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Iceland · East Iceland
East Iceland
Glacier lagoons, fjords, reindeer and untouched nature
Iceland · East Iceland
Glacier lagoons, fjords, reindeer and untouched nature
From Reykjavík
8–9 h via Ring Road
Main towns
Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður
Best time
Jun–Sep
Nearest airport
Egilsstaðir (EGS)
Road conditions
Paved, mountain passes
Top activity
Fjords & reindeer
Must See
Iceland's most iconic sights in East Iceland
attractionStep into the cinematic landscapes of Southeast Iceland, where the 'Godland' movie was filmed. This region, encompassing
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attractionHornafjörður is the coastal fjord and harbour landscape surrounding Höfn in southeast Iceland. Glacial rivers, shallow c
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attractionDiscover Höfn, a significant fishing town nestled in East Iceland, famously known as the nation's lobster capital. It se
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attractionThe Icelandic Wartime Museum in Reyðarfjörður documents the Allied military occupation during the Second World War and i
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attractionLagarfljót is a prominent river and lake system nestled in East Iceland, near the charming town of Egilsstaðir. Known fo
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attractionSelárlaug is a geothermal swimming pool in Selárdalur, about 12 km from Vopnafjörður. It sits directly beside the Selá r
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attractionBlábjörg á Berufjarðarströnd is a distinctive natural monument on the north side of Berufjörður, showcasing magnificent,
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attractionNestled in the dramatic landscapes of Southeast Iceland's Hornafjörður region, Djúpá river presents a captivating displa
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attractionJourney to Fjarðarselsvirkjun, the oldest continuously operating power plant in Iceland, established in 1913. This histo
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attractionNestled within the rugged beauty of East Iceland's Eastfjords, Folaldafoss is a captivating cascade fed by the Berufjarð
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attractionFransmenn á Íslandi (The French in Iceland) museum vividly brings to life the historical presence of French fishermen in
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attractionDiscover the rugged beauty of Fuglabjarganes, a peninsula in East Iceland famed for its dramatic sea cliffs, vibrant gre
View attractionattractionStep into the cinematic landscapes of Southeast Iceland, where the 'Godland' movie was filmed. This region, encompassing
View attractionattractionHornafjörður is the coastal fjord and harbour landscape surrounding Höfn in southeast Iceland. Glacial rivers, shallow c
View attractionattractionDiscover Höfn, a significant fishing town nestled in East Iceland, famously known as the nation's lobster capital. It se
View attractionattractionThe Icelandic Wartime Museum in Reyðarfjörður documents the Allied military occupation during the Second World War and i
View attractionattractionLagarfljót is a prominent river and lake system nestled in East Iceland, near the charming town of Egilsstaðir. Known fo
View attractionattractionSelárlaug is a geothermal swimming pool in Selárdalur, about 12 km from Vopnafjörður. It sits directly beside the Selá r
View attractionattractionBlábjörg á Berufjarðarströnd is a distinctive natural monument on the north side of Berufjörður, showcasing magnificent,
View attractionattractionNestled in the dramatic landscapes of Southeast Iceland's Hornafjörður region, Djúpá river presents a captivating displa
View attractionattractionJourney to Fjarðarselsvirkjun, the oldest continuously operating power plant in Iceland, established in 1913. This histo
View attractionattractionNestled within the rugged beauty of East Iceland's Eastfjords, Folaldafoss is a captivating cascade fed by the Berufjarð
View attractionattractionFransmenn á Íslandi (The French in Iceland) museum vividly brings to life the historical presence of French fishermen in
View attractionattractionDiscover the rugged beauty of Fuglabjarganes, a peninsula in East Iceland famed for its dramatic sea cliffs, vibrant gre
View attractionExplore
Showing the 120 best-documented of 191 mapped places — filter by category and tap a pin.
Self Drive
Plan your own drive — stop where you like, go at your own pace
ModerateFishing villages, waterfalls and dramatic Eastfjords
EasyWhere to Stay
Handpicked places to stay across the region
hotelAusturland
hostelAusturland
Experience tranquil East Iceland at Berunes Farfuglaheimili, a charming hostel by a fjord with mountain views.
guest houseAusturland
Experience serene East Iceland at Blábjörg Resort, featuring inviting outdoor hot tubs with mountain views.
hostelAusturland
Experience comfort and convenience at Eiðar, a modern hostel and apartment complex in East Iceland's scenic Austurland.
guest houseAusturland
Experience tranquil comfort at this charming guesthouse, featuring a distinctive blue roof amidst scenic East Iceland.
hostelAusturland
Experience stunning fjord views and cozy communal living at this East Iceland hostel.
