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Fimmvorduhals Pass
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Fimmvörðuháls Pass in Iceland links Skógar and Þórsmörk through glaciers, volcanic craters and highland scenery on a demanding hiking route.

Between Waterfalls, Glaciers and Volcanoes

Fimmvörðuháls Pass is one of Iceland’s most compelling highland crossings, linking the southern village of Skógar with Þórsmörk, a sheltered valley surrounded by glaciers and mountains. The walking route rises from the famous Skógafoss waterfall through the upper Skógá valley, passing a succession of waterfalls before reaching the exposed pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. At roughly 1,000 metres, the pass is a serious mountain environment rather than a casual day excursion, with snow, wind, fog and rapidly changing visibility possible even in summer.
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A Route Shaped by Fire and Ice

The pass is especially notable for its volcanic landscape. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajökull eruption created the craters Magni and Móði near the trail, giving walkers a rare opportunity to see a recently formed volcanic landform in an otherwise glacial setting. The route’s southern approach follows a long, dramatic line of waterfalls, while the descent towards Þórsmörk becomes greener and more sheltered, with birch woodland and views towards rugged valleys. Mountain huts at Fimmvörðuskáli and Baldvinsskáli are associated with the trail, but overnight arrangements require advance planning and suitable mountain equipment.

A Demanding Highland Journey

Most hikers complete the crossing from Skógar to Þórsmörk in a long day, while others stay overnight and divide the route. The two trailheads have different access challenges: Skógar is reached by the south-coast road, whereas Þórsmörk lies beyond rough highland roads and unbridged river crossings that generally require an appropriate vehicle or seasonal transport service. The pass is usually considered a summer route, and conditions should be checked locally before departure. Its appeal lies in the concentrated contrast of southern Iceland: a waterfall corridor, black volcanic terrain, ice-bound summits and the wooded valleys of Þórsmörk.

When is the best time to visit Fimmvorduhals Pass?

Best: June–August · 16–18°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January140
February140
March340
April740
May1240
June (best)1640
July (best)1840
August (best)1740
September1240
October840
November340
December140

Getting to and around Fimmvorduhals Pass

How to get there

The southern trailhead is at Skógar, just off Iceland’s Route 1 on the south coast, and can be reached by car or by seasonal south-coast bus services serving the area. The northern end is in Þórsmörk, reached from the south via the F249 and rough highland tracks with river crossings; ordinary hire cars are not suitable for this approach. Seasonal buses and mountain transport may serve Þórsmörk, but routes and operating periods vary, so arrangements should be checked before travelling. Visitors commonly walk from Skógar to Þórsmörk and arrange onward transport from the valley, rather than attempting to access both ends independently on the same day.

Transportation

Fimmvörðuháls is primarily a walking route and is normally completed from Skógar to Þórsmörk, with a long ascent, exposed high section and descent into the valley. There is no ordinary local transport across the pass. The F249 approach to Þórsmörk includes unbridged glacial rivers and changing conditions, so driving requires a suitable high-clearance vehicle and experience with Icelandic highland roads; road conditions and crossings must be checked locally. Within Þórsmörk, trails connect valleys and viewpoints, but distances remain substantial. Cycling, riding or other activities should only be undertaken where current conditions and local access arrangements make them appropriate.

Best attractions in Fimmvorduhals Pass

The principal attraction is the route itself, beginning at Skógar and following the Skógá river past a remarkable sequence of waterfalls before climbing towards the open saddle of Fimmvörðuháls. At the high point, the trail passes between the ice caps Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, with views that change quickly according to cloud and snow conditions. The volcanic craters Magni and Móði, formed during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, provide a distinctive geological focus near the pass. Beyond the summit, the descent leads into Þórsmörk, a network of wooded valleys, ridges and glacial landscapes associated with longer hiking routes. Baldvinsskáli and Fimmvörðuskáli are important mountain-hut locations along the crossing, although they are basic facilities rather than visitor attractions with broad services. Skógafoss, at the southern trailhead, is a major waterfall and a natural starting point for exploring the route, while the changing contrast between river gorge, volcanic upland and sheltered birch woodland defines the journey.

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Best landmarks in Fimmvorduhals Pass

Fimmvörðuháls is defined by a series of natural landmarks rather than buildings. Skógafoss marks the southern gateway, where the Skógá river drops from the uplands and the trail begins its ascent past numerous waterfalls. Above the valley, the saddle lies between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, placing the route in a striking corridor of glaciers, snowfields and volcanic rock. Magni and Móði are the pass’s most distinctive human-timescale geological landmarks, formed during the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. The shelters of Baldvinsskáli and Fimmvörðuskáli reflect the route’s history as a challenging mountain crossing, while the descent into Þórsmörk introduces birch woodland, ridges and glacial valleys. Together these features show how water, ice and active volcanism have shaped the landscape around the pass.

