Fimmvorduhals Hike – Skogar to Thorsmork

The distance between Skogar and Thorsmork (Basar) is about 25 km. Hikers en route across The Fimmvorduhals Pass to Skogar can divide the leg by staying overnight in the hut in the pass after a 5 hour walk and continue for five hours the next day down to Skogar or visa versa.  The Fimmvörðuháls pass from Skógar to Thorsmork is one of Iceland’s most popular hiking routes. The trail starts at Skógar, along Skógá River and past its many waterfalls. The trail continues up between the two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Mýrdalsjökull, to the recently formed lava and the new craters, Magni and Móði. Here the fresh lava is still steaming under the surface and the heat of the lava can still be felt. The trail then heads down from the craters to the magnificent Thorsmork glacier valley, continuing along beautiful geological features and amazing views over the highlands of Iceland and the surrounding glaciers.

This tour is demanding and some effort and certain endurance is required. The elevation of over 1000 m (3280 ft) and total distance of 25 km (15.5 mi) that will take 8 – 12 hours to cover. Good health and some hiking experience is required. The Fimmvorduhals hike is a once in a lifetime experience for all hikers and nature enthusiasts!  This trail is open from mid June through August.  (source: re.is and nat.is).
Hiking time: 8-12 hours
Difficulty: difficult
Length: 25 km
Elevation: 1.000 m
Highest Point: 1.068 m

Utivist Hut Fimmvorduhals

Bus schedule for Fimmvorduhals Hike

Fimmvorduhals in Icelandic

One or Two Phases – Your Choice

There are two popular alternatives when planning your Fimmvorduhals Hiking trek; Either a  one day or two day trek – depending on your experience and preferences.

One-phase trek

Starting early from Skogar allows for a challenging 8-12 hour hike to Basar in Thorsmork, via the eruption site of the volcanic eruption in 2010.  Once in Thorsmork you either stay in one of the mountain huts, camp on camping site – or if you are a fast tracker you can catch the evening bus from Thorsmork to Reykjavik or back to Skogar.

Two Day trek

A later start from Skogar provides a afternoon and evening hike along the Fimmvorduhals trail, with possibility to camp on the way, or perhaps at the Fimmvorduskali mountain hut, standing at the highest point of Fimmvorduhals.  The following day your hike continues to Basar in Thorsmork, passing the eruption site of the volcanic eruption in 2010. In Thorsmork you can stay for a night on the camping site, or mountain hut – or perhaps continue by bus to your next destination.

Hiking time: 8-12 hours
Difficulty: difficult
Length: 25 km
Elevation: 1.000 m
Highest Point: 1.068 m

Preperations

Remember that you can expect all kinds of weather conditions when crossing over to the south coast and sometimes the markers are hidden by the snow patches.

Bring along: Warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots, lunch, dinner, drinks & energy bars.

Remember: Hikers only leave their footprints and only take memories back home!

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