The Eastfjords encompass a scenic area in East Iceland full of coastal fjords, quaint fishing villages, and mountains. Visitors travel to the region to experience natural wonders, hiking trails, wildlife, and traditional Icelandic culture. Keep reading to learn what makes this area special.
The Eastfjords extend along Iceland’s eastern coast from Berufjordur Fjord toward Borgarfjordur Eystri. They form the coastal part of East Iceland, while the wider region also includes inland valleys, forests, and Highlands.
You can explore on self-drive tours in Iceland or join Eastfjords tours. This Eastfjords travel guide covers the region’s nature, communities, and practical advice for planning your visit.
For local insight, we spoke with Erla Dögg Grétarsdóttir of Visit East Iceland. Her advice on routes, seasons, and exploring the region at a slower pace is included throughout this guide.
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Key Takeaways
- Nature and wildlife: The Eastfjords offer coastal walks, mountain hikes, and seasonal puffin watching, while wild reindeer inhabit the wider East Iceland region.
- Local culture: Fishing heritage, museums, art, and local food give each community its own character.
- Village visits: Fishing villages and small towns offer opportunities to slow down and spend time beyond the main sightseeing stops.
- Getting around: Rental cars and guided tours offer access to the region, with extra time needed for winding roads and village detours.
- Summer weather: August is warmest at Dalatangi in the Eastfjords, according to our Iceland temperature study.
- Rainfall: Early summer is generally drier for Eastfjords outings, while October is wettest at Dalatangi in our Iceland rainfall study.
Where Are Iceland’s Eastfjords?
Iceland’s Eastfjords occupy the eastern coastline, where fishing villages sit beside long sea inlets beneath steep mountains. The Ring Road passes through part of the region, with side roads leading into individual fjords.
Egilsstadir, an inland town in East Iceland, is the main transport and service hub for exploring the Eastfjords. It is roughly 404 miles (650 kilometers) from Reykjavik via North Iceland, so allow a full day for the drive.
On a Ring Road journey, you can approach the region from North Iceland through the Myvatn area or from the South Coast through Hofn. Your onward route depends on which coastal towns and fjords you want to visit.
Seydisfjordur is another important gateway because the ferry from Denmark and the Faroe Islands arrives at this Eastfjords town. It lies about 17 miles (27 kilometers) from Egilsstadir via Route 93, a drive of around 30 minutes over Fjardarheidi Mountain Pass in good conditions.
Allow additional time for coastal detours and mountain roads when planning journeys within the region.
Distances can look short on a map, but the roads, weather, and landscapes often invite you to take your time, and some of the best experiences happen when you leave space in your itinerary for the unexpected.
Discover Nature in the Eastfjords
There are plenty of things for nature lovers to do in the Eastfjords. The area has incredible coastlines, rugged mountain terrain, and winding fjords that offer opportunities for all sorts of outdoor activities.
If you enjoy walks through nature, Borgarfjordur Eystri is a hiker’s paradise, with routes through the Viknaslodir Hiking Area. Icelandic folklore has it that this area is home to elves and Iceland’s “hidden folk.”
Go inland, and you’ll find lakes, forests, and the vast Highlands. Natural attractions along the coast and on inland detours include:
- Skalanes Nature Reserve: Coastal scenery and birdlife near the mouth of Seydisfjordur.
- Hengifoss Waterfall: A tall waterfall framed by red-striped cliffs above Lake Lagarfljot in Fljotsdalur.
- Studlagil Canyon: Incredible basalt rock formations in Jokuldalur Valley northwest of Egilsstadir.
- Vatnajokull National Park: Mountain scenery and longer hikes in the eastern Highlands around Snaefell.
For a bathing break, Vok Baths is a geothermal spa beside Lake Urridavatn near Egilsstadir. If you’re approaching the Eastfjords from the south, Vestrahorn Mountain near Hofn offers another scenic stop in Southeast Iceland.
Wildlife of the Eastfjords
The Eastfjords and surrounding inland areas are home to some of Iceland’s most well-known and loved wildlife. East Iceland is the only part of the country where reindeer live in the wild.
