Hikers standing on a dramatic cliff edge above clouds with glaciers on the Fimmvorduhals trail, Iceland
Dark-furred Arctic fox standing in dry grass fields of Iceland
Three hikers overlooking a dramatic glacial river valley on the Fimmvorduhals trail in Iceland
Braided glacial river winding through Fimmvörðuháls valley at sunset, Iceland highlands
Braided glacial river winding through a mountain valley at golden sunset in Iceland
Hiker resting on mossy mountain terrain wearing worn leather hiking boots on Fimmvorduhals trail Iceland
Hiker with trekking poles and backpack on Fimmvorduhals trail above clouds at sunrise in Iceland
Hiker with blue backpack and trekking poles overlooking green volcanic mountains on Fimmvorduhals trail, Iceland
Hiker in green jacket standing on rocky ridge overlooking braided glacial river valley in Iceland at dusk
Braided glacial river winding through a dramatic Icelandic mountain valley at golden hour sunset
Group doing outdoor yoga stretches on mats in Icelandic landscape with mountains in background
Hikers resting at an A-frame mountain hut with solar panels on the Fimmvörðuháls trail in Iceland
Group of hikers descending snowy Fimmvorduhals trail in Iceland using trekking poles on a sunny day
Waterfall cascading through mossy canyon on Fimmvörðuháls hike with snow-capped Eyjafjallajökull volcano in background
Smiling female guide holding orange snack box during Fimmvorduhals guided hike in Iceland
Group of women hikers smiling on Fimmvorduhals trail in Iceland on a sunny day
Smiling male guide in red Arc'teryx jacket and cap on Fimmvorduhals hike in Iceland
Hikers sliding and walking down a snowy slope on Fimmvörðuháls trail with Iceland's volcanic landscape behind
Group of hikers with backpacks and trekking poles on Fimmvorduhals trail in Iceland
Hiker with backpack standing on rock above clouds at sunrise on Fimmvorduhals trail, Iceland

Hvolsvollur, Iceland

Fimmvorduhals Guided Hike Day Tour in Iceland

14 hoursMin 1 guests
Duration10–14 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtMidgard Base Camp, Hvolsvöllur
LanguagesEnglish
Guided Highland Trek — South Iceland

Fimmvörðuháls Hike Day Tour with Midgard

A full-day traverse through glaciers, volcanic craters, and cascading waterfalls in the Icelandic highlands.


The Fimmvörðuháls hike is widely regarded as one of Iceland's most rewarding long-distance trails, connecting the coastal waterfall valley of Skógar with the remote wilderness of Þórsmörk across a glacier pass. Led by Midgard's experienced guides, this day tour gives hikers a structured, safe, and deeply immersive way to experience one of the country's iconic routes. Transportation, safety oversight, and a post-hike barbecue are all included.

The trail begins at Skógar, where hikers follow the Skógá river past more than twenty waterfalls before ascending the ridge between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. The route crosses the 2010 volcanic eruption zone, a stark landscape of still-warm lava fields and newly formed craters named Magni and Móði. The final descent into the forested valley of Þórsmörk rewards hikers with dramatic views of a landscape sculpted by both fire and ice.

Midgard Adventure has been operating in southern Iceland since 2010, and their guides have walked this trail in every season and condition. The team manages logistics from start to finish, including transfers from Midgard Base Camp to the trailhead at Skógar and a super jeep or bus pickup at the Þórsmörk finish point, including river crossings.

This is a physically demanding route covering 24 km with 1,400 m of elevation gain. Hikers should arrive in good physical condition, prepared for uneven terrain, rocky paths, and potentially snowy or wet conditions. The tour operates from June through September.

Tour Highlights

Hike past more than 20 waterfalls along the Skógá river before ascending into the highlands.

Walk across the 2010 lava fields and visit the craters Magni and Móði, formed during the Eyjafjallajökull eruption.

Trek between two glaciers — Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull — at an elevation of over 1,000 m.

Descend into Þórsmörk, a sheltered valley with striking views that mark a spectacular end to the trail.

All transfers included — from base camp to trailhead and back, with river crossings by super jeep or bus.

