Fimmvörðuháls
~2 days · 15.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Fimmvörðuháls is known for
The pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps, climbing past the waterfall staircase of the Skógá river and the still-warm craters of the 2010 eruption before dropping into Þórsmörk.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 85 ft to 3,389 ft over 15.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 8.8 mi · 55%
- Downhill 5.3 mi · 33%
- Flat 1.9 mi · 12%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Fimmvörðuháls?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Fimmvörðuháls scores 27/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Fimmvörðuháls take?
Most backpackers hike the Fimmvörðuháls in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 15.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Fimmvörðuháls?
The Fimmvörðuháls climbs roughly 4,298 ft total — about 270 ft per mile, topping out near 3,389 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.