RACE

5VH Trail Run - Fimmvörðuháls

Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail is one of the most beautiful and popular hiking routes in Iceland. The views are breathtaking. 

DATE

14.08.2027

Status

Registration opens November 6th

PRICE

19.900kr. - 23.900kr.

Length

28km

Route

Starts at Skógar (by Skógarfoss waterfall), ends in Volcano Huts in Húsadalur valley.
Date
14.08.2027
Price
19.900kr. - 23.900kr.

5VH Trail Run

The 5VH Trail Run is set to take place on August 14th, 2027. The route spans approximately 28 km, starting in Skógar and ending at Volcano Huts in Húsadalur, Þórsmörk. Participants will encounter an ascent of about 1,500 meters, followed by a similarly steep descent.

The run takes place in the highlands

Approximately 7km of the running route is over 800m above sea level. It is much colder on that part of the route and sometimes it can be blustery on the ridge, but the weather is nicer down below. This should not be underestimated and we ask the contestants to be prepared for anything.
Kattahryggur

Cat Ridge and fear of air

The path goes down Kattahryggur (Cat Ridge) just above Þórsmörk. This is a solid path and always at least one meter wide. There is no deficit involved. The view is wonderful and for most people it is great fun to run the Kattarhryggur, as they are a famous part of the Fimmvörðuháls route.

However, it is quite steep on both sides and the competitors have to show extra care and caution on this section. It is not allowed to overtake in this area and it should be kept in mind that some people may be afraid of the air in these conditions.

Price

Register before January 1st and secure the best price!
19.900 kr.
Until December 31st
T-shirt is optional (not included)
21.900 kr.
From January 1st to June 30th
T-shirt is optional (not included)
23.900 kr.
After june 30th
T-shirt cannot be ordered

Annual subscribers to the running community of Náttúruhlaup receive a discount code of 15% valid for the two previous seasons (until June 30th). No discount is given after June 30th. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively after payment is completed. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively after payment is completed.

Refunds are not available, but name changes can be made until July 31st by logging into the registration site. Arctic Running/Nattúruhlaup is not an intermediary in the resale of tickets, and the new owner will not receive a different size shirt than the original owner ordered. The price and arrangements for resale are entirely between the seller and the buyer.

Arrangements

Race number, course management and time registration
Aid stations at:
Baldvinsskála (13km)
Strákagil (23km)
Volcano Huts
Shower and WC facility after the race
Baggage transfer from Skógar to Volcano Huts
Health Care in Volcano Huts if needed
Hamburger and french fries at the end of the race (veggie burger option as well)
This year, the Helgafell shirt from 66°North's new running line is available in a black color for only 6,000 ISK.   Bus options will also be available at registration. Please see Transportation tap.
A meal at the end of the race is included in the price.
Grilled hamburger with french fries 
Veggie burger with french fries 
Round Trip from Reykjavik  - 19.800 kr. (competitors).
Round Trip from Reykjavik  - 21.800 kr. (Spectators).
Volcano Huts > Skógar – 12.500 kr. (competitors who drive to Skógar/the start)
Roundtrip from Skógar for spectators – 16.500 kr. 
Please be aware: You cannot reach Volcano Huts with a standard rental car, even if it is 4WD. To cross the glacier rivers, you will need a specialized vehicle like a super jeep or super bus with an experienced driver.

We offer the following options for transportation:

Most Cost-Effective: Purchase a seat on the official race bus, which provides round-trip transportation from Reykjavík to the start line and back.

Alternative Option: Leave your rental car at the starting line in Skógar. At the end of the race, you can purchase a ride on a shuttle back to Skógar.

Spectators can buy the roundtrip from Reykjavík which includes the ride from from the start to the finish or purchase the roundtrip from Skógar (the start).

Race Route from Skógar to Volcano Huts

Please be advised: The route can change slightly between years, so always follow the markings rather than the GPS.

Click on the button below to download the GPS file.

Characteristis:
- Distance: 28,1 km
- Ascent: 1,554 m
- Descent: 1,370 m
- Lowest point: 18 m.a.s.l.
- Peak elevation: 1,049 m.a.s.l.
- Max Gradient: 13°

Rules

The age limit is 18 years old.

By enrolling in the race, participants commit to:

Ensure that you engage in suitable training to complete the race within the specified time frame.

Time Limit: 7 hours. Cutoffs: Baldvinsskáli: 3 hrs | Strákagil: 6 hrs.

Stay on the marked trail: It's important to follow the designated route to ensure fair competition and minimize environmental impact.

Leave no trace: Pack out any trash you generate during the race and avoid disrupting the natural environment.

Dress according to the weather and be aware that it can be much colder on the glacier than at the start. 

Carry enough nourishment and liquid to finish the race.

Be courteous to other participants:  it's essential to show respect for other runners as well as hikers that may be sharing the trail.

Wear your race bib on your chest or stomach and keep it visible at all times, especially at aid stations and as you cross the finish line.

Assist other participants in need until help arrives.

Keeping in mind that the race director is not responsible for the participants in regards for weather conditions and/or natural disasters.

Participants assume full responsibility for their well-being during the race and are advised to promptly seek suitable help in the event of accidents, injuries, or illnesses. The emergency number in Iceland is 112. Trained rescue teams are at the aid stations and there is a doctor available at the race's finish line.

