Fimmvorduhals is one of Iceland's most iconic hiking trails, running approximately 15 miles (25 kilometers) between Skogafoss Waterfall and Thorsmork Valley. The route crosses a high mountain pass between two glaciers, passes the twin craters formed in the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption, and takes hikers past more than 25 waterfalls.
Guided hiking tours of Fimmvorduhals depart from the South Coast and take you on the full 15-mile (25-kilometer) route from Skogafoss Waterfall to Thorsmork Valley, with transport and a certified guide included. The trailhead at Skogar is roughly 96 miles (155 kilometers) from Reykjavik, about a 2-hour drive east along the Ring Road, making it a natural addition to any South Iceland itinerary.
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Independent travelers prefer to pair the hike with a rental car or browse self-drive tour packages that include a 4WD and a pre-planned route. The pass reaches roughly 3,412 feet (1,040 meters) between the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull ice caps, where the 2010 eruption formed the twin craters, Magni and Modi.
Read on for full trail details, seasonal conditions, transport options, mountain hut information, and the best nearby attractions to combine with your hike.
Key Facts About the Fimmvorduhals Hiking Trail
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The trail runs approximately 15 to 16 miles (25 to 26 kilometers) point-to-point from Skogar to Thorsmork Valley.
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Hikers gain roughly 3,900 feet (1,190 meters) of elevation, reaching a highest point of approximately 3,412 feet (1,040 meters).
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Most hikers complete the trail in 8 to 12 hours, making it a full-day commitment.
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The trail is open from late June through early September when conditions are reliably safe.
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The route is moderate to challenging and requires good fitness and proper hiking gear.
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The lower section, known as Waterfall Way, passes 25 to 26 individual cascades along the Skoga River.
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The twin volcanic craters Magni and Modi were formed here during the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption.
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Two mountain huts on the pass, Baldvinsskali and Fimmvorduhalsskali, provide overnight shelter for hikers.
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Reaching Thorsmork requires a 4WD vehicle; guided tours and Highland buses are the main alternatives.
The Fimmvorduhals Trail
Fimmvorduhals, spelled “Fimmvörðuháls” in Icelandic, means “five cairn pass”. It is a mountain pass in South Iceland connecting Skogar on the Ring Road to Thorsmork in the interior.
The trail is a true point-to-point route: the two endpoints are separated by high-clearance river crossings at the Thorsmork end, so most hikers arrange return transport in advance.
The route divides into three distinct sections. The southern lower trail follows the Skoga River past 25 to 26 waterfalls through a lush canyon.
The middle section crosses a barren volcanic plateau between two glaciers, including fresh lava from 2010. The northern section descends steeply into birch-forested Thorsmork Valley, one of the most scenic corners of the Icelandic interior.
| Trail Section | Approx. Distance | Approx. Time | Best Break Spots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skogar and Skogafoss Start | 0 to 1 kilometer | 15 to 25 minutes | Pause at the top of Skogafoss after climbing the staircase. This is a good place to adjust layers, check the weather, and make sure your pack feels comfortable before continuing. |
| Waterfall Way Along the Skoga River | About 8 kilometers | 2 to 3 hours | This is one of the most scenic sections of the hike, with many short photo stops along the river. The bridge over the Skoga River is a natural longer break point and a good place to refill water if conditions allow. |
| Skoga River Bridge to Baldvinsskali Hut | About 4 to 5 kilometers | 1 to 1.5 hours | Baldvinsskali Hut is one of the best places for a longer lunch break, especially in calm weather. It also gives you a chance to rest before the more exposed mountain pass section. |
| Baldvinsskali Hut to Fimmvorduhals Pass | About 3 to 4 kilometers | 1.5 to 2 hours | Keep breaks short in this exposed highland section. Weather can change quickly near the pass, so it is usually better to keep moving unless conditions are clear and calm. |
| Fimmvorduhals Pass to Magni and Modi Craters | About 2 to 3 kilometers | 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes | The area around Magni and Modi craters is a memorable place for a scenic break when visibility is good. This section offers views of the young lava fields formed during the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption. |
| Magni and Modi Craters to Heljarkambur | About 2 to 3 kilometers | 1 to 1.5 hours | Take a short rest before the steeper and more exposed parts of the descent. This section includes rough terrain and a chain-assisted area, so it is best approached with focus and steady footing. |
| Kattarhryggir Ridge and Descent Into Thorsmork | About 4 to 5 kilometers | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Once past the narrow ridge and steeper descent, look for a sheltered spot with views into Thorsmork Valley. This is a good final rest before finishing the hike. |
| Basar Finish or Continuing to Langidalur and Husadalur | 0 to 4 extra kilometers | 0 to 1 extra hour | Basar is the most common finish for the Fimmvorduhals hike. If your bus, accommodation, or tour ends at Langidalur or Husadalur, allow extra walking time across Thorsmork Valley. |
Why Fimmvorduhals Is One of Iceland's Best Hikes
The hike begins at Skogafoss, a 197-foot (60-meter) waterfall, and climbs a staircase alongside it before following the Skoga River into the highlands.