Where to Eat
Featured places to eat and drink
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Discover Beljandi Brewery, a charming craft beer haven nestled in Breiðdalsvík, East Iceland. Housed in a distinctive grey corrugated building with a bright red roof and trim, this brewery bar welcomes visitors with a warm 'OPEN' sign. Enjoy locally brewed beers in a relaxed atmosphere, possibly with views of the nearby harbor and boats, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the scenic Eastfjords.
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Discover Bókakaffi Hlöðum, a charming book cafe nestled in East Iceland, offering a welcoming retreat for travelers. Indulge in delicious homemade food, fresh salads from the salad bar, and excellent coffee while browsing a selection of books. With cozy indoor seating and outdoor picnic tables, it's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
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Step into the uniquely themed Café Sumarlina, a cozy spot in Fáskrúðsfjörður boasting a strong passion for Leeds United FC, evident in the abundant memorabilia adorning its wood-paneled walls. This charming cafe and bar offers a warm atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing drink from their well-stocked bar. With its rustic decor, including a deer head mount and unique bar counter, it's a memorable stop for any traveler.
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Nestled in the charming harbor town of Djúpivogur, Faktor Brewery offers a welcoming brewpub and cafe experience. Housed in a striking black wooden building with classic white-framed windows, guests can enjoy craft beers and cafe fare on the inviting outdoor wooden deck, complete with picnic tables and vibrant flowers, all while overlooking the serene waters.
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Fellabakarí is a bakery in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bakeries are beloved community institutions, known for their freshly baked bread, kleina (twisted doughnuts), snúðar (cinnamon rolls), and strong coffee. The smell of fresh baking is one of Iceland's most comforting experiences.
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HEPPA is a restaurant in East Iceland, Iceland serving American. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.
View detailsSelf-Drive Iceland
Self-drive guides with key stops, distances and tips — explore East Iceland at your own pace.
ModerateFishing villages, waterfalls and dramatic Eastfjords
EasyIcebergs, glaciers and the Diamond Beach
ChallengingA remote East Iceland highland circuit of waterfalls, forest, Kárahnjúkar dam country and true 4x4 mountain roads.
ModerateIceland's legendary Route 1 — the full circle
Know Before You Go
Local know-how for exploring East Iceland
East Iceland is the only place wild reindeer roam. Watch for them crossing roads at dawn and dusk, especially in winter.
The Norröna ferry from Denmark docks in Seyðisfjörður — the scenic way to bring your own car to Iceland.
Fjarðarheiði (to Seyðisfjörður) and other passes get snow and fog. Check road.is and drive slowly.
The floating geothermal pools at Vök on Lake Urriðavatn are the East's signature soak — clean, quiet and modern.
Egilsstaðir is the regional hub with full services. Villages have limited or card-only pumps.
The East is far and spread out. It rewards a slow multi-day loop rather than a day trip.
Current Weather
overcast
1 m/s wind
Go Deeper
In-depth guides to plan your East Iceland trip
GuideFjords, waterfalls, reindeer and the Ring Road's quiet side.
Read guide GuidePlan the full circle of Iceland, region by region.
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GuideThe rainbow street, the arts scene and the ferry town.
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GuideThe tall red-striped waterfall above Lagarfljót.
Read guideGood to Know
Everything you need to know about East Iceland
Yes, for travellers who want fjords, forests, reindeer and near-empty roads. It's the least-visited quarter of the Ring Road and feels genuinely remote and peaceful.
Its rainbow-painted street leading to a blue church, a thriving arts scene, waterfalls, and being the arrival port for the Norröna ferry from mainland Europe.
Yes — Iceland's only wild reindeer herds live in the east, most visible in the highlands in summer and near the coast and roads in winter.
About 650 km / 8–9 hours via the south, or you can fly Reykjavík–Egilsstaðir in around an hour.
It's the regional hub near Lake Lagarfljót (home of Iceland's 'Loch Ness monster'), Hallormsstaður forest, and the Vök geothermal baths.
Yes — Hengifoss (one of Iceland's tallest, with red clay strata), Litlanesfoss with its basalt columns, and the falls above Seyðisfjörður.
June to September for open mountain passes, hiking and the ferry season. Winter is beautiful but roads and daylight are limited.
Egilsstaðir for a central base, Seyðisfjörður for charm and arts, or one of the eastern fjord villages like Borgarfjörður Eystri for puffins and hiking.
Yes — Borgarfjörður Eystri has one of the most accessible puffin colonies in Iceland, with a viewing platform right by the harbour (May–August).
Very — low light pollution and long dark winters make the eastern fjords excellent for aurora, weather permitting.
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