RUN FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS - 5VH Trail Run
This is one of the most beautiful and popular hiking routes in Iceland.
5VH Trail Run
GORGEOUS SCENERY
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail Run will be held for the second time on Saturday 13th August 2022.
The race will be from Skógar to Volcano Huts in Húsadalur. The route is about 28 km with over 1000 m. increase and a similar decrease.
About 10 km of the route is more than 800 m. above sea level. This part of the route is always colder and sometimes it can be foggy, windy, rainy and even snow (yes, in August) up on the glacier in spite of the weather being fine at the starting point.
Please do not underestimate this, have extra clothes with you to put on when you get higher up.
Once you have descended quite a bit on your way into Thorsmörk, you will run on Cat Ridge, or Cat Spine (see picture, click to enlarge). This is a famous part of the route with gorgeous views. It´s fun running the Back of a Cat and the trail is stable although rather narrow. People who are afraid of hights may find it slightly scary but for most people it´s no problem.
Please be extra considerate and careful when running here.
Price
Early bird offer until December 31st. The price goes further up June 30th.
Included in registration fee
- Competition number, course maintenance and timekeeping
- Aid Stations at:
- Balvinsskáli (13 km)
- Strákagil (23 km)
- Volcano Huts. Water, Sport drinks and bananas
- Shower and WC facilities once the run is complete and en route.
- A shirt from 66° North
- Baggage transfer from Skógar to Volcano Huts
- Health Care in Volcano Huts if needed
Not included in registration fee
- Transportation from and to Reykjavík.
- Meal at the finish line in Volcano Huts
All who register will, however, receive an e-mail in July where they will be given the opportunity to purchase the products below (transportation and meal) beforehand.
Transportation
- Roundtrip (bus) from Reykjavík – Skógar; Volcano Huts – Reykjavík ISK 14,000
- One way trip from Skógar – Volcano Huts ISK 8,000
- One way trip from Volcano Huts – Skógar ISK 8,000
- River crossing Krossá one way ISK 1,500
Meal in Volcano Huts
- Soup (meat soup or veggie soup) ISK 2,700
- BBQ cheeseburger ISK 2,000
- BBQ veggie burger ISK 2,000
Skógar to
Volcano HUTS
Check out the route. By clicking on the airplane, you will see where the route takes you.
Click on the button below to download the GPS file.
Mandatory gear
- A cell phone that works in Iceland (112 is the emergency number in Iceland)
- Running pack/vest
- Aluminum blanket
- Whissle
- A light running jacket
- Hat/buff, gloves.
- At least one liter water/sports drink
- Some nourishment (gels for example)
- Trail shoes
Recommended gear
- Extra clothes
- Sun glasses
- Sun screen
- An external battery (phone)
- Download the 112 Where ARE U app
Safety
Safety is the responsibility of the participants. Organizers will do the following to minimize the risk:
- The route will be well marked.
- The rescue squad Dagrenning takes care of drinking stations at Baldvinsskáli and in Strákagil. They will have ambulances and equipment to approach people in case of emergency.
- Track guards will be at Kattarhryggur and in Langidalur.
- A doctor and a nurse will be at the finish line.
The hiking route of Fimmvörðuháls is one of the most beautiful and popular route in Iceland. It´s also a popular trail running route.
And no wonder since it displays incredable variety and showcases much of the best Iceland has to offer.
The race starts by the majestic waterfall: Skógarfoss. You will climb dirt trails parallel to the river and see countless waterfalls in the process.
Once you have reached 1000 m elevation, you will rach the first aid station at Baldvinsskáli. The you´ll run on the glacier of Eyjafjallajökull.
In 2010, flights stopped all over the world as Eyjafjallajökull erupted and the ash prevented flights. You will run through the lava of gods that was formed in this eruption and you will run past the volcanoes, Magni and Móði.
Then the descent is into the woody, magical greenish mountain area of the Valley of Thor where the view will take your breath away. Once down, you arrive in Strákagil where the second aid station is situated. The last part to Húsadal is rather flat. You cross the famous river of Krossá through a walking bridge and end the run in Húsadal at Volcano Huts.
for this race?
The route is rather tough. Participants need to be in good shape and able to handle the ascent and descent. People in good shape, should be able to walk/hike the route within 7 hours, and that’s 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 limits.