Rauðanes Coastal Loop
Rauðanes
A 7.5 km loop round the Rauðanes headland near Þórshöfn, with sea arches, rock stacks and puffins in summer.
- Distance
- 7.5 km
- Loop
- Time
- 2–2.5 hours
- Ascent
- 170 m
- Max 70 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
The Rauðanes hike is a coastal loop on a headland in Þistilfjörður, North-East Iceland, close to the village of Þórshöfn. The loop is about 7.5 km with roughly 170 m of ascent and a high point near 70 m, and takes 2–2.5 hours. It follows grassy cliff tops past sea arches, rock stacks and bird cliffs, with puffins often seen in summer.
Rauðanes is one of the best coastal walks in the North-East, but it sees few visitors. The trail is marked, and while the cliffs are not high, the path climbs and drops repeatedly over headlands and coves. It is rated moderate. The scenery is varied, with red and black rock, green turf and the sea always close.
Highlights
- Sea arches and rock stacks along the coast
- Puffins and other seabirds in summer
- Grassy cliff tops with wide sea views
- A quiet coastal walk with few visitors
The route
Along the western side
From the parking area the marked path heads out along the western side of the headland, following the cliff tops over grass and heath. The going is mostly easy, with short climbs and descents between coves. Look down at the ledges for seabirds, and keep an eye out for puffins on the grassy slopes in early summer.
Round the point and back
At the tip of the headland, the route passes sea arches and rock stacks, including Gluggur and Stakkatorfa, before curving back along the eastern side to the start. The path climbs and drops over a series of coves. Keep back from the cliff edges.
Getting to the trailhead
Rauðanes is on the coast of Þistilfjörður, about 30 km west of Þórshöfn in North-East Iceland. From Route 85, a gravel side road of about 3 km leads out toward the headland, ending at a small parking area by the start of the marked trail. The side road can be rough, so drive slowly. Check road.is before setting out.
Where to stay
Þórshöfn is the nearest village, with a guesthouse, a campsite, a swimming pool, a shop and fuel. Raufarhöfn to the north-west and Vopnafjörður to the south-east are both within driving distance and have more places to stay. Book ahead in July, as options are limited.
Best time to hike
May to October is the season. For puffins, come between roughly May and August, with June and July usually best. September is quiet, with beautiful light, but the weather can be rough.
Safety
The cliff edges are unfenced, crumbly and riddled with burrows, so keep well back. Weather on the coast can change quickly, with fog and wind. Stay on the marked path to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Check SafeTravel.is and vedur.is, and call 112 in an emergency.
Plan & book
Book your Rauðanes Coastal Loop hike
CampingÁsbyrgi & Vesturdalur Campsites
National park campsites in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.
Vatnajökull National Park
Guided tourDiamond Circle & Canyon Tours
Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Mývatn from Akureyri or Húsavík.
North Iceland operators1 day
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Rauðanes Coastal Loop FAQ
How long is the Rauðanes hike?+
The loop is about 7.5 km with roughly 170 m of ascent and takes 2–2.5 hours.
Can you see puffins at Rauðanes?+
Yes, puffins are often seen on the cliffs between roughly May and August.
Is the Rauðanes hike hard?+
It is rated moderate. The cliffs are not high, but the path climbs and drops repeatedly over headlands and coves.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
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