainous terrain while carrying a daypack.
Preparing for Your Guided Fimmvorduhals Hike
Weather &Travel Safety
Weather conditions on Fimmvörðuháls can change very quickly, even when conditions at Skógar or Þórsmörk appear good.
The high pass can experience strong winds, fog, rain, cold temperatures, and snow, even during summer. Trail conditions can also change from season to season as snowfields and glaciers retreat.
IceTrek monitors conditions and your guide makes decisions based on weather, trail conditions, and the safety of the group. The route or itinerary may be changed if conditions make the planned hike unsuitable.
Check the Icelandic Met Office’s weather forecast before departure and throughout your trek.
Before departure and during your trek, check SafeTravel Iceland for travel alerts and safety advice. Conditions in the Highlands can change quickly, so review current weather and trail information before setting out each day.
Online Preparation Meeting
Before departure, we arrange an online meeting with your guide to discuss the itinerary, expected trail conditions, equipment, clothing, food, and preparations.
This is also an opportunity to ask questions and make sure you arrive properly prepared for the trek.
Pickup & Drop-Off Information
Visit our Pickup & Drop-Off Information page for details about meeting points and transportation arrangements.
Questions About Your Trek?
Contact our IceTrek team for help with your booking, preparation, or tour details.
Included
- Knowledgeable, English-speaking local guide for both trekking days
- Transportation from Reykjavík to Skógar
- Highland bus transportation from Básar in Þórsmörk to Reykjavík
- One night in shared accommodation at Fimmvörðuskáli
- Dinner at Fimmvörðuskáli
- Use of a sleeping bag at the mountain hut
- Online preparation meeting with your guide
- Required hut fees
Not Included
- Flights to Iceland
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Lunches and trail snacks
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Dinner at Básar
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal hiking equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Fimmvorduhals hike?
Is the Fimmvörðuháls hike difficult?
Where do we sleep during the trek?
Are meals included?
What will I carry during the trek?
Why Choose a 2-Day Fimmvorduhals Hike?
When is the best time to hike Fimmvörðuháls?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Do I need previous hiking experience?
How should I prepare for my guided Fimmvörðuháls hike?
What food should I bring on the guided Fimmvörðuháls hike?
Can I combine Fimmvörðuháls with the Laugavegur Trail?
Is travel insurance required?
Is This Trek Right for Me?
Is the Fimmvorduhals Hike Right for Me?
What level of fitness do I need?
Is the trek technically difficult?
How important is endurance versus speed?
How heavy is the pack I need to carry?
Are there river crossings?
How should I train for this trek?
How challenging is the weather?
Pickup Places
We pickup and drop of at hotels and bus stops in Reykjavík. Pickup and drop of place is chosen from a list when the tour is booked.
information about pickup and drop of can be seen here: Pickup & Drop off Information
Cancellation policy
For bookings made under our limited-time offer, cancel more than 14 days before departure for a full refund, or between 14 days and 48 hours before departure for a 50% refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. These terms replace the standard cancellation policy for bookings made under this offer. To cancel, please contact our office directly.
What To Bring
What to wear – Packing list – WTW
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom), at least two sets of shirts.
- Wool or fleece thermal mid layer.
- Hiking pants.
- Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket.
- Wool hat.
- Gloves.
- 2 to 3 pairs of hiking socks.
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- Travel pillow.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen / after sun cream.
- Day backpack, 25- 40 L.
- Health supplies and prescription medicine.
- Personal medical kit to include personal medication.
- 1–2-liter water bottle.
- Towel.
- Shoes to wear when not hiking, like Teva-type sandals or similar.
- Meals during the trek are included as outlined in the itinerary. Bring your favorite hiking snacks; breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on the
- last day are not included.
- Download our printable Trek Preparation & Packing Guide for equipment recommendations and food-planning tips.
Adventure brochure
Download brochure with full itineraries, key info, and guide details.
Gallery
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Dates & Times
Free cancellation (see tour-specific policy)
Trekking Tours: Free cancellation within 48h of booking
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Travel & medical insurance suggested
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Secure checkout • No hidden fees • Licensed local operator • Small Group Only
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