Our study on where to see reindeer in Iceland ranks the fjords between Reydarfjordur and Djupivogur second on its winter sighting index. Many herds move toward lower grazing areas in autumn and winter, although their movements vary.
A variety of birds live inland and on the cliffs dotting the coastline. The famous Atlantic puffins nest near areas like Borgarfjordur Eystri, along with other seabirds such as kittiwakes and fulmars.
During puffin season, make time for Hafnarholmi in Borgarfjordur Eystri. Viewing platforms offer close views of the birds, generally from mid-April to early or mid-August.
Erla, a local tourism expert, recommends pairing the bird-watching stop with a village cafe or a walk in the surrounding area. This gives you time to experience more of the community alongside its wildlife.
Culture in the Eastfjords
Fishing has been a central part of the Eastfjords’ economy for centuries. Local museums, historic waterfront buildings, and working harbors offer a glimpse into that heritage.
In Eskifjordur, explore the East Iceland Maritime Museum and Randulff’s Sea House. The restored sea house was once used for landing and processing herring.
Art plays a significant role in the culture, too. Seydisfjordur is a go-to destination for artists, with Skaftfell Art Center hosting contemporary exhibitions and artist residencies. Summer celebrations include Neistaflug in Neskaupstadur and French Days in Faskrudsfjordur. The latter reflects the village’s French heritage.
Folk traditions like storytelling and songs are also part of the local identity. Villages host celebrations that bring together the history, music, and traditions of the area.
… But what truly makes East Iceland special is the connection between nature and the small communities that live within it. Each fjord and village has its own character, stories, and traditions, shaped by generations of people adapting to the landscape, weather, and isolation.
Towns and Bases for Exploring the Eastfjords
The towns and fishing villages in the Eastfjords offer places to stop, stay overnight, and join local excursions. Inland Egilsstadir provides another base for combining coastal visits with trips to the surrounding valleys and forests.
Traveling through East Iceland on Ring Road tours is a great way to explore towns and villages along the route. If you’re driving independently, choose overnight stops around the places you want to visit.
Djupivogur
Djupivogur is a coastal fishing village on the Bulandsnes Peninsula beside Berufjordur, near the southern end of the Eastfjords. Its position close to the Ring Road makes it a convenient stop when approaching from Hofn or continuing north along the coast.
The village has accommodation, places to eat, and a campsite near local services. A harbor walk and the Eggs of Gledivik sculptures can fit into a shorter stop, while an overnight stay gives you time for the surrounding coastline.
Book a guided kayaking tour from Djupivogur and take in Berufjordur Fjord and Bulandstindur Mountain. You can also experience the area’s waterfalls and valleys on a Djupivogur excursion.
Breiddalsvik
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Eysteinn Guðni Guðnason. No edits made.
Breiddalsvik is a small coastal village near the Ring Road between Djupivogur and Stodvarfjordur. It offers an overnight option for travelers exploring the southern fjords and Breiddalur Valley.
There are lovely walking trails through nearby Jorvikurskogur Forest. You can also explore Breiddalur Valley or see the black volcanic sands at Meleyri Beach.
Route 95 leads inland through Breiddalur and over Breiddalsheidi toward Egilsstadir. This alternative to the coastal Ring Road includes a mountain pass, so check access before choosing the route.
Faskrudsfjordur
Faskrudsfjordur is a village nestled in the heart of the Eastfjords. A Route 1 tunnel connects it with Reydarfjordur, while Road 955 offers a longer coastal alternative when conditions are suitable.
The village has accommodation and dining options, including the restored French Hospital complex. You can visit the French Museum to learn the story of the fishermen who used the village as a hub until 1935.
Allow more time if you plan to hike to Gilsarfoss Waterfall or Sandfell Mountain. Summer visitors can also check the dates of the French Days Festival in Faskrudsfjordur.
