Fimmvorduhals Hike in South Iceland - Full Day Tour - Optional pick-up

Fimmvorduhals Hike in South Iceland – Full Day Tour – Optional pick-up

One of the best hikes in the world

The Fimmvorduhals hike is without a doubt one of the most popular amongst both locals and travelers alike and has been for centuries. Hike between the world famous Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano and Myrdalsjokull glacier, mountains, lava fields, historic sites, waterfalls, the newly formed volcanic craters Magni and Modi (from the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption) and stunning nature in the Icelandic highlands. If it sounds like a lot that’s because it is. Quite simply scenery that is out of this world.

This hike will take you from the iconic Skogafoss waterfall to Thorsmork (named after Thor the God of Thunder) through 25 km of the most powerful and moving landscape Iceland has to offer.

The name Fimmvörðuháls can be broken down into the two words: ‘Fimm’ meaning five and ‘vörður’ meaning cairns. Icelanders used to mark paths by piling rocks in these so-called cairns. This is how they could tell that they were going in the right direction! Therefore, the name Fimmvörðuháls tells you about the 5 cairns you need to keep an eye out for in order to ensure you’re also headed in the right direction. Icelanders always put a new rock into the cairn every time we pass as a way to say thank you to the others that helped us as well as to help the ones that will hike after us, by making the cairn even more visible.

Camping is available in Thorsmork at the end of the hike but not included in the trip. In Thorsmork, which is itself an untouched paradise, we love having a big BBQ and reflect together on our challenging but amazing day.

Experienced and informative mountain guide. Necessary safety equipment. Photos taken during hike.
Pick-up, camping and BBQ as add-ons are available but not included, contact us for details.

The Fimmvörðuháls Trek has been one of Icelander’s favorite treks for many centuries.
Fimm means five and vörður mean cairns. Icelanders used to mark paths by piling rocks in these so called cairns. This is how they could know that they were going the right way. The name Fimmvörðuháls tells you about the 5 cairns you need to be on the look out for so you know the way. You will walk the path of the Viking but also encounter some fresh grounds as Fimmvörðuháls is also where the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption started creating two new volcanic craters named Magni and Móði.

You will set off from Skógar having the famous Skógafoss waterfall on our left side and numerous other waterfalls as we hike along the stream. The scenery is outstanding, glaciers, ashy fields, lava fields, historic sites and fertile grounds. This trek ice sure to stay in your memory a lifetime.

We will hike in the foothills of Mýradalsjökull glacier, go across Goðahraun which formed in the eruption in 2010 and visit two new volcanic craters that formed in the same eruption. They are called Magni and Móði after the sons of the pagan thunder god Þór e. Thor.
This is very fitting as the trail ends in Þórsmörk, which is named after the famous of the thunder god. During the evening the group will feast on a gourmet Icelandic lamb barbecue and reflect together on our challenging but amazing day that we have had. A bus then picks us up late evening, to ride us back to Reykjavík.

What to bring: Warm and waterproof outdoor clothing, headwear, gloves. Good hiking shoes are essential.

What if I don’t own all of these clothing items?
Don’t worry, you can always rent sturdy hiking shoes, waterproof jacket and pants when you book your tour. Please note, we do not rent gear from locations, it must be booked in advance.