Víknaslóðir: Iceland’s Hiking Secret That Somehow Stayed Quiet

When people think about hiking in Iceland, they usually picture Laugavegur, waterfalls packed with tourists, and trails where you’re rarely alone. Víknaslóðir is the opposite of that. It’s a network of hiking routes in Iceland’s remote Eastfjords, and despite its beauty, it has managed to stay off the mainstream radar.

Víknaslóðir means “Trails of the Inlets”, and the name fits perfectly. The routes connect deep fjords, mountain passes, empty valleys, and old coastal farms that feel frozen in time. In total, the trail system covers around 150 kilometers, offering everything from short day hikes to a classic multi-day trek.

What makes this region stand out is how dramatically the landscape changes. One moment you’re walking high above the North Atlantic, with cliffs dropping straight into the ocean. A few hours later, you’re crossing green valleys that look almost unreal for Iceland. The Eastfjords have a milder microclimate, which explains the lush vegetation and surprisingly stable summer conditions.

One of the most striking places along the route is Stórurð, known as “The Giant Boulders”. Massive rocks, some as large as houses, lie scattered around glowing turquoise ponds. The hike to reach it is demanding, but the first view feels otherworldly. Many hikers describe it as one of the most memorable landscapes they’ve ever seen.

Víknaslóðir isn’t just about nature. It’s also a walk through Iceland’s recent history. Along the trails, you pass abandoned farms and settlement ruins, mostly from the mid-20th century. These places tell quiet stories about families who once lived in extreme isolation, relying on the land and the sea until modern life pulled them elsewhere.

There’s also a strong layer of local folklore. The area around Borgarfjörður Eystri is famous for its elf legends. For Icelanders, these stories aren’t a tourist gimmick. They’re part of cultural identity, treated with respect and woven naturally into everyday life. Whether you believe in them or not, they add a unique atmosphere to the journey.

From a practical point of view, Víknaslóðir is more accessible than it sounds. The trails are well marked, and the main multi-day route is supported by mountain huts with kitchens, beds, and basic facilities. This allows hikers to travel light and focus on the experience rather than logistics. The classic trek from Borgarfjörður Eystri to Seyðisfjörður usually takes three to four days and is suitable for anyone with decent fitness and proper preparation.

The best time to hike Víknaslóðir is from late June to early September, with July and August offering the most reliable conditions. That said, this is still Iceland. Weather can change fast, and being flexible is part of the deal. Good gear and realistic planning matter more here than tight schedules.

Víknaslóðir isn’t for travelers who want quick highlights and easy checklists. It’s for people who enjoy long days on the trail, silence, and landscapes that don’t try to impress but do it anyway. In a country where many famous routes are becoming crowded, this place still feels genuinely wild.

That’s exactly why it deserves more attention. Not mass tourism, but thoughtful hikers who value space, effort, and authenticity. If Iceland still has true hiking secrets left, Víknaslóðir is one of them.