Víknaslóðir: East Iceland Wilderness Hike
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FOR 2026
A 5-day hiking journey on the Víknaslóður trails in East Iceland, exploring remote fjords, vibrant landscapes, and historic paths.
Tour Overview
Víknaslóðir—also known as the Trails of the Inlets—are a network of beautifully marked hiking routes in East Iceland, stretching from Borgarfjörður Eystri to the remote fjords of Loðmundarfjörður. Maintained by locals over generations, these trails are considered one of Iceland’s true hidden hiking gems and a paradise for adventurous walkers seeking solitude, scenery, and depth.
The routes wind through a remarkably diverse landscape: black sand beaches, colorful rhyolite mountains, rolling green valleys, and quiet coastal inlets untouched by modern development. Along the way, hikers pass abandoned farms, historic ruins, and sweeping views across fjords and the open ocean—constant reminders of the region’s layered human and natural history.
Comfortable hiking lodges operated by the local community provide simple but welcoming accommodation in remote locations such as Breiðavík, Húsavík, and Loðmundarfjörður, allowing hikers to travel light while fully immersing themselves in the landscape. With well-maintained paths, detailed local maps, and strong community involvement, Víknaslóðir offers a rare opportunity to experience Iceland off the beaten path.
This multi-day hike is ideal for travelers looking to slow down, explore lesser-known regions of Iceland, and connect deeply with nature, history, and the quiet beauty of the Eastfjords.
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Duration
5 days
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Group Size
Maximum 12 women
Small-group format for safety, connection, and a supportive hiking experience.
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Difficulty
Moderate to challenging. A good level of fitness is required, and prior multi-day hiking experience is recommended. Daily hikes can be long, with steady pacing and varied terrain, but are fully supported by an experienced Viking Women guide.
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Season
Late June through mid-September.
The prime hiking season in Iceland’s highlands, with long daylight hours and changing weather conditions.
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Daily Hiking Distance & Terrain
Long hiking days across varied terrain including volcanic sand, rocky trails, mud, snow and steep slopes.
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Weather & Conditions
The weather in Iceland during summer can change quickly. Expect a mix of sun, wind, rain, and cool temperatures, typically ranging from 5–15°C (40–60°F)
What’s Included
Transportation
All ground transportation related to the hike is included. This covers transfers from Egilsstaðir Airport at the start of the tour, transportation between trailheads as required, and the return transfer from Seyðisfjörður back to Egilsstaðir Airport at the end of the hike.
Accommodation
The first night is spent at a lovely country hotel.
For the rest of the tour hikers stay in cozy mountain huts. Accommodation is in communal, mixed-gender dormitories with single mattresses. Sleeping bags are required.
Meals on the Trail
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5, along with daily trail snacks. Meals are hearty, nutritious, and prepared using local Icelandic ingredients.
Please note: we can accommodate vegetarian diets and limited gluten-free needs due to hut kitchen constraints.
Luggage & Food Transport
Enjoy hiking with just a daypack. One main backpack or duffel per person is transported between huts, along with all group food and supplies—so you can focus on the trail, not the weight.
Women-Only Hiking Guide
Led by an experienced Viking Women guide who knows the Víknaslóðir Trail inside and out. Your guide ensures safety, sets a steady pace, reads changing conditions, and creates a supportive, encouraging group environment throughout the journey.
Viking Women Experience
A women-only small group hike built around connection, confidence, and shared adventure—guided with care, professionalism, and a deep respect for Iceland’s highlands.
What’s NOT included
Airfare
Flights to and from Iceland are not included.
Domestic flights to and from Egilsstaðir are also not included.
Travel Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended to cover hiking activities, medical care, trip interruptions, and luggage.
Accommodation Before & After the Hike
Accommodation in Reykjavík or elsewhere before Day 1 and after Day 5 is not included. We’re happy to share recommendations if you’d like help planning extra nights.
Sleeping Bag & Personal Gear
Sleeping bags, hiking clothing, and personal equipment are not included. A detailed packing list will be provided so you can prepare comfortably and confidently.
Gratuities (optional)
Tips for your guide are not included and are entirely optional. They are always appreciated but never expected.
Itinerary
day 01
Arrival in Egilsstaðir & Hike to Stórurð
The journey begins with an early start as hikers make their way to the domestic airport for a morning flight from Reykjavík (RKV) to Egilsstaðir (ESG). (Guests may also arrive by car, though this requires a full day of driving.) Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your Viking Women guide—bags packed and boots on, as the adventure begins immediately.
From Egilsstaðir, we head straight into the East Iceland highlands to hike to Stórurð, one of the region’s most striking natural areas. The trail leads through dramatic mountain scenery to a surreal landscape of giant tuff boulders, clear alpine lakes, and wide green meadows. We pause along the route to enjoy a packed lunch, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After completing the hike, we continue toward Borgarfjörður Eystri, a small and colorful fjord village known for its rich hiking culture and vibrant birdlife. With fewer than 100 residents, the village offers a peaceful setting and one of Iceland’s best locations for puffin watching during summer months.
We settle into our hotel accommodation for the night and enjoy a warm dinner.
Distance: 18 km (11.1 miles)
Ascent / Descent: 600 m (1,970 ft) / 800 m (2,625 ft)
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
day 02
Bakkagerði – Breiðuvík
After breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, we set out on our first full day of hiking along the Víknaslóðir trails. The route begins near Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður Eystri and follows the coastline toward Brúnavík, offering wide views over the North Atlantic and the rugged Eastfjords landscape.
