Day tours
Private Fimmvörðuháls day hike
from 52.990 ISK
Duration
Approx 8-10 hours
Departure
09:00 from Skógar – parking lot outside of Skógafoss waterfall
Min ratio
4 people
Availability
Daily
15. Jun – 31. Aug
Skill level
Demanding
Private Fimmvörðuháls day hike
Description
The hike through Fimmvörðuháls, from Skógar to Þórsmörk, is one of Iceland´s best-known hiking routes.
We start our day at the 60m high Skógafoss waterfall, where we begin our 25-kilometer hike towards Þórsmörk. The trail winds along Skógá River and its many waterfalls, and up between the two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. There we will experience the recent lava flow from the 2010 eruption on Fimmvörðuháls and hike on the two volcanic craters – Móði and Magni. From there we will start our decent towards Þórsmörk, where the view is simply spectacular. If we are lucky we can see volcanoes, glaciers, the highlands and glacier valleys. Our hike takes us through rough Icelandic landscape and beautiful nature.
Fimmvörduháls trail will take you up through “Waterfall Way”, where 26 waterfalls await you, up to the site of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption that made the news as the volcanic eruption shut down air traffic in Europe for a couple of days. This world-famous trail also passes through a harsh mountain pass, deep canyons, and the sumptuous Thórsmörk valley.
Down in Þórsmörk valley is where we will meet up with our Super-Jeep guide and we start heading from Þórsmörk. On the drive back to Skógar, we will see Gígjökull glacier where most of the flooding from Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption came down and the vast floodplain of Markarfljót River. Before we get to Skógar we will make a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall before our last goodbye to Þórsmörk.
The trail starts right next to Skógafoss. Take the long series of steps to the top of Skógafoss, catch your breath, enjoy the view, and get ready for an amazing day.
Note: depending on conditions, the tour might be operated from Þórsmörk to Skógar.
Good to know
What to bring
Warm outdoor clothing
Waterproof jacket and pants
Head-wear
Gloves
Appropriate hiking boots/shoes are required
Lunch and/or snacks
A few facts
Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: 1400 meters (4600 feet) total ascent
About the length of time:
8 to 10 hours is the average length of time to do this hike and I have seen estimates as long as 12 hours. If you hike fast, you can complete this hike in less than 8 hours.
Optional Extras
You can add a lunch box!
Freshly packed lunch that includes: sandwich, biscuits, skyr, fruit, and juice/ water.
6000- ISK per person
Please note!
There is a minimum of 3 participants for this tour. In case of fewer bookings we will give you three options :
- Choose another tour
- Full refund
- Pay for the third available seat
Book now
Our meeting point
***Please note! Your trip may have a meeting point in a different place. See your meeting point under "Departure" on the specified trip***
Our meeting point is Brú Base. Drive 5 km after passing Seljalandsfoss waterfall on road 249.
You can find us on Google Maps under Southcoast Adventure (Hella). You will see our cars immediately in front of the building.
GPS:
63.65407632637002, -19.943926457435094
Our meeting point
***Please note! Your trip may have a meeting point in a different place. See your meeting point under "Departure" on the specified trip***
Our meeting point is Brú Base. Drive 5 km after passing Seljalandsfoss waterfall on road 249.
You can find us on Google Maps under Southcoast Adventure (Hella). You will see our cars immediately in front of the building.
GPS:
63.65407632637002, -19.943926457435094
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Payment Policy
Booking and payment of tours
You can pay and book through the internet, through our website. This is by far the easiest, safest and fastest way to reserve and pay for your adventure.
You can also contact us via email at info@southadventure.is
You can book and pay via phone, the phone number is +354 867 3535
Sometimes you can pay when you arrive, but this is only possible in special circumstances.
All our tours are available as Private Tours
You can make the most of your valuable time in Iceland by choosing the option of a customized private tour.
If you are travelling independently, with your family, a group of friends or colleagues, private tours are designed to cater to your specific interests and time constraints.
The price for all private tours is an additional 80.000 ISK with a minimum of 3 persons.
Small group
If otherwise not stated, for most of our tours the max guide to client ratio is 1:14
Minimum number of passengers
There is a minimum of 2 people for most of our trips. We usually run the trips on the guaranteed departure dates. If you are interested in some trips and are travelling solo we can put you on a waiting list and contact you if more people book the trip.
Few of our tours have a minimum of 3 persons. The reason for this is the nature and logistics of the tour. We can put you on a waiting list and contact you if more people book the trip.