Celebrate the completion of the hike with a hamburger barbecue and a choice of beer or soda.

Guided by Midgard professionals with over a decade of experience on this specific trail.

How the Day Unfolds

1
Midgard Base Camp — Briefing and Departure

Guests gather at Midgard Base Camp in Hvolsvöllur for a guide introduction and safety briefing. The group then transfers by vehicle to Skógar, approximately 30 minutes away.

2
Skógar — Waterfall Valley Ascent

The hike begins at the base of Skógafoss waterfall. The trail follows the Skógá river upstream, passing more than 20 cascading waterfalls on a steady climb into the highlands.

3
Fimmvörðuháls Pass — Between Two Glaciers

Hikers traverse the ridge between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers at the trail's highest point of 1,050 m. The volcanic 2010 eruption zone, including craters Magni and Móði, is crossed here.

4
Descent into Þórsmörk

The trail descends into the sheltered valley of Þórsmörk, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This marks the end of the hiking portion of the day.

5
Post-Hike Barbecue and Return Transfer

After the hike, the group celebrates with a hamburger barbecue and drinks. A super jeep or bus then transports everyone back to Midgard Base Camp, crossing unbridged rivers en route.

What Is Included

Included

  • Professional guide throughout the hike
  • Transfer from Midgard Base Camp to Skógar trailhead
  • Return transfer from Þórsmörk to Midgard Base Camp
  • River crossings by super jeep or bus
  • Post-hike hamburger barbecue
  • Beer or soda after the hike

Not Included

  • Lunchbox (available to add at booking)
  • Personal hiking equipment and clothing
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities

Important Information

This tour involves 24 km of hiking with 1,400 m elevation gain over 9–12 hours. Participants must be in good physical health and prepared for challenging, uneven terrain in variable mountain weather.
Duration
10 to 14 hours total, including transfers. Hiking time is 9 to 12 hours. Season runs from June through September.
Meeting Point
Midgard Base Camp, Dufþaksbraut 14, Hvolsvöllur, Iceland. Guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking boots, layered warm clothing, waterproof outer layers, and sufficient food and water for the day. Check local weather forecasts before departure.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking confirmation for the applicable cancellation and refund policy. Weather-related changes may affect departure.
Accessibility
This trail is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. The terrain includes rocky, uneven, and potentially snowy sections throughout the route.
Age Range
Minimum age is 13 years. All participants, regardless of age, must be physically fit and capable of completing a full day of strenuous hiking.

Reserve Your Spot on the Trail

Places on this guided day tour are limited. Book in advance to secure your position on one of Iceland's most celebrated hiking routes, fully supported by Midgard's experienced team.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Fimmvörðuháls hike?▼
The trail is rated 5 out of 5 for physical difficulty. It covers 24 km with 1,400 m of elevation gain and takes between 9 and 12 hours to complete, making it suitable only for participants in good physical condition.
Where does the hike start and end?▼
The hike starts at Skógar waterfall and ends in Þórsmörk. Midgard provides transportation to the trailhead and picks guests up at the finish point, returning everyone to Midgard Base Camp in Hvolsvöllur.
What season does this tour operate?▼
The Fimmvörðuháls Day Tour runs from June through September. Departure times vary by season and are displayed in the booking widget.
Is food provided during the hike?▼
A hamburger barbecue with beer or soda is provided after the hike. Guests can add a lunchbox from Midgard Restaurant when making their booking for food during the trail itself.
Can I stay at Midgard Base Camp before or after the hike?▼
Yes, Midgard recommends staying at their base camp the night before and after the hike. Facilities include a rooftop hot tub, sauna, and regular social events.
What should I wear on the Fimmvörðuháls trail?▼
Participants should wear sturdy hiking boots and bring warm, layered clothing along with waterproof outer layers. Conditions on the pass can be cold and wet even in summer, so checking the local forecast beforehand is strongly advised.
FimmvörðuhálsIceland HikingSouth IcelandGuided TrekÞórsmörkEyjafjallajökullVolcanic LandscapeSkógar WaterfallMidgard AdventureHighland TrailDay Tour IcelandChallenging Hike
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: midgard-fimmvorduhals-day-tour

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

14 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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