Trail running in Iceland

• Google Map - Eldslóðin 5K
• Fatmap Map - Eldslóðin 5K
• GPX Document - Eldslóðin 5K

5km route discription coming soon.

Garmin Eldslóðin – Trail Running Through Iceland’s Untamed Beauty

Garmin Eldslóðin is a thrilling trail run set against the breathtaking and raw natural landscapes of Iceland – just outside the city limits.

The course starts at Vífilsstaðir, winds its way toward the dramatic Búrfellsgjá, climbs up to the iconic Helgafell, and loops back to Vífilsstaðir.

Designed as a challenge for seasoned runners while remaining accessible and scenic, the trail features gentler elevation than many major trail races—perfect for those seeking both beauty and adrenaline.

Runners can choose from three inspiring routes – 5 km, 10 km, and the full 29 km adventure – making Garmin Eldslóðin the perfect experience for beginners, weekend warriors, and elite trail runners alike. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best or soaking in the wilderness of Heiðmörk, this is your run.

• Google Map - Garmin Eldslóðin 10K
• Fatmap Map - Garmin Eldslóðin 10K
• Strava Map - Garmin Eldslóðin 10K
• GPX Document - Garmin Eldslóðin 10K

The Garmin Eldslóðin Fire Trail starts at Vífilsstaðir in the town of Garðabær, Iceland. The trail leads to Lake Vífilsstaðir and then counter-clockwise by the lake in an easterly direction. At the end of the lake, you go up a new Z-path that leads to the dirt road at Grunnavatn. The dirt road is straight and wide and it runs to the end of a so-called linear road where you take a right turn and head towards Vífilsstaðahlíð. Then turn right onto a path that runs on top of the Vífilsstaðar hill, and that path leads to the viewing platform at the top of the hill. At the viewing platform, there is a left turn onto a path that leads back to the line road. When you get back to the line road, run to the right and down the entire slope to a drinking station. There, 10 km runners turn right and head down the entire Vífilsstaðar hill towards Garðabær, go through the car park at the bottom of the hill and onto a path that leads to the right to Vífilsstaðarvatn. When you get to the lower car park at Vífilsstaðir lake, the road leads back to Vífilsstaðir.

10k: +160m / -160m

• Google Map - Garmin Eldslóðin 29K
• Fatmap Map - Garmin Eldslóðin 29K
• Strava Map - Garmin Eldslóðin 29K
• GPX Document - Garmin Eldslóðin 29K

The Garmin Eldslóðin Fire Trail starts at Vífilsstaðir. The trail leads to Lake Vífilsstaðir and then the run is counter-clockwise by the lake in an easterly direction. At the end of the lake, you go up a new Z-path that leads to the dirt road at Grunnavatn. The gravel road is straight and wide and it runs to the end of a so-called linear road. Take a right turn there and head towards Vífilsstaðir hill. Then turn right onto a path that runs on top of the Vífilsstaðir hill, and that path leads to the viewing platform at the top of the hill. At the viewing platform, there is a left turn onto a path that leads back to the line road. When you get back to the line road, run to the right and down the entire slope to a drinking station. There, 29 km runners go to the left and towards Búrfellsgjá (Búrfell ravine) and run up to wooden steps that lead down to the path that leads them up to Búrfellsgjá. When you reach the rim of the crater in the chasm, take a right turn and go down to a path that leads towards Helgadal. In Helgadal, take a sharp left turn on a path that leads up towards Helgafell mountain. There is a drinking station and now the runners have reached the trail that runs around Helgafell. At the drinking station, runners turn left and enter Valaból and then continue running all the way around Helgafell and then come back to the same drinking station afterwards. Then you go down to Helgadalur and the same route back to Vífilsstaðir.

29k: +378m / -378m