Currency exchange
All prices are in ISK (Icelandic Krona) and all invoices are in ISK.
If requests are in any other billing currency, Southcoast Adventure reserves the right to add an exchange surcharge to the package price before the final payment has been made in case of any currency fluctuations. After the final payment has been made, no surcharges will be applicable.
All adventure trips are weather and condition depended and we reserve the right to change your itinerary or cancel your trip last minute with your safety in mind.
Cancellations & refunds
Day tours:
Cancellations with more than 48hrs notice before departure of the trip will be refunded fully.
Cancellations with less than 48hrs notice before departure of the trip will not be refunded.
Multi-day tours:
Cancellations with more than 42 days before departure leaves you with an 80% refund of multi-day tours. 20% is non-refundable, due to the fact that arrangements have already been made for you on the trip.
Cancellations less than 42 days before departure leave you with a 50% refund. 50% are non-refundable, due to the fact that arrangements have already been made for you on the trip.
Cancellations with less than 72 hrs notice are non-refundable.
In case of a no-show on any of our trips, refunds will not be made.
All cancellation fees held by Southcoast Adventure are only intended to cover our direct cost of canceling your tour.
All complaints must reach Southcoast Adventure within 5 days from completion of your tour. Otherwise, possible compensation is not valid.
Safety
Weather conditions
In Iceland, all itineraries are designed to be flexible taking weather conditions into account. All adventure trips and outdoor activities are weather and condition dependent and we reserve the right to change your itinerary or cancel your trip with your safety in mind. At Southcoast Adventure your safety is our priority.
Please keep in mind that the weather changes fast on our northern island and with it, conditions change. Our guides are specially trained to deal with changing conditions and their number one priority is to make decisions with your safety in mind.
Please be aware of this and respect your guide’s authority to do so. This is especially valid for winter travel in Iceland.
Assumed risk
All adventures and glacier tours are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Southcoast Adventure does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. All customers are to realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.
Appropriate footwear and suitable outdoor clothing must be worn.
We reserve the right to refuse participation to clients we believe are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in such circumstances no refunds shall be given.
Our guides reserve the right to refuse participation to any customer whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offense, upset, or put other passengers in danger.
All adventure trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Southcoast Adventure does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions.
Personal belongings
Passengers are responsible for the safety of their own belongings. We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings or baggage.
Travel insurance
A few words about travel insurance
As with any and all world travel, we strongly recommend that you buy a travel insurance policy in your home country that covers your cost should you have to cancel on short notice. This kind of travel insurance is not expensive and frequently covers other risks. In general, travel insurances are a good idea to have when you are on the move in the world.
Age limit
The age limit for all our tours is 6 years old. If you have children under the age of 6 years old, please contact us and we can discuss which tours could be suitable for your child.
What is the age limit to go snowmobiling?
To drive the snowmobile, you need a valid international car driver’s license. For sitting at the back of the snowmobile, the age limit is 6 years old.
Pickup and Drop-off
If you need pickup and dropoff, please see the prices below:
Hvolsvöllur and Hella
(all postcodes apart from 850, 851, 860, and 861):
Pickup: 2.500 ISK per person
Drop-off: 2.500 ISK per person
Pickups start 30 minutes before tour departure time.
Selfoss and Vík
Postcodes 800, 801, 870, and 871:
Pickup: 5.000 ISK per person
Drop-Off: 5.000 ISK per person
Selfoss and Vík Hotel pickups start at 09:00, for 10:00 departure.
Reykjavík and surroundings
Pickup: 10.000 ISK per person
Drop-Off: 10.000 ISK per person
Reykjavík Hotel pickups start at 08:00, for 10:00 departure.
PLEASE NOTE Not valid for snowmobiling, buggy, or Katla ice cave tours.
Brú base and other meeting points
***Please note! Your trip may have a different meeting point. See your meeting point under "Departure" on the specified trip***.
Our main meeting point is:
Brú Base
Road 249 ( 3 km past Seljalandsfoss )
Tel: +354 867 3535
Email: info@southadventure.is
Special meeting points:
Private glacier hike & Private Ice climbing:
Sólheimajökull, road 221
Katla Ice Cave:
Vík (outside of the building at the corner of Ice Cave Bisto Cafe)
Landmannalaugar:
Bus Stop Hella
Please contact us for customized pickups and departures.
Difficulty Ratings
Easy, moderate, challenging …
What does this really mean? Below you can read the definitions we use for our ratings. We hope this will help you get an idea of the trip difficulty to make sure you choose a trip that suits you best.