Egilsstadir
Egilsstadir is the largest town in East Iceland and a useful hub if you plan on visiting the Eastfjords. There’s no shortage of things to do in Egilsstadir, and you can find accommodation options catering to different preferences.
Its airport provides connections with Reykjavik. Route 93 leads to Seydisfjordur, while Route 94 connects the town with Borgarfjordur Eystri.
Hallormsstadarskogur Forest, beside Lake Lagarfljot, is about 17 miles (27 kilometers) away. Hengifoss and Studlagil require more time for driving and walking, so allow a separate outing for each.
The famous Vok Baths are a short drive northwest of town. Book admission to Vok Baths if you need to relax and recharge your batteries between excursions.
Seydisfjordur
Those visiting Iceland by ferry from mainland Europe make port at Seydisfjordur. The town is about 17 miles (27 kilometers) from Egilsstadir via Route 93 over Fjardarheidi Mountain Pass.
Seydisfjordur has accommodation, cafes, and restaurants for an overnight stay or ferry arrival stop. The town center features a rainbow street leading to the famous Seydisfjordur Blue Church.
Nature’s power and beauty are on display in Seydisfjordur. Waterfalls, mountains, and hiking trails surround the area, with gorgeous panoramas over the adjacent fjord.
Pay a visit to Skaftfell Art Center while exploring the town. Skalanes and Baugur Bjolfs are separate outings beyond the center, with different access requirements.
How To Get to and Around the Eastfjords
Travel to the Eastfjords by road, domestic flight, or ferry, then choose how to explore once you arrive. A rental car offers flexibility for village detours, while guided tours provide transport to selected attractions.
Driving and Public Transport
Compare rental cars in Iceland and choose a vehicle suited to your route and season. A 4x4 is required on F-roads, but it is not necessary for every Eastfjords itinerary.
Regional buses connect several towns, but do not serve every attraction or trailhead. Check Straeto’s countryside bus routes and timetables, including return services, before planning outings without a car.
Flights and Ferries
Icelandair operates domestic flights between Reykjavik Airport and Egilsstadir. Travelers arriving internationally at Keflavik Airport need to arrange a transfer between airports and allow enough time for the connection.
After landing in Egilsstadir, arrange a rental car or onward transport to your accommodation. Staying in a coastal village may involve crossing a mountain pass.
The Norrona ferry carries passengers and vehicles to Seydisfjordur from Denmark and the Faroe Islands. Check the Norrona ferry sailing schedule and check-in requirements before arranging accommodation or onward travel.
Self-Drive Packages and Guided Tours With the Eastfjords
You can pick from a range of self-drive tours in Iceland with planned itineraries, rental cars, and accommodation. You can also choose from vacation packages and guided multi-day tours that include the Eastfjords.
- 5-day adventure tour of the South Coast, Eastfjords, and Highlands: Combine outdoor activities with an Eastfjords sightseeing day, with individual stops depending on conditions and available time.
- 6-day guided Ring Road vacation package: A faster-paced journey around Iceland, with travel through the Eastfjords and an overnight stay in East Iceland.
- 6-day guided adventure around Iceland’s full Ring Road: Explore Iceland’s highlights, with East Iceland stops such as Studlagil Canyon, Djupivogur, and Egilsstadir.
- 8-day guided tour of the complete Ring Road and Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Circle the Ring Road with a small group, including Eastfjords sightseeing and an overnight stay in Egilsstadir. Vok Baths is available as an optional addition.
- 10-day clockwise Ring Road self-drive tour: Explore Iceland in a clockwise direction, approaching East Iceland from the north before continuing toward the South Coast.
- 11-day self-drive tour of the Ring Road and Eastfjords: Spend three nights in the Eastfjords, with extra time for the region’s towns and natural attractions.
There are plenty of other Eastfjords tours to choose from. Compare departure towns and inclusions to find an excursion that fits your visit.
Planning Your Eastfjords Visit
Planning an Eastfjords visit means matching your activities to the season and allowing enough time for coastal detours. Consider road access, daylight, and seasonal opening hours when deciding which places to include.
