East Iceland is a land of beauty, myths, and legends—yet it remains undiscovered by many travelers.
After visiting this region many times, I can’t for the life of me understand why it’s so underrated?!
So, my goal is to show you how worthy it is of being explored. 💪
The Ring Road (Route 1) might be the main artery through the area, but the real magic happens when you detour into the quaint little East Iceland towns like Seyðisfjörður.
Picture yourself walking the streets of enchanting villages between towering fjords and lush forests, which look like they inspired the settings of the most beloved fairy tales.
Hike trails to some of the most beautiful waterfalls and canyons in the country, all the while enjoying a less crowded experience.
Soak in the beauty – without the tourist rush!
If you’re looking for hidden gems, East Iceland is scattered with them, making it an ideal spot for a road trip. And when it comes to arts and culture, despite being a quieter region, East Iceland hosts several cultural events every year.
So, if you’re searching for an authentic Icelandic experience with fewer stops and more time to breathe in the scenery, East Iceland should be a very big blip on your radar! 😉
Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Let’s get into it!
Best Time of Year to Visit East Iceland
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit East Iceland?
East Iceland and the Eastfjörds are accessible year-round.
The best time to visit is typically in summer from June to August because conditions are more pleasant and you have many more daylight hours to explore.
However, if you want to catch the Northern Lights and take advantage of the winter activities in the area such as skiing, the shoulder seasons and winter would be best.
You’ll find that, even in the peak season, this area remains calm and less crowded than the usual tourist spots in Iceland and the Ring Road.
If you’re still undecided about which season will be best for you, I know you’ll find this super helpful. 👇
➡️ READ: Best Time to Visit Iceland: How to Pick the Perfect Month & Season for Your Trip
How to Get to East Iceland
Funny enough, despite East Iceland and the Eastfjords being quieter and more remote than some of the other regions in Iceland, it’s still pretty well connected and there are quite a few ways to get there.
Take a Flight
If you want to get there quickly, there is an airport between Egilsstaðir and Fellabær.
The Egilsstadir Airport (EGS) is considered to be an international airport and you can rent a car once you land.
Take the Ferry from Europe
If you’re coming from Europe, the Hirtshals-Seydisfjordur ferry connects Denmark and the village of Seydisfjordur.
You have the option to bring your vehicle or come as you are.
Public Transport
Strætó buses connect the major towns in East Iceland. It’s definitely not the most reliable way to get around the region, but if you’re in a pinch and need to take public transport, this is an option. Check out the bus schedule below:
If you want to learn more about transport in Iceland, don’t miss this post. 👇
➡️ READ: How To Get Around Iceland – 10 Transportation Options
Hop in the Car and Drive There
The best way to explore East Iceland is to take a road trip and drive yourself. It gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want to, take photos, stay overnight, and be more spontaneous in discovering hidden gems.
You can get to most areas with a 2WD in the summer, but I always suggest a 4WD in Iceland in the winter. And if you plan on tackling the F-Roads, you NEED a 4WD!
(Check out this post if you’re not sure whether you’ll need a 👉 2WD or 4WD in Iceland.)
The Eastfjörds may have more challenging road conditions in the winter because of the snow.
If you want some driving tips for Iceland, this video is really helpful.👇
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How’s the Weather in East Iceland?
East Iceland has the typical Icelandic blend of cool summers and cold winters. It’s generally windy, even in summer.
In Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the region, July is the warmest month, with daytime temperatures around 57°F (13°C) and nighttime lows of 44°F (6°C).
January is the coldest, with temperatures between 23°F(-5°C) and 34°F (1°C) .
It tends to be rainy most of the year, especially in September, except for a drier period from May through July. For the least rain, visit in April, and for the most sunshine, May is your best bet.
When you’re headed to a place like Iceland, knowing what to pack and what to wear can make or break your trip!
In my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide I’ve included top packing tips, layering advice, seasonal packing lists, and essential equipment recommendations you absolutely need for your trip.
Top 8 East Iceland Attractions
This region is full of twisty roads with views so beautiful around every bend.
The Eastfjords is the coastline area stretching from Berufjörður to Borgarfjörður Eystri, and most of these stops fall within this area. Let’s check out the best things to do in East Iceland.
