Warning: Dangerous Conditions on the Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Trail

The Icelandic Tourist Board would like to draw attention to announcements from  Ferðafélag Íslands (the Iceland Touring Association), Útivist, and the Dagrenning Search and Rescue Team in Hvolsvöllur would like to alert hikers and travellers to dangerous conditions that have developed on the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail in South Iceland.

 

 

In recent years, the glacier has been retreating, resulting in the opening of new ravines and crevasses. Steep slopes and scree have also formed along parts of the trail between Baldvinsskáli and Fimmvörðuhálsskáli, where there was previously snow or glacial ice.

 

 

Following heavy rainfall in recent days, the snow has melted, and the trail is now impassable in places due to ravines and water channels. FÍ, Úti vist and Dagrenning strongly advise against setting out on a hike across Fimmvörðuháls under the current conditions.

 

 

Relevant parties are working together to identify a new and safer route along the section where dangerous conditions have developed as a result of the glacier's retreat.

We always encourage travellers to exercise caution, familiarise themselves thoroughly with current conditions, and prioritise safety when travelling through challenging terrain in Icelandic nature.