5-Day Guided Hiking Tour in East Iceland Remote Fjords
Trek the Víknaslóðir trails through isolated inlets, abandoned farmsteads, and dramatic fjordland in the heart of East Iceland.
This five-day journey along the Víknaslóðir trails takes hikers through one of Iceland's most remote and scenically diverse landscapes, connecting the village of Borgarfjörður Eystri to the abandoned fjord of Loðmundarfjörður across well-marked paths maintained by locals for generations. Each day delivers a new character of terrain, from black sand shorelines and pink-hued ridges to deep glacial valleys and coastal cliffs. The route concludes in the charming town of Seyðisfjörður, offering a fitting end to a challenging and rewarding expedition.
The Víknaslóðir network is often called a hiker's paradise for good reason. High-quality trail infrastructure, comfortable mountain huts, and accessible logistics mean the focus stays on the landscape rather than logistics. Abandoned houses and ruins of old farms punctuate the trail, offering quiet reminders of the hardy communities that once carved out lives in these isolated inlets.
Wildlife is a consistent companion throughout the journey. Puffins nest near Borgarfjörður Eystri, while eider ducks, seals, reindeer, horses, and sheep roam the moorlands around Loðmundarfjörður. The variety of flora and fauna adds another dimension to a route already rich in geological and cultural interest.
Guided by experienced local leaders, this tour balances structured daily hikes with moments for independent exploration. Group cooking sessions, evening beach walks, and time in Seyðisfjörður all contribute to an experience that extends well beyond the trail itself.
Tour Highlights
Hike through the Stórurð boulder field, a geological wonder where massive tuff rocks sit among alpine meadows and turquoise lakes.
Walk the coastal inlets of Brúnavík and Breiðuvík, with sweeping views over the North Atlantic and remote black sand beaches.
Explore the deserted fjord of Loðmundarfjörður, once one of the most isolated communities in all of Iceland.
Spot puffins at the Borgarfjörður Eystri marina and watch for seals, reindeer, and eider ducks along the moorlands.
Cross the Nesháls ridge for panoramic views over Loðmundarfjörður and Dalatanga on a clear day.
Prepare traditional Icelandic recipes together with your guide in cozy mountain huts each evening after the day's hike.
Finish the journey with free time in Seyðisfjörður, one of East Iceland's most picturesque and culturally vibrant towns.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir and begin hiking immediately upon arrival, heading toward the remarkable Stórurð boulder landscape with its meadows and glacial lakes. The trail continues to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a small fishing village of about 100 residents, arriving in the evening for a dinner of local fish soup. Optional evening puffin watching is available near the marina.
Distance: 18 km | Ascent/Descent: 600m / 800m | Hiking: 6-8 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Starting from the eastern side of Borgarfjörður in Hofströnd, the day's route passes through the coastal inlet of Brúnavík, then moves inland to the farmstead cove of Kjólsvik for a packed lunch before continuing toward Glettinganes on rocky terrain. The group settles into a cabin near Breiðuvík beach where a guided group cooking session and a sunset beach walk close out the evening.
Distance: 14 km | Ascent/Descent: 400m / 400m | Hiking: 7-9 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail crosses the Stóruá river via footbridge before descending into a dramatic small valley encircled by the Hvítuhnjúkur, Hvítafjall, and Hvítserk mountains, with deep blue hues ideal for a lunch stop. Continuing past the lakes of Gæsavatn and Urðarhólavatn, the group reaches Húsavík, a hut set on the site of a farm deserted in the 1950s. Dinner is prepared together as a group.
Distance: 14 km | Ascent/Descent: 550m / 500m | Hiking: 5-7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After some leisure time exploring Húsavík, the largest cove in the Víknaslóðir network, the route follows a road toward Loðmundarfjörður before crossing the Nesháls ridge with broad views over both fjords on a clear day. The afternoon is spent wandering the once-remote community of Loðmundarfjörður, with chances to see eider ducks, seals, reindeer, horses, and sheep on the moorland. The group ends the day at a mountain hut with a home-cooked dinner.
Distance: 15 km | Ascent/Descent: 600m / 600m | Hiking: 6-8 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final day climbs to Hjálmárdalsheiði at approximately 600 m before following an ancient inter-fjord path toward the old town site of Hjálmárströnd and through Kækjuskárð. A descent leads into the fjord town of Seyðisfjörður, where free time allows for exploration before transferring to Egilsstaðir Airport. The last recommended flight back to Reykjavik departs at 19:30.
Distance: 15 km | Ascent/Descent: 600m / 600m | Hiking: 6-8 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What Is Included
Included
- Professional guide throughout the tour
- Accommodation in mountain huts and a cabin (4 nights)
- Meals as specified per day (breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
- Guided group cooking sessions each evening
- Packed lunches on trail days
- Tour planning and trail logistics support
- Local fish soup welcome dinner on Day 1
Not Included
- Flights between Reykjavik and Egilsstaðir
- Airport transfers not specified in itinerary
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Personal hiking gear and clothing
- Beverages beyond those provided at meals
- Optional activities and personal expenses
Important Information
This tour is rated challenging. Participants should have prior multi-day hiking experience and be comfortable with full days on uneven, rocky, and occasionally steep terrain. Daily distances range from 14 to 18 km with significant elevation gain and loss.
Ready to Hike the Remote Fjords of East Iceland?
Secure your place on this challenging five-day guided trek through the Víknaslóðir trail network before spots fill up. Small group sizes mean early booking is strongly advised.
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