1. Seyðisfjörður (Seydisfjordur)
Some of the best places to visit in East Iceland are the charming little villages. There’s nothing quite like them.
They are simple and beautiful, and if you want to experience authentic Icelandic culture it all happens here!
One village that’s a must-see is Seyðisfjörður (Seydisfjordur). If you watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the skateboard scene down the long road was filmed here.
Other famous sites include Seyðisfjarðarkirkja church, with the Rainbow Road leading up to it.
(The churches in Iceland are spectacular, I definitely recommend visiting a few while you’re here.)
Seyðisfjarðarkirkja is also close to natural landmarks like Gufufos and Tvísöngur.
This is also a popular place to stay overnight, so I recommend you book your place well in advance.
Other small towns worth mentioning for your East Iceland itinerary are Reyðarfjörður, Neskaupstaður, Mjóifjörður, Eskifjörður (Eskifjordur) and Höfn.
The mountain roads to these sleepy little villages are often closed off or difficult to drive through until June.
Check out more about Seyðisfjörður below. 👇
➡️ READ: Seydisfjordur, Iceland: Why This Tiny East Iceland Village Feels Like a Nordic Fairytale
2. Waterfalls
No Iceland trip is complete without visiting some waterfalls.
With over 10,000 estimated falls across the country, you’ll be happy to know that a few in East Iceland top my personal favorite list!
Let’s check them out!
Hengifoss Waterfall, Iceland
This is definitely one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in East Iceland.
So, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, Hengifoss is a gem worth a visit.
There’s a free parking area but you’ll have to trek about an hour to reach the waterfall because it’s pretty remote – but that’s part of the fun.
You’ll find it wonderfully peaceful, away from the crowds.
On the way you’ll get views of Lagarfljót lake – but more on that in a little bit.
At the end of the Hengifoss waterfall hike, there it is – a platform with great views of the waterfall!
As one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland at 420 feet (128m), it is surrounded by striking layers of black and red rock.
In the winter, this hike can be quite challenging, so I would only recommend coming from May through to October.
P.S. About halfway into the hike, you’ll find Litlanessfoss waterfall. Despite being smaller, it’s still pretty impressive!
Gufufoss
Gufufoss waterfall is tucked away in the East Iceland fjords, fed by the River Fjarðará.
The location close to some of the area’s most popular attractions, such as Seyðisfjörður and Stuðlagil Canyon makes it a convenient site to visit.
It’s located on Road 93 between Seyðisfjörður and Egilsstaðir. So, if you’re looking for a scenic drive this one is really pretty.
➡️ READ: 21 Unforgettable Waterfalls in Iceland You Don’t Want to Miss
3. Stokksnes
I’m totally smitten with this place!
On a clear day, it’s the perfect place to visit for views of a black sand beach with rolling green hills and a gorgeous view of Vestrahorn mountain in the background.
Even though the fishing town of Höfn is a 25-minute drive away, it’s a little out of the way so you can expect even fewer tourists here.
You can follow a dirt road that leads to a quaint coffee shop known as The Viking Café.
Here you’ll pay a fee to gain access to the beach and the Vestrahorn Viking Village Museum where you can see the remains of an old movie set.
Vestrahorn Viking Village Museum
You can follow a dirt road that leads to a quaint coffee shop known as The Viking Café.
Here you’ll pay a fee to gain access to the beach and the Vestrahorn Viking Village Museum where you can see the remains of an old movie set.
For a list of the best museums across the country, check out this post. 👇
➡️ READ: The 16 Best Museums in Iceland You Need to Experience on Your Trip!
4. Hallormsstaðaskógur & Lagarfljót Lake
Hallormsstaðaskógur is Iceland’s largest forest and is right next to Lagarfljót lake, just outside Egilsstaðir.
The road can be difficult, (but not impossible) to drive in the winter.
Locals love heading there for a nature fix, and it’s the perfect place for camping and hiking.
Remember I told you that East Iceland is steeped in folklore and legend? Well, this lake is said to be home to the Lagarfljót worm, it’s kind of like the Loch Ness Monster!
