A Guide to East Fjords in Iceland + Itinerary
Read our East Fjords travel guide that includes a self-drive itinerary, the best things to see and do, tips on what to expect, top attractions, best stops, where to stay, how to get around, and when to go.
Fjords. Steep cliffs. Snow-capped mountains. A region surrounded by a great deal of myth. Fishing villages. Puffins. One of the least populated parts of Iceland. Wonderful coastline. Abandoned roads. Waterfalls. Cute artsy towns.
And on top of that, winding scenic roads with amazing views behind every corner.
All of this and much more is East Fjords in the eastern part of Iceland.
The region of East Fjords in Iceland does not get that much attention as visitors usually just drive through, and we would like to change that.
Even though the famous Ring Road that goes around Iceland takes travelers through East Fjords, this region is still relatively secluded and feels like it was a bit left out.
It is hard to tell why.
One of the explanations might be that in most Iceland itineraries, the day dedicated to East Fjords is described as a scenic drive, but that's it.
Even though people love road trips, they also want to see striking attractions along the route.
The road trip without making stops is sometimes an interesting idea, but we usually start to have itchy feet after some time.
And we believe that East Fjords can deliver this experience even despite its straightforward reputation.
Even better, sometimes not having everything perfectly planned gives you more freedom and allows you to find places without crowds.
Why Visit East Fjords
The most obvious reason is that you have no other choice when traveling around Iceland via the iconic Ring Road.
However, it seemed to us that some visitors took this part of Iceland like something they had to drive through as there was no other alternative.
To enjoy the scenery, snap a few photos and continue north as soon as possible when traveling counterclockwise.
And they might even be onto something, but we believe this region deserves more attention.
Indeed, East Fjords don't have exactly the iconic locations such as Seljalandsfoss, Kirkjufell Mountain, or Geysir Geothermal Area you find in other parts of Iceland.
But the East Fjords feature so many incredible and more intimate places that you might end up spending more time here than initially planned.
In this blog post, we would like to show you that Iceland's East Fjords are anything but boring.
We can genuinely say that the day (and a half) we spent in the eastern part of Iceland was one of the best ones of our two-week trip to the Land of Ice and Fire.
East Fjords Directions
When looking for information about where the area of East Fjords actually starts, you might find a few different answers.
When we look at the map and combine it with our own experience, the place where we realized we were entering the East Fjords was just after we left Höfn, a fishing town where we did stock up on food.
On the other hand, it seems that most of the sources agree that the East Fjords area ends in Borgarfjordur Eystri, a lovely village renowned for puffins.
The drive is about 320 kilometers long, and without making stops, it will take you about five to six hours to get from Hofn to Borgarfjordur Eystri via Egilsstadir.
One of the things to know about Iceland is that it always takes longer to get from point A to B than what your GPS navigation estimates.
When we added two additional trips we made along the way, to a small artsy town Seydisfjordur and Hengifoss Waterfall, we drove about 450 kilometers on winding roads.
Hofn is about 450 kilometers east of Reykjavik, and you will find Akureyri about 250 kilometers west of Egilsstadir.
How Much Time Do I Need
It rained the whole day when we were traveling the South Coast of Iceland and didn't stop even when we entered the East Fjords.
Therefore we drove past Höfn and Stokksness and spent the night in Djupivogur.
Therefore, we could say that we started our journey to East Fjords from there. It also means that we drove 340 kilometers that day.
This stretch of road in East Fjords was absolutely doable, even with all stops, in one day.
However, we have to admit that we hit the road around 7 AM and finished the trip just before midnight.
If you plan on starting in Höfn even in the summer season or simply prefer to travel to take your time, it might be a good idea to split the East Fjords trip into two days.
We were able to cover this distance in one super long day (plus a half-day), but we know that our pace is not for everyone.
Please keep in mind that you might need to split the drive into two or three days when you travel outside the summertime, as there is less daylight.
