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Fimmvörðuháls

Fimmvörðuháls — the trail guide

The Fimmvörðuháls is a 23.2 km trek in Iceland, typically walked in 1–2 days, with 1015 m of total ascent. It rates Hard on our published rubric (44 m of gain per km, topping out at 1044 m).

From Skógafoss it climbs beside the Skógá river past a long chain of waterfalls to the 1,000 m saddle, crosses the young Magni and Móði craters from the 2010 eruption, then drops over the exposed Heljarkambur ridge into Þórsmörk. It is Iceland's classic day-crossing, usually walked one-way with a summer bus back, or joined to the Laugavegur.

Quick facts

Distance23.2 km
Total ascent1015 m
Typical duration1–2 days
Difficulty (computed)Hard
Steepness44 m gain per km
High point1044 m
CountryIceland
RegionIceland

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Hard" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 96 m · high point 1044 m · 1015 m total ascent over 23.2 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 27 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-1°385 mm
Feb-1°383 mm
Mar-1°330 mm
Apr260 mm
May257 mm
Jun11°197 mm
Jul13°192 mm
Aug13°254 mm
Sep11°374 mm
Oct334 mm
Nov322 mm
Dec-1°365 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Fimmvörðuháls?

The Fimmvörðuháls is 23.2 km, and most hikers complete it in 1–2 days. Total elevation gain is 1015 m.

How difficult is the Fimmvörðuháls?

It rates Hard on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 44 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 1044 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Fimmvörðuháls is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Fimmvörðuháls?

In Iceland. The route starts near 63.530, -19.512 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.