Víknaslóðir: East Iceland Fjords Hike for Women

From 320.000 ISK

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.

Duration

5 Days

Season

Late June through mid-September

Weather

5–15°C (40–60°F)

Group

Max 12 women

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging

Daily Distance & Ascent

76 km · 2,750m elev.

Group of hikers cheering by a turquoise lake among snowy rocks — The water is so blue!

Stórurð: giants’ boulder garden

Hike through a landscape of giant tuff boulders, clear alpine lakes and wide green meadows. It looks like something giants left behind.

Wild beaches and the North Atlantic

Follow the coast between Borgarfjörður Eystri and Breiðuvík with wide ocean views, stop for lunch by an old farmstead in Kjólsvík and end the day with a beach walk.

Group of hikers on a rocky headland above a fjord

Hikers resting by old turf walls on a green slope — Remote? Absolutely

Loðmundarfjörður: a remote fjord with a story

Cross the Nesháls ridge into a fjord once home to an isolated community, with a chance to spot eider ducks, seals and reindeer along the way. Finish by crossing over to the town of Seyðisfjörður.

Line of hikers crossing a green hillside above the sea

You might arrive alone. You won’t feel that way for long.

Most of our travelers book solo. By the end of day one — usually around the dinner table in the hut — that changes. The women you meet on this trail tend to stay in your life. Small group, shared miles, real friendships.

From our guestbook

Home now after completing the 10 day Ultimate Iceland Adventure. The Laugavegur Trail brought me to Iceland but I am so glad I opted to spend 10 days as a group and explore the southern end of Iceland too. The trip was thoughtfully planned and executed, giving quality time in each place. I would definitely go on another Viking Women led tour!
Hiking the Laugavegur Trail was truly an epic adventure. I am from British Columbia, Canada and we have some beautiful hiking trails with spectacular views. But I have never been on a hike like the Laugavegur Trail, with such varied landscapes and surprises around each corner. Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be more to see, there is. It isn’t a technical hike but the weather is very changeable. Viking women provided good advice for preparing for the hike and what to pack.
We had a fantastic guide. Dorcas set the pace, kept us well fed, and navigated not only the path in challenging conditions, but also where best to cross the rivers. She told us enough to prepare for the day, but never so much, that could spoil a surprise. If you want to spend 10 days with like-minded adventure women, and make some lasting memories. Pick a Viking Women Tour 🙂

Sheila D, Aug´26

Smiling woman with long blonde hair in a patterned headband

I am a changed woman. A Viking Woman if you will. This incredible experience on the Laugavegur trail did not disappoint. 10/10. Worth every step.
Our guide, Sigrun, was fantastic. She was knowledgeable, funny, intuitive and really impressive. She told us ghost stories, folk lore, and shared her own personal experiences from her childhood in þorsmork.
The group was made up of my friend’s group (7) and two other smaller groups. Plus two solo travelers. The 16 of us, plus Sigrun, became quickly comfortable with each other. It felt wonderful to be around so many daring, strong and caring women. I felt a connection with all the lovely ladies.
The trail offered beautiful views, fantastic rainbows, and lots of mushrooms. Each day the terrain gave us a new perspective and opportunity for the most amazing photos.
Yes, the huts are rustic. But that’s part of the journey. The food is delicious. And some of the huts have stores.
Please consider the Viking women’s tours for your next Icelandic adventure. Ask for Sigrun you can.

Dine Del, Aug´26

Woman in a pink hat and sunglasses taking a selfie on a hike

As I sit here searching for the right words to capture my week with Viking Women Tours, I find myself reliving every moment of my journey through Iceland and wishing I could turn around and do it all over again. The care, passion, and attention to detail that this team brings to every excursion is truly remarkable. Their goal is not simply to show you Iceland, but to help you fall in love with it as deeply as they have. They want you to experience its history, immerse yourself in its folklore, marvel at its breathtaking landscapes, and connect with the culture and people who make it so special.

I could spend pages describing the pristine beauty, dramatic scenery, and unforgettable encounters that filled each day, but the truth is that no description can fully prepare you for the experience. Iceland is a place that must be seen, felt, and lived. If you’re considering a trip, don’t hesitate. Book with Viking Women Tours, pack your bags, and get yourself to Iceland. You’ll leave with memories that stay with you forever.