How to Get Around East Fjords
Even though we often like to outline all the transportation methods for every type of traveler, we feel there is really only one way to get the most out of this area.
Without any doubt, Iceland's East Fjords are best to be explored by car.
Car
Iceland is a perfect destination to rent a car in order to travel the country at your own pace and have the freedom to make stops as often as you want.
Personally, we rented a campervan, so we did not have to worry about expensive accommodation. On the other hand, the campsites in Iceland are not free either.
The biggest advantage of this destination over, for example, the Canadian Rockies, is that you do not need to book campsites in Iceland in advance.
If you want to know more about choosing a campervan in Iceland, make sure to check out this helpful post.
In our opinion, having a car is absolutely essential here, because the drive along the fjords is incredibly scenic and you will want to stop every five minutes.
At least, that's what we did while there.
After two rainy days, we were super-excited to see blue skies again, and the combination of sun, snowy mountains, and blue sea were absolutely stunning.
Public Transport
There are a few buses usually running to and from the main transportation hub of East Fjords, Egilsstadir, and from here to smaller towns.
However, in this case, public transport won't be able to provide you with the same experience.
Plus, you would need much more time to explore the region as the buses usually run only once or twice a day.
2WD or 4WD
One of the most burning questions is whether you need a 2WD or 4WD car for traveling in Iceland's East Fjords?
If you plan to travel between, let's say, May to September, and you will follow a similar route as we did, a 2WD car or a regular campervan is completely fine.
In the winter, we would have opted for a 4WD car. Not only for this region but the entire of Iceland.
We've already mentioned we recommend a 4WD car when traveling the region in winter, but there is one more thing you should know.
Road 1 or Road 95
When you look at the map of East Fjords, you'll see that two roads connect Djupivogur and Egilsstadir.
Therefore, you will face a dilemma whether to choose Road 1, also known as the Ring Road, or Road 95.
Under normal circumstances, we recommend you follow Road 1, which follows the coast, so that you can enjoy more fjord views.
However, this stretch of the road might be closed in winter, so your only option to get to Egilsstadir will be Road 95.
This part is also pretty and scenic, but the coastal route with fjords is, in our opinion, better.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
Unlike the Westfjords, Diamond Circle, or Golden Circle, East Fjords is not a loop.
Therefore, which way to drive around the East Fjords depends on whether you travel around the Ring Road clockwise or counterclockwise.
We chose to do the Ring Road counterclockwise, and everything worked out great.
The main advantage we found in driving around the East Fjords counterclockwise was that the views were on the passenger side.
It meant that I could often take photos from the car, and we did not have to stop every time we saw something worthy of a picture.
Otherwise, the journey would probably have taken us twice as long.
When Is the Best Time to Visit East Fjords
Iceland is an amazing country, but the weather is a challenging factor making traveling a bit harder.
It is possible to enjoy East Fjords all year round, but it is necessary to know a few facts to make an informed decision on when to go.
Summer
Between June and August, summer is arguably the best time to visit East Fjords due to the midnight sun's natural phenomenon.
As the sun barely sets during this period, you have over 20 hours of daylight every day, which allows you to see as many places as possible in a single day.
Also, the weather in the summer months is more stable and warmer, though it's still really windy there.
Spring and Autumn
If you want to avoid crowds, you should consider visiting Iceland in the shoulder season, such as April and May or September and October.
To be honest, even though we met a lot of travelers near the most famous attractions such as Seljalandsfoss or Reynisfjara Beach on the South Coast, East Fjords felt much more relaxed.
And the same travelers we had been meeting every day for about three or four days were all of a sudden gone. Not sure where did they go.
Be prepared that the days are getting longer or shorter during this period.
Winter
Winter might be the most challenging time to visit the East Fjords.
It can snow, and the roads will be icy and slippery, so you should be well-prepared for more challenging road conditions.
