Víknaslóðir (Trails of the Deserted Fjords)
A network of marked trails through Iceland's abandoned Eastfjords, connecting former farmsteads across remote coastal and mountain terrain.
Route overview
Víknaslóðir is a network of waymarked hiking trails through the deserted fjords of Iceland's Eastfjords region, an area abandoned by farming communities in the 20th century. Maintained by local hiking associations and the Borgarfjörður Eystri tourist information office, the trails connect former farmsteads, coastal cliffs and mountain passes. The network allows for both day hikes and longer multi-day traverses linking several fjords, with a small number of basic mountain huts providing overnight shelter. Rhyolite mountains around Borgarfjörður Eystri give the area distinctive colouring, and puffin colonies nest on nearby sea cliffs in summer. Because the area is remote with limited infrastructure, hikers typically plan routes around the available huts and check conditions with local information centres before setting out.
Trail facts
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- Eastfjords (Borgarfjörður Eystri to Loðmundarfjörður)
- Distance
- c. 80 km (network of connected day and multi-day routes)
- Typical duration
- 3–5 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 2,800 m cumulative
- Best season
- July–August
- Trail type
- Coastal and fjord wilderness trail network
Access and logistics
- Bookings
- Basic mountain huts in the area may require advance arrangement through local hiking associations.
Safety context
Weather in the Eastfjords can change quickly and river crossings may be required on some routes; check current conditions locally before departure.
Unbridged river crossings on some routes can become hazardous after rain; checking local advice is essential.
Highlights
Deserted fjord farmsteads Colourful rhyolite mountains Puffin colonies near Borgarfjörður Eystri Remote coastal wilderness scenery
Why find a buddy
River crossings and remote terrain with minimal mobile coverage make this network safer to walk with a companion.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.