The trail

The Fimmvörðuháls trail between Thórsmörk and Skógar offers a challenging bike ride over versatile terrain, complemented by stunning views over the south coast of Iceland and the Thórsmörk Nature Reserve. We’ll start by tackling the ice caps of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, before traversing the new lava fields created by the infamous 2010 eruptions at Eyjafjallajökull. The phrase ‘out of this world’ was invented to describe parts of this trail – the rocky, lunar landscape of lava deposits, steep hills and pure water look totally sci-fi. The highlight is the summit, 1100 metres up, where you will be able to take in the most awe-inspiring view of snow-dusted mountain ridges and glacier valleys as far as the eye can see. From there, it’s literally all downhill. You’ll bike along the river canyon of Skógará, where various waterfalls and river crossings lead the one of the most spectacular waterfalls of all – Skógarfoss. You’ll spend the night at a seaside hotel in Vík, via a short stop at the stunning black beaches of Reynisfjara. In the morning, you’ll start the day with a short drive to, Seljalandsfoss, another epic waterfall.

Riding surface

You’ll be riding on gravel, dirt and lava roads – all single tracks. Most of the slopes are gentle, but there are some highly technical sections. Riding past the 2010 volcanic craters is particularly wild and dramatic – even the bravest riders will have to walk the hardest sections.

Average distance

This tour is 23km (15mi) on single tracks, but it includes a climb of 1080m (3540ft). There are also some rivers to cross, and two short bus journeys before and after the bike ride. If the group still has some legs left, we can add a short tour from Reynisfjara to Vík, giving you extra 17,5km (11mi) mostly on asphalt road.