Fimmvörðuháls (Fimmvörðuskáli)
On the pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, almost at the highest point of the Skógar to Þórsmörk trail, stands Útivist's Fimmvörðuskáli (about 20 beds, over 1,000 m). There is often no running water - the warden melts snow; a little lower, at 900 m, sits another hut, Baldvinsskáli, run by FÍ.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is at the Fimmvörðuháls hut?
It is a tiny Útivist hut with just 16 places, and only in double berths - there are no singles. It sits right on the pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, so conditions are spartan: no showers, no shop and no food on site.
Is there water here?
There is no water supply: water comes only from rain on the roof or melting snow, so you must carry your own drinking water. On the south side of the pass there are streams where you can refill along the way. This is a critical planning point for this stretch.
How do you reach the hut?
On foot only - there is no road at all. It is 16 km from Skógar to the south (about 5 hours) or 13 km from Básar to the north (about 4.5 hours). Public transport reaches Skógar or Þórsmörk/Básar, and from there it is on foot over the pass.
When is the hut open?
The season is short: roughly June 15 to August 31, when a warden is at the pass. Because it sits above 1000 m the weather is changeable even at the height of summer, so warm clothing is essential.
Who runs this hut and how do you book?
The hut is run not by FÍ but by another touring association, Útivist. So it must be booked separately, via utivist.is or by email at [email protected], independently of the Laugavegur huts. The refund terms are its own too: 30+ days ahead you get a refund minus a 2000 kr deposit per person per night, 8-29 days ahead half, and within 7 days nothing.
What makes an overnight on the Fimmvörðuháls pass special?
It is the highest and wildest overnight on this route, between two glaciers and beside the young craters Magni and Móði, born in the 2010 eruption. The hut is tiny and spartan, but the views and the feel of true high country are unmistakable here. Continuing the trek over the pass turns the Laugavegur into the classic Laugavegur-plus-Fimmvörðuháls route.