Seasons and Road Conditions in the Eastfjords
Summer generally offers more opportunities for hiking and remote drives, while winter brings shorter days and possible road closures. Check attraction opening hours too, as some museums, restaurants, and activities operate seasonally.
Coastal wind can also affect your plans. Our study of the windiest months in Iceland estimates about four storm-gust days in an average December or February at Dalatangi, on the exposed Eastfjords coast, compared with close to none from July to August.
Remote fjords need separate access checks. Route 953 into Mjoifjordur is unpaved and is not cleared in winter, so access depends on seasonal road conditions.
Highland detours have their own constraints, with seasonal F-roads requiring a suitable 4x4 vehicle. Respect closures and use the official Icelandic road map and live updates, weather forecasts and warnings, and SafeTravel alerts when preparing your route.
A good rule for East Iceland is simple: check the conditions, know your vehicle, plan your fuel stops, listen to local advice, and be prepared to change your plans.
How Long To Stay in the Eastfjords
Erla, a local tourism expert, recommends allowing at least four to five nights to experience East Iceland beyond a brief Ring Road stop. That gives you time to combine the Eastfjords’ villages and coastal walks with inland attractions, local meals, and geothermal bathing.
Choose a few bases around the places you most want to explore, rather than returning to the same town every evening. Keep some time flexible for an unexpected village stop or a viewpoint where you want to linger.
Places To Visit Before or After the Eastfjords
An Eastfjords visit fits naturally into a longer Ring Road itinerary through Southeast Iceland and North Iceland. Depending on your direction of travel, the following stops can extend your journey before or after exploring the fjords.
Along the Southeastern Coast
Hofn is a useful stop between the South Coast and the southern Eastfjords, with accommodation, restaurants, and supplies. Nearby, the Stokksnes Peninsula offers black sand dunes and views of Vestrahorn Mountain on a detour off the Ring Road.
Farther southwest, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is another stop along this route. Watch icebergs drift through the lagoon, then visit nearby Diamond Beach, where pieces of ice wash onto the black sand.
Between East Iceland and the North
Lake Myvatn lies along the northern Ring Road route beyond Egilsstadir. Its volcanic surroundings include the lava formations at Dimmuborgir and the steaming geothermal area of Hverir.
Dettifoss Waterfall requires a separate detour from the Ring Road. Route 862 leads to the western viewing area, but check access before adding it to your journey.
For a longer stay in North Iceland, follow part of the Diamond Circle Sightseeing Route. It connects Myvatn and Dettifoss with places such as Asbyrgi Canyon and Husavik, so allow additional days for exploring.
Discover the Quiet Character of the Eastfjords
The Eastfjords offer more than scenic stops along the Ring Road. Coastal walks, village cafes, and local museums give you time to get to know the communities behind the landscapes.
East Iceland has a different rhythm. It feels quieter, more spacious, and less rushed, giving travelers the opportunity to slow down and experience Iceland in a more personal way.
Learn more about Icelandic culture and nature in the Eastfjords and beyond through our guide to the best places to visit in East Iceland. For your onward journey, explore the top attractions along Iceland’s Ring Road.
When is the best time to visit the East Fjords?
Winter (November to February) can be cold and snowy, but it is ideal for seeing the northern lights and experiencing winter landscapes. Some roads may close due to snow, so it is best to travel in a 4x4 vehicle.
Is it easy to get around the East Fjords?
Are there accommodations in the East Fjords?
What are the local food specialties in the East Fjords?
Can I camp in the East Fjords?
For a remote camping experience in Iceland, Modrudalur Farm is another option in inland East Iceland. Check campsite opening dates before traveling, as many operate seasonally.
What should I pack for a trip to the East Fjords?
How are the roads in the East Fjords in winter?
Is public transportation available in the East Fjords?
Can I visit the East Fjords if I don't speak Icelandic?
Do towns in the East Fjords have internet access?
How many days do you need for the East Fjords?
For a fuller experience of East Iceland, plan at least four to five nights. This gives you more time for the fjords, inland attractions, and local activities.
