Fimmvörðuháls Full-Day Hike
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Description
Cross one of Iceland’s most spectacular highland trails on a demanding full-day hike from Skógar to Þórsmörk, passing more than twenty waterfalls, two glaciers and the young volcanic craters Magni and Móði.
Thoughtful logistics and expert local guidance make it easy to enjoy the landscape at the pace it deserves.
Itinerary
Hvolsvöllur meeting point
Meet your guide at the confirmed base
Begin at the meeting point on Dufþaksbraut 14 in Hvolsvöllur, where the group gathers for an introduction to the route and the day’s mountain conditions. With transport, logistics and the return journey arranged, you can focus fully on the extraordinary highland crossing ahead.
Skógar and Skógafoss
A dramatic start beside a famous waterfall
Travel to Skógar beneath Eyjafjallajökull and begin near the mighty Skógafoss. The first ascent quickly opens views over the South Coast, while the thundering waterfall sets an exhilarating tone for one of Iceland’s finest long-distance day hikes.
The Skógá waterfall trail
More than twenty cascades in one river valley
Follow the Skógá upstream through a remarkable procession of waterfalls, narrow gorges and green highland slopes. Each bend introduces a new cascade, turning the climb into a constantly changing journey through water, volcanic rock and increasingly expansive mountain scenery.
Between two glaciers
Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull frame the route
Rise into the high pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, with snowfields and glacier-capped mountains shaping the horizon. This remote section reveals the vast scale of Iceland’s interior and rewards the sustained climb with a true sense of wilderness.
Magni and Móði
Young craters born in the 2010 eruption
Cross the volcanic landscape created during the 2010 Fimmvörðuháls eruption and see the craters Magni and Móði. Dark lava, warm-toned rock and new geology make this a rare opportunity to walk through a landscape formed within living memory.
Descent into Þórsmörk
A spectacular finish in the Valley of Thor
Descend from the exposed highlands into the greener valleys of Þórsmörk, where birch woodland, braided rivers and glacier-carved ridges create a breathtaking finale. The contrast between the volcanic pass and the sheltered valley makes the final kilometres especially memorable.
Return and barbecue
Celebrate a major Icelandic hiking achievement
After completing the crossing, relax during the return transfer across Þórsmörk’s rugged river landscape. Back at the base, finish the adventure with a well-earned barbecue and a drink while sharing highlights from an exceptional day in the Icelandic mountains.
Choose your date and turn an extraordinary Icelandic landscape into one of the defining memories of your journey.
What is included
- Professional mountain guide
- Transfer from the meeting point to Skógar
- Return transfer from Þórsmörk
- Celebratory barbecue with a beer or soft drink after the hike
What do I need to bring
- Supportive hiking boots
- Warm breathable layers
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hat and gloves
- Packed lunch, energy-rich snacks and plenty of water
- Small daypack, sunglasses and a camera or phone
Good to know
Meeting point: On location. Use the exact location and check-in time shown on your booking voucher.
Outdoor routes follow the season and the day’s conditions, allowing the guide to select the most rewarding suitable experience.
Highlights
- A legendary 24-kilometre highland crossing between Skógar and Þórsmörk
- A waterfall-lined ascent beside the Skógá river
- Views between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull
- The volcanic craters and lava fields created during the 2010 eruption
- A celebratory barbecue after an unforgettable mountain day
Fimmvörðuháls Full-Day Hike – Frequently Asked Questions
This is a challenging 24-kilometre mountain crossing with roughly 1,400 metres of elevation gain and 9–12 hours of hiking. Participants need strong endurance and confidence on long ascents, descents and uneven wilderness trails.
The current minimum age is 13 years. Teenagers must also have the fitness and mountain experience needed for a long and demanding full-day hike.
The guided crossing is seasonal, normally running from June through September when the high pass is suitable. Current dates and departure times appear in the booking calendar.
The walking route starts at Skógar and finishes in Þórsmörk. The advertised experience arranges transport from the Hvolsvöllur meeting point to the trailhead and back from the valley afterwards.
Yes. Bring a substantial packed lunch, energy-rich snacks and enough water for a long active day. A lunch box may be available as a booking add-on, while the celebratory barbecue is served after the hike.
The high pass is exposed and conditions can change quickly. The guide assesses the route and may offer an alternative or refund according to the confirmed terms if the crossing cannot operate.
Wear supportive hiking boots, warm breathable layers and fully waterproof outerwear. A hat, gloves, sunglasses and a comfortable daypack are equally important for the changing conditions between coast and highlands.
Few single-day routes combine so much: a waterfall valley, two great glaciers, the fresh lava of the 2010 eruption and a final descent into the green wilderness of Þórsmörk.
Yes. The advertised experience finishes with a light barbecue and a beer or soft drink, providing a relaxed celebration after the mountain crossing.