Fimmvörðurháls - Walk on the Volcano
Recommend
a friend

Iceland - hiking trail - Fimmvördurhals
Iceland - hiking trail - Fimmvördurhals Iceland - hiking trail - Thorsmörk-Skogar Iceland - hiking trail - Fimmvördurhals Iceland - hiking trail - Thorsmörk-Skogar Iceland - hiking trail - Fimmvördurhals Iceland - hiking trail - Thorsmörk-Skogar Iceland - hiking trail - Fimmvördurhals Iceland - hiking trail - Thorsmörk-Skogar Iceland - hiking trail - Fimmvördurhals Iceland - hiking trail - Thorsmörk-Skogar

Day 1:
From the Reykjavik Central Bus Station we take the regular bus to the Þórsmörk- a beautiful valley behind the glaciers in the south highlands. We arrive in Þórsmörk around noon and after lunch we’ll have the opportunity to explore this natural wonder and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Night in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.

Day 2:
Leaving Þórsmörk we cross the river Krossá on a footbridge entering the magic landscapes of Goðalönd – the abode of the Gods. Nesting at the foot of two glaciers this is a wonderland of ridges and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses, certainly fit for gods and humans alike. Even the elves have made themselves at home here. We continue up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views to the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. A the end of the Morinsheiði plateu we enjoy the view of the lava stream that flowed down from the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in March and early April 2010. The lava is all set with different outlets of fuming steam and decorated with green and yellow sulphur.

As we gain height above Morinsheiði we come again to the lava and then to the two craters Magni and Móði that erupted prior to the main Eyjafjallajökull crater.  We cross the brand new lava just at the foot of the magnificent red craters, through places were the lava is almost glowing warm inside the fissures and cracks on its surface. After crossing safely the lava we get a view to the lava and the craters from a hill on the other side, before crossing the néves of the high pass of Fimmvörðuháls, to get to the hut between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, where we set up for the night.

Note:
Because of difficult access to the hut for vehicles, passengers will have to carry their gear from the transport vehicle to the hut, and back the next morning, approx. 30 min. walk each way.

Distance 12-14 km (7-9 mi)
Walking time 6-7 hrs
Ascent 900 m (2953’)

Day 3:
After a night between the two glaciers we head down to Skógar. At the beginning, the path takes us over a desolate heath past an old hut that does not offer much shelter any more. We come to the Skógaá River and follow the river exploring its many hidden gorges, and waterfalls all the way to the famous Skógafoss waterfall. The river and its surroundings offer great scenery. The coast seems to be within arm´s reach and you can almost feel the surf on your cheeks. Arriving at Skógafoss, we hop on the scheduled bus to Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik Central bus Station at 19:00, where the trip ends.

Distance 12-13km (7-8 mi)
Walking time 6-7 hrs
Ascent 1000 m (3280’)

Note:
Because of difficult access for vehicles to the hut on Fimmvörðuháls, passengers will have to carry their gear from the transport vehicle to the hut on day 2, and back in the morning of day 3, approx. 30 min. walk each way.

Dates Availability
20.06 - 22.06.2014 Yes
27.06 - 29.06.2014 Yes
04.07 - 06.07.2014 Yes
11.07 - 13.07.2014 Yes
18.07 - 20.07.2014 Yes
20.07 - 22.07.2014 Yes
25.07 - 27.07.2014 Yes
01.08 - 03.08.2014 Yes
08.08 - 10.08.2014 Yes
15.08 - 17.08.2014 Yes
17.08 - 19.08.2014 Yes
22.08 - 24.08.2014 Yes
29.08 - 31.09.2014 Yes
05.09 - 07.09.2014 Yes
Min. no participants 6
Max. group size 16
Walking per day 4-5 hours
Total walking distance 22 km. (13,6 miles)
Altitude 150-1100 m. (490-3600 feet)
Maximum Ascent 1000 m. (3280 feet)
Accommodation All of the huts are heated, some have electricity and some have hot water. They have bunk rooms with single and twin beds, paricipants have to be prepared to share a bunk with other travellers from the group.
Meeting Point The tour starts and ends at the central bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ), meeting time is at 7:15 am. Pick up from hotel or guesthouse at the beginning of the tour can be added for an extra fee.
Rental equipment It is possible to rent sleeping bags. Please contact us for details.
Children discount No children discount available

Boots and Clothing

  • Hiking Boots – The boots should be made of leather (or leather and synthetic) with high cut to give sufficient ankle support. Preferably the sole should be soft but robust. GoreTex or alternative waterproof membrane is a preferable extra.
  • Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
  • Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer).
  • Trousers (2nd layer) – Strong and light material that dries quickly. Wind resistant and water repelling
  • preferable.
  • Rain Jacket or an Anorak with a hood – Has to be waterproof and preferably breathable material (Gore-Tex or quivalents).
  • Rain trousers - Waterproof and breathable material.
  • Liner Gloves – Wool or synthetic (polypropylene / polyester).
  • Mittens/Gloves – Wool or synthetic (optionally waterproof) (two pairs if no Liner Gloves).
  • Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs.
  • Hat or Balaclava – Wool or synthetic.

Other gear

  • Backpack for extra clothes and food during the day. Size: 30-50 liters.
  • River shoes – Walking sandals with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks. Regular o pen sandals are not sufficient for the purpose.
  • Old pair of light sneakers do nicely to ford the rivers but they don’t dry easily and can be a heavy addition to your backpack.
  • Sleeping bag – A basic sleeping bag with no specific temperature rating is sufficient for this trek since all the huts are heated.
  • A travel sack for the baggage that is transported between the huts. Note that suitcases are to be avoided.
  • Towel – A light weight and packable one.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Sunglasses – Big enough to cover the eyes and with sufficient UV-protection.
  • Sun protection.
  • Water container – Pet plastic bottle.

Optional gear

  • Walking poles.
  • Gaiters – Calf or knee height and wide enough for your boots.
  • Neoprene socks – A preferable item on trips where we have to cross many rivers.
  • Pen knife.
  • Sun/rain hat or a cap.
  • Thermal mat (for lunch breaks).
  • Camera, spare batteries, a memory card or films.

Contact us to make a booking or if you have any questions regarding this or another tour.

Use the form below or send us an email to info@mammuticeland.com

We'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Name
Email
Phone
Message

3 days
Included
  • English speaking guide
  • Transportation to and from Reykjavík
  • Food for 3 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 3)
  • 2 nights sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts
  • Cooking gear
  • Luggage transfer
Not Included
  • Sleeping bag
  • Accommodation/camping fees before and after the tour
  • All other services not mentioned in "included"

mammuticeland.com | All rights reserved | Site map | About mammuticeland.com | Terms and conditions
E-mail: info@mammuticeland.com | Phone: ​​+354 773 7031