Jessica S, July‘26

Smiling woman in sunglasses and a headband on a hike

I am so thankful to Viking Women, and our tour guide Dorcas, for a wonderful 10-day Iceland adventure. The hike on the Laugaveur Trail was spectacular. The changing landscape caused our group to have continuous “awe” moments. Dorcas, our guide, made the hike so enjoyable. We felt so safe, supported and encouraged by her. After the hike was done, we couldn’t believe the additional 4 days of amazing sites and experiences we had left. The tour was well planned, allowing us to bond as a group before the trip, and balanced with exceptional sites afterwards. Thank you for making a beautiful trip for us!

Ruth McArthur, Aug´26

Sheila D, Aug´26

Dine Del, Aug´26

Jessica S, July‘26

Ruth McArthur, Aug´26

Where You’ll Sleep And What You’ll Eat.

This trip mixes a little comfort with a lot of wilderness. You’ll start with a night in a country hotel in Borgarfjörður Eystri, then stay in a cozy cabin near the Breiðuvík beaches and in two simple mountain huts: one on the site of a former farm, abandoned since the 1950s, and one in the remote Loðmundarfjörður fjord. The cabin and huts are basic by design, which is part of what makes the trek feel like a real adventure.

All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5, plus daily trail snacks. Expect hearty, nutritious food made with local Icelandic ingredients, and on Day 2 you’ll prepare a simple local dinner together with your guide. Lunches are packed and carried with you on the trail. Vegetarian diets are catered for, and we can offer limited gluten-free options due to hut kitchen constraints; more complex dietary needs can’t be fully accommodated.

Dietary restrictions? Let us know when you book.

Two green mountain huts in a grassy valley

Home for the night. Cozy, not fancy

Group sharing dinner at a long table in a wooden hut

Home cooking, wilderness edition

Hikers relaxing in a wooden mountain hut kitchen

Grown-up summer camp. Bunk beds included

Hikers by old turf walls in a green valley

The perfect sandwich stop

Super jeep with a trailer parked by mountain huts

Bags and groceries, delivered to the huts

Itinerary

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)
Walking time:: 6–8 hours
Ascent/Descent:: 600 m (1,970 ft) / 800 m (2,625 ft)

Included

Transfer from Egilsstaðir Airport to the start of the hike
Return transfer from Seyðisfjörður to Egilsstaðir Airport at the end of the hike
First night in a country hotel, remaining nights in mountain huts and cabins
All meals: lunch Day 1 through lunch Day 6
Daily trail snacks
Luggage transport between huts
Experienced Viking Women guide
24/7 guide support on trail

Not included

Flights to/from Iceland
Domestic flights to and from Egilsstaðir
Accommodation in Iceland before and after the tour
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Sleeping bag and personal hiking gear
Gratuities (optional)
Everything not specified in “What’s Included”.

Packing list illustration with hiking boots, base layers, rain jacket, hat and socks

What to Wear on the Trail

The Icelandic highlands can bring sun, wind and rain all in one day, so layers are the key. Start with a base layer of merino wool or polyester. Add a warm mid layer like fleece, wool or down, and top it with a waterproof, windproof shell. Hiking pants or warm leggings and merino or synthetic socks keep your lower half comfortable. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots that are already broken in, so your feet stay happy for every kilometer. A warm, waterproof hat completes the look.

Pack light. Hike happy.

Recommended size: 25–40 L
Your daypack should be large enough to comfortably carry all items listed in the picture.
Weather in the Icelandic highlands can change quickly. Always keep your rain gear and warm layers easily accessible.

Packing list for day hikes with a photo of a hiker

Packing list for mountain hut nights with a duffel bag

Your main bag, your hut companion

Please avoid bringing a hard suitcase. A soft duffel bag (around 60 L) is preferable and large enough to carry all items listed in the picture.
You will not have access to your main luggage during the day. It will be waiting for you at the huts in the afternoon, so everything needed for the day’s trek must be packed in your daypack.

FAQ

How do we get to and from the hike?

The tour begins in the morning in Egilsstaðir, which can be reached either by domestic flight from Reykjavík or by car. Because the tour starts in the morning, the morning flight is the only option. Driving from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir takes approximately 8–9 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. Domestic flights are not included, so guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to Egilsstaðir.”

Is this hike suitable for solo travelers?

How fit do I need to be for the Víknaslóðir Trail?

Will it just be women in the hut/dorm?

Can I rent hiking gear for this tour?

What happens if the weather is bad?

Weather in Iceland’s wilderness 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?

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.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

What if I don’t want to sleep in a hut?

What if I can’t complete a day of hiking?

Can I leave extra luggage somewhere?

Is there a drying room?

Are there toilets on the trails?

Have more questions? Please read our Terms & conditions or get in touch.