From Brúnavík, we continue toward the remote cove of Breiðuvík, where we stop for a packed lunch near an old farmstead in Kjólsvík. The trail then leads onward to Glettinganes, where the terrain becomes rockier and requires careful footing.
We finish the day at a cozy cabin near the beaches of Breiðuvík. After settling in, we prepare a simple local dinner together with your Viking Women guide. In the evening, there is time for a relaxed walk along the beach and to enjoy the calm of this remote coastal setting.
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Ascent/Descent: 400 m (1,315 ft) / 400 m (1,315 ft)
Hiking time: 7–9 hours
DAY 03
Breiðuvík – Húsavík
Today we begin the day by heading west from the cove, crossing the Stóruá river via a sturdy footbridge. As the trail turns south, a wide and striking valley opens up, framed by the surrounding mountains of Hvítuhnjúkur, Hvítafjall, and Hvítserk. The deep blue tones of the landscape make this a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch break and photos.
Continuing onward, we pass the lakes Gæsavatn and Urðarhólavatn before gradually climbing toward the road that leads to Húsavík. Here we reach our accommodation for the night—a cozy mountain hut located on the site of a former farm, abandoned since the 1950s.
After settling in, the evening is spent relaxing and preparing dinner together as a group, surrounded by the quiet of this remote corner of East Iceland.
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Ascent/Descent: 550 m (1,800 ft) / 500 m (1,640 ft)
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
DAY 04
Húsavík – Loðmundarfjörður
After breakfast, we have some relaxed time to explore Húsavík, the largest cove along the Víknaslóðir trails. By mid-morning, we set off along an easy road toward Loðmundarfjörður, with wide-open views and dramatic scenery unfolding as we go.
Crossing the Nesháls ridge, we are rewarded with sweeping views over Loðmundarfjörður and, on clear days, all the way to Dalatanga. We pause along the way to take in the landscape and enjoy a well-earned break.
Once in Loðmundarfjörður, we spend time exploring this remote fjord, once home to one of Iceland’s most isolated communities. Wildlife sightings are possible here, including eider ducks, seals, reindeer, and grazing sheep or horses across the moorland.
We finish the day at a cozy mountain hut, where there is time to relax, enjoy a warm meal together, and settle in for a quiet night in this peaceful corner of East Iceland.
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Ascent/Descent: 600 m (1,970 ft) / 600 m (1,970 ft)
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
day 05
Loðmundarfjörður – Seyðisfjörður
We begin the final day with breakfast and coffee, enjoying the views before setting out. The trail climbs steadily toward Hjálmárdalsheiði, reaching an altitude of around 600 meters, and follows an old historic route once used to travel between fjords. The terrain here is relatively gentle and offers a peaceful final stretch of hiking.
Along the way, we stop for lunch and a short rest before continuing toward the edge of Seyðisfjörður fjord. The route then leads through Kækjuskárð, followed by a steeper descent into the colorful town of Seyðisfjörður, marking the end of our Víknaslóðir journey.
In Seyðisfjörður, there is time to explore the town, enjoy a well-earned drink or snack, and soak in the atmosphere before transferring back to Egilsstaðir Airport. We recommend booking the last evening flight back to Reykjavík at around 19:30, or extending your stay in the area if you prefer.
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Ascent/Descent: 600 m (1,970 ft) / 600 m (1,970 ft)
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hike suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. Many of our guests join solo. This is a women-only group, and our hikes are designed to create a supportive, welcoming environment where it’s easy to connect with others from day one.
How fit do I need to be for the Víknaslóðir Trail?
A good level of fitness is required, and prior multi-day hiking experience is strongly recommended. Expect long hiking days over varied terrain. If you’re comfortable hiking full days with a backpack on uneven ground, this hike may be a great fit.
How do we get to and from the hike?
The tour begins in Egilsstaðir, which can be reached either by edomestic flight from Reykjavík or by car. Driving from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir takes approximately 8–9 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to Egilsstaðir.
Can I rent hiking gear for this tour?
Yes, some hiking gear can be rented in Reykjavik, including items such as sleeping bag, hiking poles, waterproof clothing, and boots. We recommend arranging rentals in advance to ensure availability and proper fit. A detailed packing list and rental suggestions will be shared before the tour so you can plan comfortably.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather in Iceland’s highlands can change quickly. If conditions require it, the group may start hiking earlier or later in the day to safely reach the next hut. In cases of severe weather, Viking Women will arrange alternative transportation where possible to ensure the safety and well-being of the group. Safety always comes first, and plans are adapted accordingly.
What happens if someone gets injured on the trail?
Our Viking Women guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry essential safety equipment at all times. Minor injuries are treated on the trail, and the hike continues at a safe, manageable pace. If a more serious injury occurs, the guide will assess the situation and coordinate appropriate assistance or evacuation if needed.
I’m a slow hiker — can I still join?
We welcome hikers with different hiking styles, and our guides set a steady, supportive pace. That said, it’s important that all participants are able to complete each day’s hike within the timeframe outlined in the itinerary. This ensures the group can reach the next hut safely and allows for rest, meals, and changing weather conditions. If you’re unsure whether this pace feels right for you, we’re always happy to talk it through before booking.
