Fimmvörðuháls Trail
A dramatic one-day traverse between two Icelandic glaciers, passing recent volcanic terrain from the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption.
Route overview
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail crosses the pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers in southern Iceland, running from the waterfall-lined Skógá river valley near Skógar to the Þórsmörk nature reserve. It is often combined with the adjoining Laugavegur trail to form a longer multi-day trek, but is also frequently walked as a demanding one-day route on its own. The trail passes close to fresh volcanic craters formed during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, alongside more than twenty waterfalls in the Skógá valley, and crosses exposed high terrain between the two glaciers before descending into the birch-forested Þórsmörk valley. Given the elevation, exposure and potential for sudden weather changes even in summer, the Icelandic Touring Association (Ferðafélag Íslands) maintains two mountain huts along the route and advises careful weather planning before setting out.
Trail facts
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- South Iceland
- Distance
- c. 25 km
- Typical duration
- 1–2 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 1,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- July–August
- Trail type
- Point-to-point
Access and logistics
- Bookings
- Huts along the route can be booked through the Icelandic Touring Association.
Safety context
The high pass between the glaciers is exposed to sudden weather changes, including snow, even during summer. Good navigation and weather awareness are essential.
Weather on the exposed high pass can deteriorate rapidly regardless of season; the Icelandic Touring Association advises checking forecasts closely before departure.
Highlights
Skógá valley waterfalls 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption craters High pass between two glaciers Þórsmörk birch forest valley finish
Why find a buddy
The exposed glacier pass crossing is safer with a hiking partner, particularly given Iceland's fast-changing mountain weather.
Primary source
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.