As for activities, you can fish for trout here but you’ll need a license to do so.
5. Stuðlagil (Studlagil) Canyon
Situated in the Jökuldalur Glacier Valley, this place has huge basalt columns and beautiful bright blue-green water.
If you’re visiting Iceland between April and November, this is the perfect time to see it.
There are two viewing point options, one from the East and the other from the West side.
The west side is better if you’re short on time or if the weather isn’t too great. The downside is that there’s a limited view that obstructs some of the natural beauty.
If you’re blessed with good weather then I’d suggest the east side. You’ll get the best viewpoint but you’ll need to hike about 45-minutes to get there.
What’s nice is that you’ll see Stuðlafoss waterfall along the way. And who doesn’t love waterfalls?!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Stuðlagil Canyon – Private tour
6. East Iceland Hot Springs
It’s no secret that Icelanders have a huge pool culture. You can also experience this in the east at some of the most popular hot springs and geothermal pools in the region.
Vök Baths, Egilsstadir (Egilsstaðir)
These baths are only a short 5-minute drive from Egilsstaðir.
There are three pools where you can relax, and two of them are floating ON a freshwater lake.
There’s even a swim-up bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
What I like to do is move from one of the warm floating pools and do a cold plunge into the lake. It’s sooo cold but I always feel incredibly refreshed afterwards.
Apparently it’s good for circulation and your lymphatic system, and I can definitely feel the blood pumping after doing this!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: East Iceland Experience
Djúpavogskörin Geothermal Pool
This geothermal pool is about 1.2 miles from the town of Djúpivogur, Iceland – not far off the Ring Road route.
It’s small, so only about eight people can fit in it at any given time. But its proximity to the Ring Road makes it a convenient stop on your road trip.
You won’t be able to see it from the road, but it’s only a short walk from the parking area.
Laugavallalaug Hot Spring
Another hot spring worth checking out is Laugavallalaug. You can find this all the way in the Laugavalladalur Valley in the Eastern Highlands and it’s definitely a hidden gem.
A geothermal stream runs down a little waterfall, creating a shower effect, and the water falls into a dammed area that looks like a pond.
You can also relax in the stream above the waterfall.
➡️ READ: Top 10 Free Hot Springs in Iceland: Unwind & Discover These Hidden Gems
7. The Borgarfjörður (Borgarfjordur) Puffins
The Borgarfjörður Eystri fjord is a detour off the Ring Road. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, it’s also my favorite place in the country to see puffins!
Hafnarholmi harbor is renowned for being one the best places on the planet to spot them.
With many of the other puffin colonies, you’ll need to take a boat tour to nearby uninhabited islands to see them with binoculars, but I love that this is so easily accessible and you can get up close.
I could NOT get over how many of them there were when we visited! My husband and I spent at least two hours watching puffins and it was such a fun experience.
After grabbing some lunch I decided to walk around the little town, and there’s only about eighty people that live here.
Remember that while you’re in the area, there are a lot of wonderful hiking trails such as Stórurð (Storud). It’s famous for its giant boulders and turquoise waters.
If you love wildlife and would like to see these little guys for yourself, check out the post and video below.
➡️ READ: Puffins in Iceland: Top 6 Locations and Exciting Tours
8. Best East Iceland Hikes
I’ve already mentioned the Hengifoss, Stórurð and Stuðlagil Canyon hikes, but if you’re anything like me and love trying out new trails, the Vestdalur hike near Seyðisfjörður, Neskaupstadur (Neskaupstaður) Nature Reserve and the rugged cliffs of Þerribjörg are definitely worth exploring.
Vestdalur hike: This is considered to be an easy hike in the summer. If you start on the eastern trailhead, you’ll get views of Seydisfjordur, pass a waterfall and eventually end up at Vestdalsvatn lake.
Neskaupstadur Nature Reserve: This trail runs from Neskaupstaður to Páskahellir and the loop should take about an hour to complete. If you’re into trail running, this is also a good place to do it.
Þerribjörg: If you’re looking for a longer, four-hour coastal hike, this one has incredible views of the orange rhyolite cliffs. I’d suggest this hike in the warmer months and if you have some hiking experience under your belt.
