A stunning trail connecting Skógafoss waterfall to Þórsmörk valley, passing 26 waterfalls and crossing the lava field created by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. Often combined with Laugavegur.
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail connects Skógar on Iceland's south coast to Þórsmörk valley, most commonly hiked south to north starting at the Skógafoss car park, reached by Route 1 (the Ring Road) with free parking at the waterfall. The 25 km route has no bus access at the trailhead beyond the seasonal South Coast highland bus stop in Skógar, and there is no permit requirement, though hikers should register their plans with safetravel.is. The trail climbs from sea level to roughly 1,100m at the pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, with a sustained, steep ascent past the Skógá river's roughly 26 waterfalls, followed by an exposed high plateau crossing before a steep descent into Þórsmörk's birch woodland. Underfoot conditions vary from maintained gravel paths near Skógafoss to loose volcanic ash, snowfields, and the raw lava field created by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption at Magni and Móði, the two new craters formed during that event. The high pass is entirely exposed to wind, fog, and sudden weather changes with no shelter beyond a small emergency hut (Baldvinsskáli) near the midpoint; most day hikers turn back at the waterfalls or the lava field if weather deteriorates. Hikers completing the full route typically overnight in Þórsmörk or continue onward onto the Laugavegur Trail. There are no reliable water sources once past the Skógá river valley, so hikers should carry sufficient water for the crossing of the high plateau.
| Distance | 25 km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Difficulty | challenging |
| Best season | Late June to early September |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Skógar to Þórsmörk, South Iceland
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Skógafoss waterfall start
- 26 waterfalls along the route
- 2010 eruption lava field
- Panoramic glacier views
- Þórsmörk valley finish
Tips for visiting
- Check safetravel.is and mountain forecasts before starting; the high pass between the glaciers is frequently closed by fog, wind, or snow even in summer.
- The trail is snow-covered at the pass well into July in some years; an ice axe or crampons can help on lingering snowfields.
- Carry enough water for the whole crossing, as sources become unreliable once past the Skógá river valley.
- Most hikers tackle the trail south to north from Skógar to Þórsmörk to finish downhill into shelter.
- Baldvinsskáli emergency hut near the midpoint offers basic shelter only, not a staffed refuge.
When to visit
Late morning starts in July and August give the best chance of clear weather on the exposed high pass before afternoon cloud builds in.
Accessibility
The trail is steep, unpaved, and crosses snowfields and lava rock at altitude, so it is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Fimmvörðuháls Trail?
It is a demanding one- to two-day hike with a sustained 1,100m climb, an exposed high plateau, and potential snowfields, making it more challenging than most day hikes despite lacking technical scrambling.
Can the trail be done in a single day?
Experienced hikers in good weather often complete it in 10-12 hours, but many split the route with an overnight near the pass or in Þórsmörk, especially given the unpredictable highland weather.
Is the trail linked to the Laugavegur Trail?
Yes, Fimmvörðuháls ends where the Laugavegur Trail begins in Þórsmörk, and many hikers combine the two into a longer multi-day trek from Skógar to Landmannalaugar.
What waterfalls are visible along the route?
The trail follows the Skógá river past a series of roughly 26 waterfalls in the lower section before climbing above the river valley toward the volcanic pass.