Don't forget that Iceland has less daylight in winter, which is great for watching the Northern Lights, but not much for road tripping.
That being said, we cannot wait to return to Iceland one day in winter to see this natural phenomenon.
Here, you can find more tips on when to visit Iceland.
What to Pack
As mentioned above, the weather in Iceland is constantly changing, and it is not something you should underestimate.
It can be really cold and windy there, even during the summer.
Therefore, layers are the keys to success in Iceland.
Make sure you also bring a good rain jacket or rain poncho to stay dry if the weather doesn't cooperate.
If it's not raining, a proper down jacket will help you stay nice and warm in most situations.
Also, if you are looking for more information, don't forget to check out our guide on what to pack for Iceland.
Best Things to See and Do
As you've probably already guessed from the name of this region, the main highlights here are the fjords.
The winding road takes you around one of Iceland's most remote locations, and the views along the way are fantastic.
When driving in the East Fjords, we had a feeling we could go on and on forever.
As this is a scenic road trip, what to see and do along the way is tightly connected with your travel itinerary.
East Fjords Itinerary
In this section, we share our own East Fjords itinerary with all the best things we saw along the way.
It follows the route we took, so feel free to get inspired.
We would also encourage you to find your own stops, as this is not by far a definitive list of must-visit places in East Fjords.
Höfn
Höfn is a fishing town with over 1500 inhabitants. As it is one of the largest settlements along the way, we recommend you do the shopping or fill up the gas tank here if necessary.
For some, Hofn will be the starting or ending point of their trip to East Fjords.
Höfn literally means harbor, so it is clear that the town's life is closely connected with the sea and nowadays, of course, with tourism.
You can walk the path around the harbor and take a photo of a statue representing narwhal tusk.
Höfn is one of the places in East Fjords where you have more accommodation options, and many travelers choose to stay here overnight.
Therefore, it does not mean it is easy to find a cheap hotel in Höfn, especially in the summer.
Stokksnes
Stokksnes Peninsula is the only place we did not visit because the weather that day was quite bad, the views were very limited, and there was an entry fee to the beach.
Stokksnes is famous mainly among enthusiast photographers due to its stunning scenery.
When the weather conditions cooperate, you can capture during sunset or sunrise otherwordly photos of Vestrahorn mountain with reflections from the black sand beach.
It is necessary to know that this activity is not for free as you are entering private property.
We read quite a few negative comments that it is outraging to ask for money to access a beach.
However, the property is privately owned, and we believe the owner has a right to charge money for entering their property.
If you don't want to support it or travel around Iceland on a budget, just don't go there.
We didn't go there as well, as there are plenty of black sand beaches for free along the way. It's that simple.
If you are looking for more free black sand beaches in Iceland, visit Black Diamond Beach near Jokulsarlon or Solheimasandur Plane Wreck on the South Coast of Iceland.
Except for the views, Stokksnes has a cafe and a Viking Village Film Location.
As mentioned earlier, it was a cloudy and rainy day, so we decided to travel a bit farther to Djupivogur, which has a few hotels and a campground.
We woke up to a sunny morning the next day, and from this point, we could really admire the beauty of East Fjords.
Hvalnes Nature Reserve
To prove our point, the next stop on your East Fjords itinerary is Hvalnes Nature Reserve.
This lovely scenic point offers a beautiful black sand beach, a lighthouse, and stunning mountains in the background.
At least on a sunny day, as the mountains were covered in thick clouds on the day of your visit.
Small unmarked parking is right next to the Hvalnes Lighthouse, and the turn-off is easy to miss.
You can walk along the beach, admire the scenery, and enjoy the stunning views. As usual, beware of the sneaker waves while in this area.
Unlike Stokksnes, Hvalnes Nature Reserve is free of charge.
Djupavogskorin Geothermal Pool
Iceland is a country with a strong swimming pool culture, and hot pools, basic or luxurious, are almost on every step. You just need to look for them.
