Self Drive Route
Eastfjords — Fjord Way
Fishing villages, waterfalls and dramatic Eastfjords
A 2–3 day coastal journey through East Iceland’s fishing villages, fjords and mountain scenery.
The Fjord Way is about slowing down in East Iceland rather than treating the region as a transit leg of the Ring Road. Winding coastal roads link small villages, dramatic fjords and viewpoints where driving time matters more than raw distance. Two days covers the main communities; three days gives room for walks, weather and side trips without rushing.
Winter Warning
In winter, shorten the route and build each day around current road and weather conditions. Mountain passes, wind and snow can make a normal summer itinerary unrealistic even when Route 1 remains open.
Must See
Main Highlights
Djúpivogur
Harbour village and a natural southern gateway to the slower Eastfjords journey.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
A distinctive village with French heritage and a scenic waterfront setting.
Neskaupstaður & Norðfjörður
A worthwhile detour that deserves several hours rather than a quick out-and-back.
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
Small Eastfjords village at the mouth of scenic Breiðdalur, with coastal views and easy access to valley landscapes and outdoor routes.
Good short village break on the southern Eastfjords section.
Fáskrúðsfjörður Village
Historic Eastfjords village known for its French fishing heritage, bilingual street signs, former French hospital and sailors' cemetery.
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
Iceland's easternmost town, set in Norðfjörður beneath steep mountains with museums, waterfront history and strong hiking access.
Treat the detour as a destination, not a quick roadside stop.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main service hub and a convenient base for Lagarfljót, waterfalls, forests, fjords and highland routes.
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.
Self-Drive Plans
Alternative Itinerary Options
Choose the plan that fits your schedule.
2-Day Eastfjords Route
2 daysDjúpivogur to the central Eastfjords on day one, then Neskaupstaður/Egilsstaðir on day two.
Keep time flexible for weather and slower fjord-road driving.
3-Day Slow Fjord Way
3 daysA slower version with more village time, walks and coastal viewpoints.
Recommended for travellers who want the Eastfjords to be a destination rather than a transit section.
Before You Go
Practical Information
Trip Duration
2–3 days
Starting Point
Djúpivogur or Egilsstaðir
Best Time to Visit
May–October gives the easiest conditions for a dedicated fjord road trip. Summer offers long daylight and the widest choice of services; shoulder-season weather can change quickly, so keep detours flexible.
Road Conditions
Main roads are generally suitable for normal cars in good conditions, but some scenic side roads and local access roads are gravel. Winding fjord roads make journeys slower than straight-line distance suggests.
Weather
Fog, wind and rain can move quickly between fjords. Check the forecast for the section you are actually driving, not only Egilsstaðir.
Fuel
Egilsstaðir and the larger villages are the best places to refuel. Top up before long coastal sections instead of assuming every small village has late-opening services.
Food
Plan meals around Djúpivogur, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Reyðarfjörður, Neskaupstaður and Egilsstaðir, and carry snacks for longer scenic detours.
Parking
Use designated village parking and signed viewpoints. Never stop on blind bends or narrow fjord-road shoulders for photographs.
Toilets
Facilities are available in villages and commercial stops but can be sparse between settlements.
Safety
Watch for sheep and reindeer, slow down on gravel and in fog, and never follow a navigation shortcut onto a road that is closed or unsuitable for your vehicle.
Accessibility
Village stops are generally easier than coastal trails and viewpoints, which can involve gravel, slopes and uneven terrain.
Winter Driving
Winter travel requires flexible plans, winter-ready tyres and frequent road checks. A 4x4 is not automatically required for the main route, but conditions may justify one.
Opening Hours
Natural scenery is always present, but museums, cafés and visitor services often have shorter shoulder-season and winter hours.
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Popular Tours to Combine with Your Drive
Guided tours from nearby regions — perfect before or after your self-drive.
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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.
Nearby
Nearby Attractions
Eggin í Gleðivík – Djúpivogur
The landmark outdoor artwork in Djúpivogur: 34 granite bird eggs lining the shore of Gleðivík.
Breiðdalsvík Village
Small Eastfjords village at the mouth of scenic Breiðdalur, with coastal views and easy access to valley landscapes and outdoor routes.
Fáskrúðsfjörður Village
Historic Eastfjords village known for its French fishing heritage, bilingual street signs, former French hospital and sailors' cemetery.
Neskaupstaður & Norðfjörður
Iceland's easternmost town, set in Norðfjörður beneath steep mountains with museums, waterfront history and strong hiking access.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main service hub and a convenient base for Lagarfljót, waterfalls, forests, fjords and highland routes.
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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.
Want to customise this route?
Build your own Eastfjords — Fjord Way itinerary with our AI Trip Planner. Add stops, hotels, tours and get a full cost breakdown.
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