Over the next 5 miles (8 kilometers), the river drops over 25 individual cascades. The canyon walls are covered in green moss, and the glaciers appear on the horizon as the trail gains elevation toward the pass.
Near the highest point of the trail sits the Godahraun Lava Field, formed when Eyjafjallajokull erupted in March 2010. Two craters, Magni and Modi, were created during this eruption and named after the sons of the Norse god Thor. They are now cool and walkable, and stand among the youngest geological formations in Iceland, easily visible from the marked trail.
The final section drops from the pass into Thorsmork, a sheltered glacial valley framed by black ridges and birch woodland. The descent is steep in places and includes a short chain-assisted section near the bottom. Arriving in Thorsmork on foot through the Fimmvorduhals pass is one of the most dramatic trail endings available on any hike in Iceland.
Fimmvorduhals Trail Location
The southern trailhead is at Skogar village on the Ring Road, roughly 96 miles (155 kilometers) from Reykjavik. Skogar sits about 19 miles (30 kilometers) east of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and 24 miles (38 kilometers) west of Vik. The northern endpoint, Thorsmork, lies within the Icelandic interior and requires a 4WD vehicle to reach due to unbridged glacial river crossings on the approach roads.
Fimmvorduhals also connects directly to the Laugavegur Trail at Thorsmork. Many multi-day trekkers combine both, hiking the 34-mile (55-kilometer) Laugavegur from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork, then continuing over Fimmvorduhals to Skogar. This full combination takes 5 to 7 days and is covered by several multi-day hiking tour packages.
Best Time to Hike Fimmvorduhals and Trail Conditions
The hiking season runs from late June through early September. Snow covers the highland section well into early summer, and access roads to Thorsmork close outside this window.
July and August offer the most reliable conditions, with long daylight hours and the best chance of clear weather on the pass. Off-season hikes are only suited to experienced mountaineers with winter equipment.
The weather on the pass changes rapidly even in midsummer. Always check the forecast at vedur.is, road conditions at road.is, and register your travel plan at safetravel.is before heading out. Bring waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and food and water for a full day.
Where To Stay Near Fimmvorduhals
Two mountain huts near the midpoint provide shelter. Baldvinsskali, operated by the Iceland Touring Association, sleeps 16 in a dormitory and has a kitchen with gas stoves and running water, situated at roughly 2,940 feet (896 meters). About 30 to 40 minutes further up the pass is Fimmvorduhalssskali, at approximately 3,412 feet (1,040 meters), slightly west of the main trail.
Both huts must be booked in advance; spaces fill fast during summer. Staying overnight splits the trail into two comfortable days. Camping outside Baldvinsskali is possible, but exposed and windy. For more comfortable lodging near the trailhead, browse Iceland accommodations, including guesthouses and hotels along the South Coast.
What To See Near the Fimmvorduhals Trail
The Fimmvorduhals area sits in one of the most scenically dense stretches of South Iceland. Everything below is within a short drive of Skogar and pairs naturally with the hike, or can be visited on a South Coast day tour from Reykjavik.
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Skogafoss Waterfall is the southern trailhead and one of Iceland’s most photographed cascades, with a staircase to the top and a viewing platform alongside.
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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is about 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of Skogar. It is one of the few Icelandic waterfalls you can walk behind.
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Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the village of Vik lie roughly 24 miles (38 kilometers) east of Skogar, easily combined in a South Coast day.
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Thorsmork Valley, the northern endpoint, connects to the Laugavegur Trail and offers additional hiking through birch forest and along glacial ridges.
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Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, visible throughout the hike, can be explored further on snowmobile and Super Jeep tours.
Plan Your Fimmvorduhals Hike
Fimmvorduhals packs waterfalls, a volcanic eruption site, glacier views, and a forest-lined valley into a single route. Whether you take it as a full-day challenge or split it over two days with a hut stay, it is a hike that stays with you. Browse hiking tours in Iceland to find the right guided option for your group and fitness level.
To build a longer trip around the trail, explore self-drive tour packages for an all-in-one car, accommodation, and itinerary bundle. Or check out South Coast day tours to combine Fimmvorduhals with Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, and other South Coast highlights in one seamless booking.
