Fimmvörðuháls Itinerary: 1- & 2-Day Options
Fimmvörðuháls day-by-day itinerary — Lee's 2-day Skógar–Þórsmörk stages, one-day push option and Laugavegur extension routing.
Hiked by Lee
Self-guided
Last verified
The complete guide tells the full story — this page is the scannable hub: route options, daily stages and how Lee split Skógar → Þórsmörk across two days after Laugavegur.
Also read: Complete Guide · Accommodation · Trek overview
At a glance
| Distance | ~22–25 km |
| Duration | 1 day (fit) or 2 days (recommended) |
| Start / finish | Skógar ↔ Þórsmörk (point to point) |
| Elevation gain | ~1,000 m |
| Season | June–September |
| Extension | After Laugavegur (Landmannalaugar → Þórsmörk → Skógar) |
Lee's 2-day itinerary (most popular)
| Day | Stage | Distance | Time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skógar → Baldvinsskáli / Fimmvörðuháls Hut | ~12 km | 6–7 h | Pass hut |
| 2 | Hut → Þórsmörk | ~12 km | 6–7 h | Þórsmörk huts |
Day 1 — Waterfalls and the climb
Start at Skógafoss, climb past 20+ waterfalls, enter 2010 eruption terrain, finish at the high pass hut. Lee's hardest day — relentless ascent, weather closing in.
Day 2 — Glaciers and green valley
Cross Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull views, descend through lava to Þórsmörk. Celebratory beer territory.
One-day option (experienced only)
| Distance | ~22–25 km |
| Time | 8–12 hours |
| Good for | Strong hikers, light packs, long summer daylight |
| Risk | No bailout; weather can turn a long day into a dangerous one |
Start early — morning weather is usually more stable.
Direction: which way?
| Direction | Pros |
|---|---|
| Skógar → Þórsmörk | Classic waterfall climb first; finish in green valley |
| Þórsmörk → Skógar | Lee's Laugavegur extension direction — epic Skógafoss finale |
Tip: Descending past waterfalls to Skógafoss is one of Iceland's best hike endings.
Combined with Laugavegur (5–7 days)
| Day | Stage |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | Landmannalaugar → Þórsmörk (Laugavegur) |
| 5 | Þórsmörk → Fimmvörðuháls Hut |
| 6 | Hut → Skógar |
See Laugavegur itinerary and Laugavegur complete guide.
Booking checklist
- Útivist hut reservation (months ahead)
- Highland bus tickets — both trailheads
- Confirm last bus from your exit point
- Check vedur.is daily
- Align hut night with bus schedule
Related planning
- Difficulty — exposure on the pass
- Getting there — bus timing
- Navigation — marked but foggy
- Cost guide — hut + bus budget
Next guide
Fimmvörðuháls Cost Guide: Budget in ISK
Fimmvörðuháls budget breakdown — Útivist hut ~12,200 ISK, highland buses, food and 2-day costs from Lee's Iceland pass hike.