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Best restaurants in Fimmvorduhals Pass

There is no restaurant scene on Fimmvörðuháls itself, and walkers must carry provisions for the crossing. The principal nearby eating options are found in Skógar and along Iceland’s south-coast settlements, where cafés, guesthouse dining rooms and food outlets serve visitors travelling Route 1. These are useful places to obtain breakfast, packed food or a meal before or after the hike, although opening patterns can be seasonal. Þórsmörk has limited visitor infrastructure, with food availability connected to individual accommodation or hut arrangements rather than a conventional village dining area. Icelandic menus commonly draw on lamb, fish, dairy products, rye bread and soups, while the wider south coast also reflects farming and fishing traditions. Anyone staying in a hut or mountain accommodation should confirm whether self-catering facilities or food services are provided and plan on the assumption that shops will not be available on the trail.

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Best bars in Fimmvorduhals Pass

Fimmvörðuháls has no bars, nightclubs or organised nightlife. Evening activity centres on quiet mountain huts, camps or accommodation in Skógar and Þórsmörk, where walkers may rest, prepare food and discuss route conditions rather than seek entertainment. Skógar and nearby south-coast settlements have a small number of pubs, hotel bars and casual hospitality venues, but they are dispersed rather than forming a nightlife district. Þórsmörk is still more remote, and evening facilities depend on the particular accommodation base and season. Visitors looking for a broader choice of bars or live entertainment need to travel to larger towns elsewhere on Iceland’s south coast or in the capital area, outside the destination itself. In the pass, darkness, weather and early starts make a low-key evening routine the practical norm.

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Best nightclubs in Fimmvorduhals Pass

Fimmvörðuháls has no bars, nightclubs or organised nightlife. Evening activity centres on quiet mountain huts, camps or accommodation in Skógar and Þórsmörk, where walkers may rest, prepare food and discuss route conditions rather than seek entertainment. Skógar and nearby south-coast settlements have a small number of pubs, hotel bars and casual hospitality venues, but they are dispersed rather than forming a nightlife district. Þórsmörk is still more remote, and evening facilities depend on the particular accommodation base and season. Visitors looking for a broader choice of bars or live entertainment need to travel to larger towns elsewhere on Iceland’s south coast or in the capital area, outside the destination itself. In the pass, darkness, weather and early starts make a low-key evening routine the practical norm.

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Best shops in Fimmvorduhals Pass

Shopping on Fimmvörðuháls is limited to the practical supplies arranged before a mountain crossing; there are no shops, craft markets or retail streets on the pass. Skógar and the wider south-coast corridor provide the nearest opportunities for snacks, packed food, basic travel requirements and locally made goods, generally through small shops, cafés, museums or accommodation businesses rather than a concentrated shopping district. Visitors may find Icelandic wool products, outdoor clothing, local food items and craftwork in larger south-coast settlements, but stock and opening arrangements vary. Þórsmörk is a remote outdoor base, not a shopping centre, so it is unwise to depend on buying fuel, specialist equipment or provisions there. Regional products such as woollen knitwear, preserves and other food gifts offer a more relevant connection with local rural life than souvenir shopping at the trail itself.

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Fimmvorduhals Pass essentials

