Hike Fimmvörðuháls Pass

Gönguleið um Fimmvörðuháls, Iceland

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

14 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Danny McGee

It is said JRR Tolkien was hiking this pass when he was inspired to write The Lord of The Rings. And only a few hundred meters into the hike you will see why. As you hike upwards, stunning waterfalls reveal themselves behind ever bend and jagged volcanic cliffs blanketed in moss skirt the sides of the trail. It is one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Iceland.

You can start on either side of the pass whether it is Thórsmörk or Skógar, each way is just as visually stunning as the other. The trail winds up past numerous waterfalls and picture perfect landscapes. Signs and cairns will direct you in the right direction. At the top there are two mountain huts that you can hunker down in and warm up, use the kitchen, buy assorted food items and they even offer beds if you get reservations in advance. The trail gets very technical at some points and requires holding onto chains that are anchored into the rock to prevent a fall. The route is only accessible from mid-June to late-August. The trek is 14 miles one way and takes close to 12 hours to complete when moving at a decent pace. It is hands down the most beautiful hike I've ever had the opportunity experience and offers an amazing sample of the wild, untamed beauty that Iceland has to offer.

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Hike Fimmvörðuháls Pass Reviews

Margaret L

Hike Fimmvörðuháls Pass

03/24/23

One of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland! Make sure to bring some rain gear because you definitely get wet when you get closer. Hard to take a photo without it 1000 tourists in it. But still worth a visit.

5.0

Nancy B

Hike Fimmvörðuháls Pass

12/22/22

A feast for all the senses! Waterfalls, glaciers, ash fields, and green gorges! Physically, this hike is no joke, but I’m glad we did it in one day instead of two. It took us (59 years old, but fit) 10 hours, but we allowed for a little more than 12. Knowing you have to catch your scheduled bus was good motivation to stay on a consistent pace. We used our trekking poles for most of the way. We packed Yak Trax for the middle section and we were glad we had them. There is one extremely steep section just north of the mountain hut that is covered with scree. Several people were really struggling without poles and springs. Keep a close eye on weather. We fortunately had a picture perfect day with only a light breeze. If you can make the arrangements and the weather cooperates, don’t miss this hike!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike Fimmvörðuháls Pass

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Hike Fimmvörðuháls Pass Reviews

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