Islandia Oriental

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.