Trail network
~55 km
Multiple loop and point-to-point options
Víknaslóðir: Remote Coastal Trails in East Iceland
Remote coastal trails in East Iceland near Borgarfjörður eystri
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Difficulty
Moderate
55 km network · 3–6 days · East Iceland
Víknaslóðir ("The Inlet Trails") is a network of hiking paths along the remote coast south of Borgarfjörður eystri in East Iceland. The trails wind through deserted bays and inlets where fishing communities once thrived, past colorful rhyolite mountains rivaling those of Landmannalaugar, and along cliffs teeming with seabirds. Often described as Iceland's best-kept hiking secret, Víknaslóðir offers the solitude and wilderness feel that the Laugavegur Trail once had, with the added appeal of coastal scenery and one of Iceland's best puffin colonies right at the trailhead village.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Mobile coverage is unreliable on these trails. Carry a personal locator beacon or satellite communicator. Weather in East Iceland can be foggy—ensure you have GPS navigation and a good map.
Sources to check
Highest point
~700 m
Mountain passes between coastal inlets
Duration
3–6 days
Full network exploration; shorter loops possible
What to Expect
Trail distances and elevation
55 km network with day stages of 10-18 km. Total elevation gain across the full circuit is approximately 2,500m. Highest passes reach ~700m. Difficulty rated moderate overall, with some steep coastal sections.
Terrain and water crossings
Coastal paths, mountain passes with scree slopes, boggy lowlands, and grassy meadows. Several stream crossings (ankle to knee-deep) but no dangerous glacial rivers. Waterproof boots essential. Well-marked with stakes and cairns.
Deserted inlets and history
The trails pass through abandoned bays—Brúnavík, Breiðavík, Húsavík—where fishing families lived until the mid-20th century. Stone ruins and old boat landing sites tell the story of coastal departure.
Colorful rhyolite and Stórurð
Vivid rhyolite formations in pink, purple, orange, and green rival Landmannalaugar. The Stórurð boulder field—massive rocks with a turquoise pond—is a 4-hour side trip highlight.
Puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi
Right at Borgarfjörður eystri village, a purpose-built viewing platform at Hafnarhólmi puts you within meters of thousands of nesting puffins from May through mid-August.
Genuine solitude
Unlike Laugavegur (thousands of hikers per week), Víknaslóðir sees only a few dozen per day at peak. Long stretches offer complete solitude with only seabirds and the ocean for company.
Getting There
Borgarfjörður eystri is located in East Iceland, about 70 km north of Egilsstaðir via Route 94. The road is paved for most of the way with a 15 km gravel section near the village—no 4WD required but drive carefully on gravel. Egilsstaðir has a domestic airport with flights from Reykjavík (approximately 1 hour via Icelandair or Eagle Air). Driving from Reykjavík takes 8-9 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road) to Egilsstaðir, then Route 94 north. Limited bus service (SBA Norðurleið) runs from Egilsstaðir in summer. Stock up on supplies and fuel in Egilsstaðir—Borgarfjörður eystri has only a small shop with limited hours and no fuel station.
Best Time to Hike
Late June through August is the ideal window. Late June: Trails opening; snow may linger on passes above 500m; puffins already nesting; longest daylight (22+ hours at this northern latitude). July: Best overall month—puffin activity peaks, wildflowers in full bloom, warmest temperatures (8-14°C), and nearly 24-hour daylight. Mountain hut wardens are present. August: Excellent conditions; pufflings departing burrows mid-month; berries ripening; daylight shortening to 16-18 hours. September: Possible but cooler (4-8°C), mountain huts closing, puffins departed, and frequent fog. East Iceland is often foggier than the south—pack for poor visibility and carry GPS even in summer.
Planning help
Víknaslóðir FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.