Fimmvörðuháls, the mountain pass trail connecting Skógar to Þórsmörk in southern Iceland, has been ranked the 10th toughest hike in the world by UK gym chain PureGym. The list is a marketing exercise, but the ranking itself is not wrong — this is a genuinely demanding route that catches unprepared hikers out every single season.
Key takeaways
- PureGym ranked Fimmvörðuháls 10th toughest hike globally in a recent list.
- The trail covers roughly 25 km and climbs over 1,000 metres from Skógar, passing two major waterfalls and fresh lava fields from the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption.
- Conditions can shift from clear skies to whiteout in under an hour — weather awareness is non-negotiable.
- The list is a PR piece, but Fimmvörðuháls genuinely earns its reputation for difficulty.
What Fimmvörðuháls actually involves
I have walked Fimmvörðuháls from the Skógar trailhead twice, most recently in late June. You start at the base of Skógafoss — one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls — and then climb a long staircase beside it before the real work begins. The trail gains elevation steadily along a cliff edge above a chain of smaller falls, and by the time you reach the snowfields near the pass, the wind tends to pick up sharply. That upper section sits at around 1,100 metres, where snow lingers well into July and visibility can collapse fast.
The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption — the one that grounded European air travel for weeks — left fresh craters and lava fields right on the route. Walking through them feels genuinely surreal, and it is one of the few places in Iceland where you can see geologically brand-new land up close. That section also marks the descent into Þórsmörk, a glacier-carved valley that you can only reach by 4WD river crossing or on foot, which adds a layer of logistical commitment most hikes do not require.
PureGym’s methodology for ranking hikes globally involves factors like elevation gain, distance, and terrain difficulty. As far as gym-brand content goes, it is more credible than most — Fimmvörðuháls does stack up against the other entries on the list, which reportedly include routes in Patagonia and Nepal. Still, the ranking is clearly designed to generate coverage for a fitness brand rather than inform serious hikers. Take it as a useful conversation starter, not a peer-reviewed assessment.
Should you hike it — and how to do it safely
Yes, if you are fit, prepared, and not doing it alone without telling anyone your plan. The trail is not technical — you do not need ropes or crampons in summer — but it demands solid hiking footwear, waterproof layers, and a working knowledge of Veðurstofa Íslands (the Icelandic Meteorological Office) forecasts before you set off. Check the forecast the morning of your hike, not the night before.
Most people hike it as a one-way route from Skógar to Þórsmörk, arranging a bus or 4WD pickup at the Þórsmörk end. The Strætó and Reykjavík Excursions bus services both run connections during summer. Start early — I left Skógar at 07:30 on my last crossing and finished at Þórsmörk around 14:00, which gave me comfortable daylight buffer and avoided the afternoon crowds near the waterfalls at the bottom. Allow 6–9 hours depending on your pace and how long you spend at the craters.
Accommodation at Þórsmörk — at huts run by Ferðafélag Íslands (the Icelandic Touring Association) — books out early. If you plan to stay overnight, sort that before you book your flights.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hike Fimmvörðuháls?
Most fit hikers complete the Skógar-to-Þórsmörk route in 6 to 9 hours. The roughly 25 km distance is not extreme, but the elevation gain and variable terrain slow most people down more than they expect. Starting before 08:00 is a sensible target.
Is Fimmvörðuháls safe to hike without a guide?
It is manageable without a guide for experienced hikers who check conditions carefully and carry the right gear. However, the upper pass area is notorious for sudden weather changes, and several rescues happen there each year. Registering your hike with safetravel.is before you set off is mandatory common sense.
What is the best time of year to hike Fimmvörðuháls?
Late June through August offers the most reliable conditions, with snow on the upper pass mostly melted and longer daylight hours. September is possible but weather deteriorates quickly and early snowfall can return. Avoid attempting it outside the summer window unless you have winter mountaineering experience.