Easy
Suitable for most people in fair condition. You have to be able to walk on uneven surfaces and hike for at least 2 – 3 hours at a slow pace, with breaks. Trails are generally of good quality and glaciers travel at a relatively low angle.
Moderate
Suitable for those in good condition who are able to walk for about 4 hours at a low or moderate pace. Trails are generally of good quality and glaciers travel at a relatively low angle.
Challenging
For someone in good hiking condition and with experience of hiking. Trails are generally in fair conditions but some parts of the tour might be off track. Glacier/snow travel can be on uneven ground with challenging sections. Increased distance. We recommend guests have the ability to cover 12 km a day on rugged trails and snow.
Demanding
Only a few of our trips are defined as Demanding. Hence most of our tours are rated Easy, moderate, or challenging.
Demanding tours are for someone in very good hiking and physical condition. Trails are generally in fair conditions but large sections of the tour might be off track. Glacier/snow travel on uneven ground with some challenging sections. Increased distance. We recommend guests have the ability to cover 20 km a day on uneven trails and snow. A significant increase in elevation and some technical difficulty should be expected.
Equipment list
Equipment needed can vary greatly from season to season as well as the length of your tour. The following list can be used as a guideline for our trekking, hiking, and longer Snowmobile tours in Iceland.
Try to pack as lightly as possible and take only essentials. Excess baggage can be a burden to you and to our support crew. Keep in mind that there are limits on how much your duffel bag can weigh because the weight restrictions on international and domestic flights are usually around 20 kg.
Luggage for Multiday tours and longer journeys with assistance vehicle
An extra bag clearly marked with your name can be kept at your Reykjavik accommodation.
Large duffel bag (60/80 liters) sturdy and water-resistant, not exceeding 15 kg
Daypack (30 to 50 liters)
Clothing
You will need to bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect you from the cold and wet weather. Wool, synthetics, and wool/synthetic blends are good. We discourage the use of cotton, as this does not insulate against cold or wet conditions. When camping, tents are provided. You will be responsible for bringing your mattress and sleeping bag.
When layering, the innermost layer should be long underwear. The middle layer can be a synthetic turtleneck or wool shirt, and pants. The outermost layer should be a synthetic jacket, and/or a good quality Gore-Tex wind/rain parka and over-pants.
For quantities for each item listed, use your own judgment, based on the expected weather conditions and overall packing/weight restrictions for your luggage.
- Regular underwear. Synthetics are easier to wash and dry
- Synthetic or wool thermal underwear
- Long-sleeved, synthetic, or wool shirt
- Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts
- Medium-weight synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
- Full-length pants, quick-drying synthetic fabric
- Down jacket from mid-August to September (optional)
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying synthetic fabric
- Pile/fleece pants, ideal for around the camp
- Sun & rain hat
- Woolen hat
- Gloves (wool or pile)
- Waterproofed shell gloves
- Medium-weight synthetic socks
- Gore-Tex rain/wind parka
- Gore-Tex rain/wind pants
- Hiking boots, medium-weight, all leather, with padded ankle, good arch support, and a lug sole traction. – —Your hiking boots should be waterproof, well broken in, and suitable for rocky terrain or possibly snow.
- Comfortable shoes to wear when not hiking.
- Teva-type sandals and/or neoprene socks/shoes for river crossing. Absolutely recommended!
- Gaiters. Highly recommended!
Travel Accessories
- Comfortable sleeping bag +10°C to –10°C
- Sleeping mattress (recommended)
- Pillow if you can’t sleep without it (optional)
- 1-to-2 liters capacity unbreakable water bottle or thermos
- Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries (daylight getting shorter around August)
- Toiletry kit—soap, toothbrush, etc.
- Sunglasses
- Spare pair of prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses (but not only lenses)
- Sunscreen and lip protection (The sun in Iceland is much more intense than you probably imagine)
- Personal first aid kit
Optional Travel Accessories
- Hiking poles. Highly recommended
- Binoculars
- Repair kit with needle, thread, and safety pins
- Your favorite snack food such as raisins or chocolate
- Protein supplements for vegetarian
1 or 2 good bottles of wine or a bottle of something stronger
Additional gear for backpacking tours
- 1 set of eating utensils with a bowl
- Pocketknife – multi-tool
- Thermo bottle 0.75L – 1L
Participants responsibility
All adventures and glacier tours are undertaken on the responsibility of the participants. Southcoast Adventure does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. All customers are to realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.
Southcoast Adventure cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property that participants choose to bring with them while participating in activities.