We visited many hot pools during two weeks in Iceland, from the natural ones in Westfjords or a regular swimming pool in Hofsos to some luxurious, such as the famous Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Baths.
Djupavogskorin Geothermal Pool was one of the most basic hot pools we visited in Iceland. Maybe that was the reason we enjoyed it that much.
It was a small bath rather than a hot pool that could comfortably fit eight to ten people, and the water was super-hot but bearable.
Even though this site is not completely unknown, as it is just off the Ring Road, we felt like we had found a hidden gem.
It is just a short drive from Djupivogur and a perfect stop to finish your day along the coast.
There are no facilities, toilets or changing rooms, so you must change into your swimsuit in the car.
As usual, it's better not to leave your valuables in the car, so take them with you. There is a rack for daypacks.
Djupavogskorin Geothermal Pool is free.
Djupivogur
Djupivogur is a small town, and even though there is not much to do unless you want to take a boat trip to Papey island, the small harbor might be worth visiting.
Taking photos of local fishing ships is always fun, especially in the morning when the sea is calm and you can enjoy the reflections.
If you are hungry, there is a restaurant, and those of you looking for a place to stay will find a few hotels and a campground in Djupivogur.
For more information on this topic, read our guide on camping in Iceland.
Sveinsstekksfoss Waterfall
Iceland is a country of waterfalls, so it is impossible to drive around East Fjords and not see at least one cascade worth mentioning.
This waterfall was only a short detour off the main road, so it was easy to get there.
The road is unpaved and quite steep, but you do not need a 4WD car when the conditions are dry in summer.
Sveinsstekksfoss (or Nykurhilsfoss on Google Maps) was not the most beautiful waterfall we saw in Iceland, but it was undoubtedly a pleasant stop.
And the views of the fjord in the morning were stunning as well.
Streitisviti Lighthouse
Another wonderful place where you can break the journey for a while is Streitisviti Lighthouse.
We missed it at first, but the views were so incredible that we had to return back.
The lighthouse itself is not that interesting, but the views across the bay are definitely worth the stop!
You can get to the lighthouse with a 4WD car, but we simply parked our car at the beginning of the access road and walked the rest.
There is no official trail to the viewpoint, just a worn-off path, and you are very likely on privately owned land, so do not leave any trace behind.
Fjords
If the drive was super-scenic so far, wait for what comes next. As you've probably already guessed, the Icelandic word fjordur means fjord in English.
And that's what you will exactly find here.
On both sides are towering mountains that, together with the deep blue sea between them, create incredible scenery.
The well-maintained road takes us around the majestic fjords and leaves us completely speechless.
There are a few fishing towns along the way, such as Breidalsvik, Stodvarfjordur, Faskrudsfjordur, and Reydarfjordur.
Once you get to Breidalsvik, we recommend following the Ring Road to enjoy fjord views a bit longer.
Just behind one of the last fjords in this area and before reaching Fjardabyggd, Road 1 turns inland and leads to Egilsstadir.
Egilsstadir
Egilsstadir is not a place you would write home about, at least compared to picturesque villages such as Stykkisholmur or Isafjordur in other parts of Iceland.
Still, if you travel the East Fjords and want to get to North Iceland eventually, explore Lake Myvatn or take a whale watching tour in Husavik, it is inevitable to drive through this town.
When you look at a map, you'll see that five roads connect Egilsstadir with the rest of the country, so it is clear it is an important transportation hub in this region.
You can base yourself here and take a few day trips from Egilsstadir if you have enough time, or just stay here overnight before continuing your journey.
We took a couple of side trips from Egilsstadir in a single day before continuing to Dettifoss.
One to Seydisfjordur and the other one to Hengifoss Waterfall, but more about these places down below.
Scenic Drive From Egilsstadir to Seydisfjordur
As we were planning our trip to Iceland spontaneously (we bought tickets on Thursday and landed in Keflavik on Saturday), our itinerary looked like a tangle of notes that often did not make sense.
