Exhilarating 10-Hour Hiking Tour of the Fimmvorduhals Trail from Hvolsvollur

Experience the thrill of conquering one of Iceland's most popular hiking routes in this exhilarating tour of the Fimmvorduhals trail. This 10-hour adventure takes travelers through a volcanic highland area, exploring lava fields, waterfalls, and two of the youngest craters in the country.

Your action-packed day begins when a friendly local guide meets you at Hvolsvollur, a small town in South Iceland. You'll then ride a bus that will take you to Skogar, another small village about 30 miles (49 kilometers) from Hvolsvollur. Skogar is where the Fimmvorduhals trail begins.

Upon reaching the Fimmvorduhals trail starting point in Skogar, the guide will give you more details about the hike and tips on how to safely complete it. Interestingly, Skogar is a picturesque village with a unique rugged charm. However, it is Skogar's location that has drawn travelers and locals alike.

The town sits at the foot of the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Moreover, Skogar is where the waterfall way, a five-mile (eight-kilometer) trail covering different waterfalls, begins. The most iconic waterfall you'll see is Skogafoss, approximately 81 miles (1.3 kilometers) from Skogar.

Skogafoss waterfall plunges 60 meters and spans a width of 25 meters. This towering cascade creates a spectacle of mist, rainbows, and thundering water that will leave you breathless.

As you reach the end of the waterfall way, you'll see a small bridge that marks the start of your ascent to a small mountain hut called Baldvinsskali. The Baldvinsskali hut can accommodate up to 20 people and their sleeping bags. Before reaching the hut, you'll walk up a gravel road with little to see.

However, as you get closer to the hut, you'll notice more exciting views, with the snow, gravel, and hills in the distance becoming visible. Be sure to take pictures of the views, especially if you visit on a clear day.

As you continue the hike, you'll head toward the pass between the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. Eyjafjallajokull is a glacier-capped stratovolcano that rises to an elevation of approximately 5,427 feet (1651 meters). Apart from its majestic beauty, the Eyjafjallajokull glacier is known for the 2010 eruption that caused widespread disruption to air travel across Europe.

Meanwhile, the Myrdalsjokull glacier is Iceland's fourth-largest ice cap, covering almost 232 square miles (600 square kilometers). Its peak is nearly 4,921 feet (1,500 meters), and its stunning landscapes and icy expanses complement it.

However, what sets the Myrdalsjokull glacier apart is its unique location atop the active Katla volcano. Katla is known for its explosive eruptions, which have historically influenced the glacier's dynamics.

During this part of the hike, you'll start to see several snowfields. You'll also pass through some hills full of ash, clay, and melting ice toward the Magni and Modi craters. These two craters were recently formed in 2010 during Eyjafjallajokull's eruption.

Named after the Norse gods Thor's sons, Magni and Modi, these twin craters remind you of the raw power and beauty of volcanic activity. Interestingly, the craters were formed during the eruption's tail-end. Due to the lava's intense heat, the snow took a long time to cool the lava down.

While on top of the crater, enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape. You'll see rivers, mountains, and different valleys. This marks the final stretch of your Fimmvorduhals hiking experience: the descent to Thorsmork valley.

Thorsmork valley is a nature reserve named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Thorsmork is home to many hiking trails full of stunning green scenery as if they were taken straight out of the Lord of the Rings books. Aside from the Fimmvorduhals trail, Thorsmork is also home to the Laugavegur path, which is 34 miles (55 kilometers) long.

Interestingly, volcano huts are available in Thorsmork. for adventurers looking to stay in the area for more than a day. Since you won't stay overnight, you can have a quick snack inside these huts while enjoying the area's breathtaking views.

After appreciating Thorsmork's beauty and taking many photos, you'll be taken back to your starting point in a comfortable vehicle.

Don't miss this chance to experience the wonders of one of Iceland's most celebrated trails in this 10-hour hiking tour over Fimmvorduhals. Check availability now by choosing a date.