The race directors reserve the right to cancel or being a halt to the race due to external conditions or reasons and disqualify participants that do not follow the rules.

Hlaðinn sími

Bakpoki/hlaupavesti

Álteppi (fæst ódýrt í flestum apótekum)

Flauta (fylgir með mörgum hlaupavestum)

Léttur skel jakki. Ef rigningarspá þarf hann að hafa hettu og þola minnst 10.000 mm.

Húfa/buff, vettlingar

A.m.k. 1 L af vökva

Einhver næring (dæmi: gel, súkkulaði. Gott að nota það sem hefur reynst vel á æfingum)

Utanvegahlaupaskór (trail skór)

Ef rigningaspá þarf skelbuxur sem þola minnst 10.000 mm.

Glacier

Búnaður sem mælt er með

Auka fatnaður (t.d. þunn peysa, skelbuxur)

Sólgleraugu

Sólarvörn

Aukabatterí fyrir símann

112 Where ARE U appið

Taska með handklæði, þurrum fötum og skóm til að fara í eftir keppnina. Regnföt og hlý föt eftir veðurspá þar sem bíða þarf í Volcano Huts þar til rútan fer. Öllum þátttakendum býðst að láta trússa slíka tösku frá starti (Skógum) að marki (Volcano Huts).

Öryggi

Öryggi er á ábyrgð þátttakenda. Skipuleggjendur munu gera eftirfarandi til að lágmarka hættu

Leiðin verður vel merkt

Björgunarsveitin Dagrenning sér um drykkjarstöðvar við Baldvinsskála og í Strákagili. Þeir verða með sjúkrabörur og tæki til að nálgast fólk í neyðartilfellum.

Brautarverðir verða við Kattarhryggi og í Langadal.

Læknir og hjúkrunarfræðingur verða í markinu.

Fimmvörðuháls

Ferðir í boði

Hringferð: Reykjavík > Skógar og Volcano Huts > Reykjavík – 14.000 kr. (bara keppendur)

Skógar > Volcano Huts – 6.000 kr. (fyrir aðstandendur sem vilja fá far í markið kl. 09:15)

Volcano Huts > Skógar – 9.000 kr. (keppendur og/eða aðstandendur)

About the route

The Fimmvörðuháls hiking route is one of the most beautiful and popular trails in Iceland, renowned for its stunning scenery and variety. It also serves as a favored trail running route, and it’s easy to see why—it showcases some of the best natural wonders Iceland has to offer.

The race begins at the majestic Skógarfoss waterfall, where you'll ascend dirt trails alongside the river, encountering numerous waterfalls along the way. After reaching an elevation of 1,000 meters, you'll find the first aid station at Baldvinsskáli before continuing your run on the glacier of Eyjafjallajökull.

In 2010, the global travel industry was brought to a standstill when Eyjafjallajökull erupted, sending ash clouds across the skies. As you navigate this course, you’ll run through the lava fields formed during that eruption, passing by the volcanoes Magni and Móði.

Next, you’ll descend into the enchanting, lush green mountains of the Valley of Thor, where the breathtaking views will captivate you. Upon reaching Strákagil, you’ll find the second aid station. The final stretch to Húsadal is relatively flat, as you cross the famous Krossá River via a footbridge, concluding your run at Volcano Huts in Húsadal.
Ofurhress hlaupari :)

Who is fit for this race?

The path is challenging. Participants must be well trained and able to climb and descend on the plateau. However, it is not necessary to move quickly. For people in good shape, it is possible to walk the route briskly in less than 7 hours, but that is the time limit.

Whether the plan is to focus on getting the fastest possible time or just enjoy the route, take pictures en route and smell the roses, anyone who is in shape to handle the route should be able to do it within the time limit.

Q&A

Yes, 7 hours. The race must be finished before 16:00.

It really depends on the individual, although most people find the backpacks more comfortable and have more space. All in all, for shorter runs in good weather it is enough to wear a running belt, but for winter runs it is good to have a running backpack and keep an extra hat and mittens as well as some energy in the bag.

Street running shoes are sufficient in many cases, but we recommend that people invest in natural running shoes (trail shoes or off-road shoes). Nature running shoes are designed to provide good protection for the feet and grip better on e.g. wet stones, mud or loose gravel. In such cases, they are essential safety equipment.

INFORMATION

5VH Trail Run - Fimmvörðuháls

Date
14.08.2027
Time
09:00
Status
open
Price
19.900kr. - 23.900kr.
Length
28km
Route
Starts at Skógar (by Skógarfoss waterfall), ends in Volcano Huts in Húsadalur valley.

Náttúruveitan
Fáðu fréttirnar fyrst

Skráðu þig á póstlista Náttúruhlaupa og fáðu vita um leið og við opnum fyrir skráningu á námskeiðum, setjum út nýjar ferðir eða gerum eitthvað annað spennandi. Öll tækifærin beint í innhólfið 😊

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Náttúruveitan
Fáðu fréttirnar fyrst

Skráðu þig á póstlista Náttúruhlaupa og fáðu vita um leið og við opnum fyrir skráningu á námskeiðum, setjum út nýjar ferðir eða gerum eitthvað annað spennandi. Öll tækifærin beint í innhólfið 😊

"*" indicates required fields