Fimmvörðuháls Tours and Tickets

The Fimmvörðuháls hike connects two glaciers—Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull—and winds through rocky, volcanic areas and across mountain passes, with many beautiful views along the way. The Fimmvörðuháls southern trailhead is 97 miles (156 kilometers) from Reykjavik, in the south of Iceland.

Most hikers start in Skógar, which is accessible by car along the South Coast Road, and they hike to Thorsmork. You can take a bus from Reykjavik to the Skógar trailhead to begin your hike. In Thorsmork, you can stay overnight in a hut or take a bus back to Skógar to pick up your car (or take the bus back to Reykjavik).

The Fimmvörðuháls hike is 14.7 miles (23.6 kilometers) long. It typically takes eight hours or more to hike. If you plan to take the bus back from Thorsmork to Skógar, be sure to allow enough time to reach Thorsmork before the bus departs; otherwise, you'll have to stay overnight in Thorsmork.

The Fimmvörðuháls trail is open for hiking in the summer, when there is no snow on the trails, typically from early June to mid-September. You'll want to aim for a sunny day without rain or wind. July is the most popular month for hiking, thanks to its generally clear weather conditions.

This hike is quite long and spans 4,120 feet (1,256 meters) of elevation gain. It is not suitable for beginners, as there are no places to stop along the route. It’s best to arrange a guide if you may need assistance completing the hike.

The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so you'll want to plan for sun, rain, wind, and even snow when hiking Fimmvörðuháls. Good hiking boots are essential, and it is recommended to have hiking poles and small crampons in case you encounter slippery conditions. Bring enough food and water for the hike, and be sure to pack a first aid kit.