Check out my top rated hikes all around the country. 👇
➡️ READ: What Are the Best Hikes in Iceland? 13 Trails You Need to Explore!
East Iceland Tours
While some people love organising every aspect of their trip while others prefer to show up and just enjoy the experience.
These are a few to check out:
👉 Puffin Tour from Seyðisfjörður with Gufufoss Waterfall & East Iceland Village
👉 Stuðlagil Canyon from Seyðisfjörður
👉 Stuðlagil Canyon Hike and the Reindeer Park – Shore Excursion
One of the best things about exploring Iceland on a self-drive trip is that you don’t have to choose between a road trip and guided experiences. You can drive yourself around the country while adding organized tours along the way.
You have full control of how flexible you want your trip to be.
Festivals & Events
The Eastern region of Iceland is home to some pretty big art and music festivals that happen yearly.
Ormsteiti: If you’re lucky enough to be in Iceland during one of its festivals, don’t miss it! Especially if you’re traveling Iceland with kids. Ormsteiti is a 10-day festival in September and takes place in Egilsstaðir. You can expect sporting events, local cuisine, and a carnival. What’s not to love?!
Hammond Music Festival: This is one of the country’s oldest music festivals and takes place on the first day of summer. This always starts on a Thursday and it’s a whole weekend event in Djúpivogur.
Bræðslan Music Festival: Borgarfjörður Eystri isn’t just renowned for puffins; they also host an annual music festival. It’s held in an old fishing factory, which I think is pretty cool!
Dining & Accommodation in East Iceland
There are plenty of great places to stay overnight in this area, and many of them also have restaurants
Höfn
This fishing town in the southeast provides the perfect place to stop over in East Iceland. Nearby attractions include Stokksnes and Djúpavogur.
Accommodation: Berjaya Iceland Hotel
Dining: Íshúsið Pizzeria
Egilsstaðir
As the biggest village in this region, it’s conveniently located between the north and south and perfect for spending the night. Nearby attractions are Hengifoss, Vök baths, and Lagarfjlót Lake.
Accommodation: Gistihúsið – Lake Hotel Egilsstadir
Dining: Glóð Restaurant
Seyðisfjörður
Don’t let the fact that Hostel Hafaldan was converted from an old hospital deter you. It’s a cozy and inviting East Iceland hotel and an excellent accommodation option.
Accommodation: Hostel Hafaldan
Dining: Cafe Lara
Camping
The spacious campground at Fossárdalur in Djúpivogur is open all year round. You’ll also find campsites at Hallormsstaðaskógur and Stuðlagil Canyon. It’s great if you’re choosing a camper van experience. Stuðlagil campsite is open in the summer months.
Planning to camp in Iceland? I highly recommend renting a campervan from Happy Campers!
They’re my go-to company for their spacious vans and awesome customer service.
Use code: IWV10 to receive an exclusive 10% off discount code. 🙌
FAQs
If you’re planning to travel East Iceland, here are a some answers to a few common questions:
Where to See Puffins in East Iceland?
Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland is one of the best places in the country to see puffins. It’s a favorite because of how easily accessible it is.
There are also two other puffin colonies:
- Papey off the coast of Djúpivogur.
- Skrúður off the coast of Fáskrúðsfjörður.
Unlike Borgarfjörður Eystri, you’ll need to take a boat tour to see puffins at both of these colonies.
What is the Name of the Seydisfjordur Waterfall?
Gufufoss is only 4 minutes away from Seydisfjordur and the largest waterfall in the Seydisfjordur area.
What is the Largest Town in East Iceland?
Egilsstaðir (Egilsstadir) is the largest town in this region. Its location between the big sights of the South and North make it a popular place to spend the night.
Iceland Travel Map & Guide
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Happy planning!
Jeannie is the founder of Iceland with a View, an Iceland trip planning resource she launched in 2015 after moving to Iceland. Having lived in Iceland for nearly 11 years, she shares firsthand travel advice through in-depth articles, guidebooks, maps, itineraries, and a YouTube channel with over 110,000 subscribers. Her mission is to help travelers confidently plan unforgettable Iceland trips with practical, experience-based guidance.