I made a note that we should go to Seydisfjordur as it is often referred to as one of the most picturesque towns in Iceland.
But we had no idea how incredible the road between those two towns would, in reality, be.
Maybe it was a good thing we did not know anything about this particular Road 93, as it was one of the best surprises during our trip.
The road took us to the mountainous pass, where the scenery instantly changed.
There was snow and ice around the road, even though it was the end of June.
We could not believe our eyes how the scenery changed in such as short time, so we drove slowly to enjoy the incredible and true 'Iceland.'
The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, but it will take you twice as long with all the stops.
Gufufoss
When you start descending to Seydisfjordur, one more natural attraction is waiting for you. Gufufoss Waterfall.
The waterfall was on the right-hand side, and we missed it on the way to the town as the parking was unmarked.
There was no safe place to turn the car around, so we visited it when returning to Egilsstadir.
We were expecting a larger parking lot, but there is just a small car park by the road.
Gufufoss is quite a powerful waterfall, only a short walk from the parking, and it's definitely worth visiting.
Seydisfjordur
At first, we were torn about whether Seydisfjordur was worth visiting. Now we know it is, and here we'll tell you why.
Why were we not sure about Seydisfjordur in the first place? First, it's not on the Ring Road, so it takes time to get there.
Second, plenty of villages have a very similar description - charming traditional architecture, fishing history, breathtaking location, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Therefore, it's so hard to choose the ones that are worth your time.
Moreover, the iconic photo of a church with rainbow pavement in Seydisfjordur is a popular Instagram spot in Iceland.
It might seem nice, but it also might not be enough to convince you to go there.
It turned out that Seydisfjordur is a lovely little town with pastel-colored houses and absolutely breathtaking surroundings.
Seydisfjordur is probably the most quirky and artsy town in Iceland, so there are art galleries, handicraft workshops, cafes, and hotels.
In the end, we had to admit that the famous church with the rainbow pavement is really cute too.
The town is much more lively than you would have expected when you take into account its size but still feels not completely overcrowded.
We saved the best for the last, even though we have already mentioned it above.
Even if you're not the biggest fan of picturesque settlements on fjords, the incredibly scenic drive that connects Seydisfjordur with Egilsstadir is worth your time.
Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss
Once we arrived back in Egilsstadir from Seydisfjordur, we decided to take one more side trip that took us to two impressive waterfalls located inland.
If you've seen enough fjords today, then you might want to consider hiking to Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss for a change.
The parking and the trailhead are approximately thirty minutes from Egilsstadir by car, plus expect the hike to the upper falls will take you an hour or so.
It is a perfect tip in case you are looking for a short hike to stretch your legs and stay active while traveling.
The trail from the parking lot leads uphill all the time, but the views are rewarding from the very beginning.
Retreating your steps via the same trail is not ideal in most places. It's a completely different story in Iceland as you can enjoy the superb views for the second time.
First, you will see Litlanesfoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
Not that long after you reach the first waterfall, you will arrive at the next highlight, Hengifoss.
One of the highest waterfalls in Iceland marks the end of the trail, so make sure to take your time to enjoy the scenery before descending back to the valley.
Both waterfalls are exceptional and absolutely worth the time and effort.
Litlanesfoss is surrounded by massive basalt columns, similar we could see at Svartifoss Waterfall in Skaftafell or Selfoss on Diamond Circle.
As you probably already know, basalt columns were created by volcanic activity in the area a long time ago and are super photogenic.
Moreover, you can even clearly see red clay layers on the rock walls around Hengifoss.
Even though the hike to Hengifoss will take you one and a half hours to two hours to complete, we think it is definitely worth it.
Road 94 From Egilsstadir to Borgarfjordur Eystri
From Hengifoss, we had to return back to Egilsstadir via the same way and continued to Borgarfjordur.
Why would you want to visit Borgarfjordur?