Currency and Payment
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna, abbreviated ISK. Cards and contactless payments are widely used in Iceland, but a remote mountain route has no normal retail facilities, cash machine or dependable opportunity to buy supplies. Carry food, water and all equipment required for the crossing, and do not rely on payment services at isolated huts or trail locations. Cash is less commonly needed in the country’s developed areas, although keeping a small reserve of Icelandic króna can be practical when travelling through rural districts. The nearest useful supplies are generally found in larger settlements outside the pass.
Safety
Fimmvörðuháls is an exposed mountain route where wind, snow, ice, fog and low cloud can make navigation difficult, even during the usual walking season. The trail includes steep and uneven ground, and the descent towards Þórsmörk can be tiring after the high section. Glaciers and volcanic areas should not be approached beyond marked paths, and walkers should never assume that snow bridges or frozen surfaces are stable. Check the Icelandic weather and road information before departure, tell someone the planned route, carry a map and charged communication device, and turn back if conditions deteriorate or visibility is lost.
Emergency Situations
In Iceland, call 112 for police, fire and medical emergencies. Give responders your route, direction of travel, last known location, nearby hut or landmark, and the number and condition of people in your group; a location shared from a phone may assist, but should not replace clear route information. Mobile coverage can be limited in the highlands, and rescue may take time because of the terrain and weather. For a serious incident, remain with the injured person where it is safe, protect them from cold and wind, and follow instructions from emergency services rather than continuing towards an uncertain trailhead.
Do's and Don'ts
Stay on marked paths wherever they exist, especially around the fragile volcanic ground near Magni and Móði, and take all litter back out. Do not approach glacier edges, cross hazardous snowfields or attempt river crossings without current local advice. Close gates, avoid disturbing sheep and other animals, and respect hut rules and the privacy of any working rural properties. Do not light fires or remove rocks and volcanic material. Treat the route as a remote mountain journey rather than a roadside attraction, and avoid setting out simply because the weather appears calm at Skógar.
Local Tips
Starting at Skógar places the long ascent early in the walk and allows the route to finish in the more sheltered landscapes of Þórsmörk. The waterfall section is particularly rewarding in clear weather, while the volcanic craters are easier to appreciate when snow and cloud do not obscure the ground. Many visitors use Þórsmörk as part of a longer hiking itinerary, but the pass can also be undertaken independently with careful transport planning. Accommodation and supplies are limited at both trail ends, so organise hut places, food and onward travel before arriving at the route.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHalló[haa-loh]
GoodbyeBless[bless]
YesJá[ya]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel[gyur-thoo svoh vel]
Thank youTakk fyrir[tahk fur-eer]
Excuse me/SorryAfsakið[af-sah-kith]
How are you?Hvernig hefurðu það?[kver-nig hev-ur-thoo thah-th]
Fine. And you?Fínt. Og þú?[feent. ohg thoo]
Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?[tar-lar thoo ens-koo]
I don't understandÉg skil ekki[yeh skil ekk-ee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg ætla að sjá matseðilinn, takk[yeh eye-tla ath syah mat-se-thil-inn, tahk]
I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt[yeh bor-tha ekk-ee chot]
Cheers!Skál![skowl]
I would like to pay, pleaseÉg vil greiða, takk[yeh vil gray-tha, tahk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjálp![hyowlp]
Go away!Farðu í burtu![far-thoo ee bur-too]
Call the Police!Hringdu í lögreglu![hring-doo ee luh-greh-glue]
Call a doctor!Hringdu í læknir![hring-doo ee laik-nir]
I'm lostÉg er týnd(ur)[yeh air teenth(ur)]
I'm illÉg er veik(ur)[yeh air vaik(ur)]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ég ætla að kaupa...[yeh eye-tla ath cow-pa]
I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða[yeh air bar-ah ath skotha]
How much is it?Hvað kostar það?[kvath kost-ar thah-th]
That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt[thah-th air ov deert]
Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkad verðið?[get-ur thoo ligh-kad ver-thith]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?[kvath air kluth-kan]
It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt[kluth-kan air ait]
Half past (10)Hálf tíu[haowlf tee-oo]
MorningMorgunn[mor-gun]
AfternoonSíðdegis[seeth-dey-ees]
EveningKvöld[kvohld]
YesterdayÍ gær[ee gai-r]
TodayÍ dag[ee dag]
TomorrowÁ morgun[auh mor-gun]
1Eitt[ait]
2Tvö[tvuh]
3Þrír[threer]
4Fjórir[fyow-reer]
5Fimm[feem]
6Sex[sehx]
7Sjö[syow]
8Átta[auh-thah]
9Níu[nee-oo]
10Tíu[tee-oo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er...[kvar air]
What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?[kvath air hay-mil-is-fang-ith]
Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?[get-ur thoo seent meyr (au kort-inu)]
When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsti (strætisvagn)?[kver-nair kem-ur nai-sti (strait-is-vagn)]
A ticket (to ....)Miða (til ....)[mee-tha (til)]

History of Fimmvorduhals Pass

A Glacial and Volcanic Landscape

Fimmvörðuháls occupies a high saddle between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, two ice caps that have shaped the surrounding valleys and slopes. The route connects the Skógá drainage on the south side with the glacial valleys leading towards Þórsmörk. Its landscape reflects the close relationship between Icelandic fire and ice: snowfields and glaciers occupy the high ground, while volcanic rock and ash appear along the pass. The landform is part of Iceland’s active volcanic zone, where geological processes continue to influence the terrain rather than belonging only to the distant past.

Travel Between Skógar and Þórsmörk

The crossing historically served as a demanding route between communities and grazing areas on Iceland’s south coast and the interior valleys. Before modern roads and organised trekking, movement across such high ground depended heavily on weather, snow conditions and knowledge of the terrain. Skógar developed as a rural settlement beneath the route, while Þórsmörk remained a remote valley environment associated with summer travel, pasture and later outdoor recreation. The pass’s importance has therefore been practical as well as scenic, providing a highland link between two contrasting parts of southern Iceland.

The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull Eruption

Fimmvörðuháls gained renewed international attention during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruptions. The initial phase occurred near the pass in March 2010, producing the craters Magni and Móði and a basaltic lava flow. A later eruption beneath the Eyjafjallajökull ice cap caused widespread ash disruption to European air travel. The newly formed craters remain among the route’s most significant landmarks, although their appearance and surrounding ground can change through erosion, snow cover and continuing volcanic processes.

From Mountain Route to Trekking Classic

Improved footpaths, mountain huts and seasonal transport gradually made the crossing more accessible to experienced walkers, and Fimmvörðuháls became associated with the wider Laugavegur hiking network through Þórsmörk. Tourism has not removed the route’s highland character: the distance, elevation, exposure and weather still demand careful preparation. Modern management focuses on directing walkers along established paths, protecting fragile volcanic and alpine ground, and balancing growing interest in the route with the limited infrastructure of Iceland’s interior.

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Imagine standing at the gateway to one of Iceland's most breathtaking hiking routes, the Fimmvorduhals Pass, equipped with all the knowledge you need to make your adventure unforgettable. Evendo is your ultimate companion for exploring this majestic landscape. From the stunning Skógafoss waterfall to the untouched beauty of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, our app has you covered. Discover hidden gems, like the serene Thórsmörk Valley, or find the best local restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Icelandic dishes.

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