East Iceland & the Eastfjords

Deep fjords, colourful villages and Iceland's largest forest, the calm, almost private side of the island.

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The quiet side of Iceland

East Iceland is the part of the country most visitors never reach, and that is its gift. Long fjords cut into the coast, small harbour villages glow in bright paint, wild reindeer roam the hills, and the land settles into a deep, restful quiet that is harder to find on the busy southwest loop.

Base yourself around Egilsstadir or in one of the fjord towns and you have floating geothermal baths, a basalt canyon, tall waterfalls and some of Iceland's best hiking close at hand, with the lagoon and the trails often almost to yourself.

How to reach the East

You can fly from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir in under an hour and pick up the region from there, drive the ring road around from the north or the south, or arrive by the weekly ferry into Seydisfjordur from mainland Europe. However you come, the East rewards an unhurried pace.

Egilsstadir and the lake Lagarfljot make a natural hub, with the fjord villages a scenic drive away over mountain passes. Settle in for a few days and let the slow rhythm of the East set the tone.

Gateway: Egilsstadir Airport, the ring road, or the Seydisfjordur ferry
Best for: Fjords, villages, hiking, geothermal bathing, reindeer
Best time: June to September, with quiet winter charm
Stay: 2 to 4 days
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East Iceland & the Eastfjords

What to see and do

The places worth slowing down for.

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Seydisfjordur

One of Iceland's most charming towns, with a rainbow painted street leading to a blue church, a lively arts scene and a backdrop of waterfalls spilling down the fjord walls.

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Borgarfjordur eystri

A gentle fjord of red rock peaks and one of the best puffin colonies in the country, where you can watch the birds from a viewing platform a few steps from the harbour.

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Vok Baths

Floating geothermal pools set into Lake Urridavatn, fed by one of the few warm springs in the East. A serene soak with a cold lake dip a step away.

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Studlagil Canyon

A river canyon walled with towering basalt columns in grey and blue, one of the most striking and photogenic places to have appeared on Iceland's map in recent years.

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Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss

A rewarding walk to a tall waterfall striped with red clay layers, passing a second fall framed by basalt columns on the way up.

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Hallormsstadur forest

Iceland's largest woodland, on the shore of Lagarfljot, with easy walking trails, picnic spots and a soft, sheltered calm rare in the Icelandic landscape.

Tours & activities

Local experiences across the Eastfjords, from village walks to geothermal soaks. Reserve in minutes once booking goes live.

Vok Baths Geothermal Soak
Bestseller
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⏱ 3 hours 📍 Egilsstadir area

Vok Baths Geothermal Soak

Float in warm pools on the lake, then cool off with a quick dip and warm up again.

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Seydisfjordur & Fjord Villages
Scenic
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⏱ Full day 📍 From Egilsstadir

Seydisfjordur & Fjord Villages

A guided run over the mountain pass to the rainbow town and the painted harbours of the coast.

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Studlagil & Hengifoss Hike
Popular
♡
⏱ Half day 📍 Egilsstadir area

Studlagil & Hengifoss Hike

Two of the East's signature sights, basalt columns and a striped waterfall, in one easy outing.

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Make it a longer journey

The East flows naturally into the northeast and the glacier edged southeast.

From Egilsstadir it is a scenic drive north toward Myvatn and the waterfalls of the northeast, or south along the coast toward the glacier lagoon and the peaks of Vestrahorn. Many travellers thread the East into a wider ring road trip for a slower, richer Iceland than the southwest alone can offer.

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Good to know

Quick answers for planning your trip.

How do I get to East Iceland?

You can fly from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir in under an hour, drive the ring road around from the north or south, or arrive by the weekly Smyril Line ferry into Seydisfjordur from Denmark and the Faroe Islands.

What is the best time to visit the Eastfjords?

June to September brings open mountain passes, puffins at Borgarfjordur eystri, green forests and long daylight. Winter is quieter and beautiful, with a real chance of northern lights over the fjords.

What should I not miss in East Iceland?

Highlights include the rainbow town of Seydisfjordur, the floating Vok Baths, the basalt walls of Studlagil canyon, the Hengifoss waterfall walk, the puffins of Borgarfjordur eystri, and the forest by Lagarfljot.

Where should I base myself?

Egilsstadir and the lake Lagarfljot make a central hub for the inland sights, while villages such as Seydisfjordur and the Breiddalsvik area on the coast offer a quieter fjord stay within easy reach.

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