The main reason to travel to Borgarfjordur is the puffins that nest in the harbor between May and August.
We would like to encourage you to travel there even outside the months of July and August because it is one of the best scenic drives in Iceland.
The road is unpaved at times, but the local authorities are working hard to improve the conditions.
The road might be challenging when it rains and snows, but we found it ok in our 2WD car in summer.
The scenic road will take you first through charming Iceland countryside and then up to a stunning viewpoint at the top of the mountain pass.
The views of the valley, mountains, and the sea are breathtaking.
Then the zig-zagging path will slowly bring you back to the sea and later to one of the most remote villages in Iceland.
Borgarfjordur is a popular place for hiking, and it is also a mystical place where elves live, so keep your eyes open when walking around.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Puffins at Borgarfjordur Eystri
When you decide to travel to Iceland in the summer, you have practically zero chance to watch the Northern Lights.
On the other hand, it is time when you can see puffins here.
And Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in the country to watch them in their natural habitat.
Drive past the village to the end of Road 94. From the parking, take a short walk to a nesting site with hundreds or thousands of puffins.
The site is very small, but the wooden boardwalk exactly leads where you need to be - very close to puffin's nests.
It was such a wonderful experience and one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland.
Seeing puffins was high on our list, and we were glad we took this detour off the Ring Road.
We stayed at the nesting site for probably more than two hours.
The best time to see puffins is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when these cute birds return from the sea.
We arrived at 9 PM here, so our timing was perfect.
Visiting Borgarfjordur was one of the best things we did in Iceland, so we believe this remote place is definitely worth visiting.
If you are looking for more places to see puffins in Iceland, visit Dyrholaey Peninsula on the South Coast, go whale watching in Husavik, or hike along the Latrabjarg Cliffs in the Westfjords.
Where to Stay in East Fjords
Even though only three percent of the entire population of Iceland lives in East Fjords, the coast is dotted with small towns, villages, and farms.
Therefore, finding a hotel for the night is not a problem while in this area, at least outside the peak season.
Like anywhere in the country, make your reservation well in advance between June and August.
If you travel in a campervan, you should not have a problem finding a campsite either.
If you follow our itinerary, you will most likely be staying in Höfn, Djupivogur, or Borgarfjordur Eystri.
If you decide to split your journey into more days, other fjord towns offer accommodation as well.
Here's a list of the best accommodation options in East Fjords.
Hofn | Seljavellir Guesthouse - Höfn is a town where you can stock up for the next few days. It is also a place with more accommodation options, but this guesthouse with excellent locations is clean, simple, modern, and still affordable.
Djupivogur | Hotel Framtid - This hotel is located in the heart of the small harbor town of Djupivogur. Cozy rooms, restaurants, bike rental, and free parking are the hotels' main features. In case you stay at the campground and the manager is not there, you must go to this hotel and pay for the night.
Breidalsvik | Hotel Blafell - This little newly renovated hotel has an excellent location in the East Fjords, and the superb views are always only a few steps away.
Faskrudsfjordur | Fosshotel Eastfjords - Set in historic buildings, this hotel features spacious and comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and an excellent breakfast. If possible, get the room with fjord views.
Seydisfjordur | Hafaldan HI Hostel - Seydisfjordur has become a trendy tourist town, so the selection of accommodations is quite large. This affordable hostel offers private rooms and dormitories, a communal kitchen, and lovely decor.
Egilsstadir | Icelandair Hotel Herad - Egilsstadir is not the prettiest town, but it has a fantastic location. Therefore, you can easily explore some of the most beautiful places in Iceland from there. This hotel is modernly decorated and offers everything you need after a long day on the road.
Borgarfjordur Eystri | Blabjorg Resort - Situated on the sea's shore in the fishing village, this hotel feels like an oasis. Borgarfjordur is popular for birdwatching and hiking, so it's a perfect place to base yourself here for your next adventures.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
