Self Drive Route
Eastfjords — Fjord Way
Fishing villages, waterfalls and dramatic Eastfjords
A scenic East Iceland road trip through fjords and coastal communities, designed for travellers who want to slow down and explore beyond the quickest Ring Road transit.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
6 must-see locations
Eggin í Gleðivík – Djúpivogur
The landmark outdoor artwork in Djúpivogur: 34 granite bird eggs lining the shore of Gleðivík.
Explore the harbour and Eggin í Gleðivík before heading north.
Breiðdalsvík Village
Breiðdalsvík is a remote, welcoming fishing village nestled in a stunning fjord valley surrounded by towering mountains.
Good short village break on the southern Eastfjords section.
Fáskrúðsfjörður Village
Historic Eastfjords village known for its distinctive French fishing heritage and bilingual street signs.
Allow time for the French heritage and waterfront.
Reyðarfjörður
A deep East Iceland fjord with a significant World War II history, an aluminium smelter, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Use as a service and food stop before branching deeper into the eastern fjords.
Neskaupstaður & Norðfjörður
Neskaupstaður is the largest town in the Eastfjords region, sitting at the end of Norðfjörður (North Fjord).
Treat the detour as a destination, not a quick roadside stop.
Egilsstaðir
Discover Egilsstaðir, a vibrant East Iceland hub steeped in sagas, folklore, and stunning natural beauty.
Best major fuel, food and accommodation hub for the route.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 · Morning
Djúpivogur
Start slowly at the harbour and Eggin í Gleðivík.
Day 1 · Afternoon
Breiðdalsvík → Fáskrúðsfjörður
Follow the coast with time for village stops and viewpoints.
Day 2 · Morning
Reyðarfjörður
Refuel, eat and decide whether conditions suit the Neskaupstaður detour.
Day 2 · Afternoon
Neskaupstaður / Norðfjörður
Treat this as a destination with time for the town and scenery.
Day 3
Egilsstaðir and optional East Iceland extensions
Use the third day for a relaxed finish, services and weather-flexible side trips.
Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Explore Iceland your way.
Accommodation
Hotels Along the Route
Find Hotels in Iceland
From cozy Reykjavík guesthouses to remote Highland lodges — thousands of properties with free cancellation and best price guarantee.
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Allow extra time for winding fjord roads and scenic stops.
Watch carefully for reindeer and sheep on or near the road.
Do not assume mountain shortcuts are suitable just because a navigation app suggests them.
Refuel before long stretches between the larger villages.
Use two days for the essentials and three days for a genuinely relaxed pace.
Check local fog, wind and road conditions before committing to exposed coastal sections.
Common Questions
FAQ
Is the Eastfjords route suitable for a normal car?+
The main roads are generally suitable for ordinary cars in good conditions, but some optional scenic roads can be gravel. Check current road conditions before detours.
How many days are best for the Eastfjords?+
Two days works for the main villages, while three days gives a much better pace for scenic stops and detours.
Why does Eastfjords driving take longer than expected?+
Roads follow the shape of the fjords and include slower bends, village approaches and scenic stops, so distance alone underestimates the day.
Can I see reindeer in East Iceland?+
Reindeer live wild in East Iceland, but sightings are never guaranteed. Drive carefully because animals can be close to or cross the road.
Is this route part of the Ring Road?+
Some sections connect with Route 1, but the point of the Fjord Way is to spend time on the coastal communities and detours rather than simply transit through the region.
Can I drive it in winter?+
Parts are year-round, but a full summer-style touring itinerary should not be assumed. Check roads, weather and daylight and shorten the route when conditions require it.
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