east-iceland · Iceland
Eastfjords Scenic Route
The Eastfjords offer some of Iceland's most dramatic and remote scenery, with narrow fjords, steep mountainsides, and charming fishing villages accessible via winding coastal roads. Highlights include colorful Seyðisfjörður and the puffin cliffs at Borgarfjörður Eystri.
About Eastfjords Scenic Route
The Eastfjords offer some of Iceland's most dramatic and remote scenery, with narrow fjords, steep mountainsides, and charming fishing villages accessible via winding coastal roads. Highlights include colorful Seyðisfjörður and the puffin cliffs at Borgarfjörður Eystri.
History & Background
Small fishing villages are scattered throughout, many with populations of only a few hundred people maintaining centuries-old traditions. Seyðisfjörður is the most visited of the Eastfjord villages, known for its colorful houses clustered at the head of a long fjord, and as the arrival port for the Smyril Line ferry from Europe. Borgarfjörður Eystri is a more remote settlement famous for its puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi and spectacular mountain scenery. The coastal route connecting the fjords involves winding mountain roads with steep passes between each fjord, requiring careful driving but rewarding travelers with extraordinary panoramic views at every summit.
Did You Know?
- ✔Series of deep glacial fjords on east coast
- ✔Seyðisfjörður: colorful village + ferry terminus
- ✔Borgarfjörður Eystri: famous puffin colony
- ✔Steep mountain passes between fjords
- ✔Some of Iceland's most remote communities
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Book NowAbout Eastfjords Scenic Route
The Eastfjords region of Iceland offers a scenic driving route through some of the country's most dramatic and least-visited landscapes. A series of deep fjords cut into the coastline, each flanked by steep mountain walls rising directly from the sea. Small fishing villages are scattered throughout, many with populations of only a few hundred people maintaining centuries-old traditions. Seyðisfjörður is the most visited of the Eastfjord villages, known for its colorful houses clustered at the head of a long fjord, and as the arrival port for the Smyril Line ferry from Europe. Borgarfjörður Eystri is a more remote settlement famous for its puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi and spectacular mountain scenery. The coastal route connecting the fjords involves winding mountain roads with steep passes between each fjord, requiring careful driving but rewarding travelers with extraordinary panoramic views at every summit.
History & Background
Small fishing villages are scattered throughout, many with populations of only a few hundred people maintaining centuries-old traditions. Seyðisfjörður is the most visited of the Eastfjord villages, known for its colorful houses clustered at the head of a long fjord, and as the arrival port for the Smyril Line ferry from Europe. Borgarfjörður Eystri is a more remote settlement famous for its puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi and spectacular mountain scenery. The coastal route connecting the fjords involves winding mountain roads with steep passes between each fjord, requiring careful driving but rewarding travelers with extraordinary panoramic views at every summit.
Story & Folklore
The Eastfjords were once among the most isolated communities in Iceland, accessible only by boat or difficult mountain passes. Today the same dramatic geography that kept them remote makes them one of the country's most rewarding scenic drives — a place where every bend in the road reveals another fjord, waterfall, or working fishing village.
Visitor Information
Best Time
Summer (June-August) offers 24-hour daylight; winter for Northern Lights
Duration
1-2 hours
Access
Accessible by car on paved or gravel roads. Some require short hikes.
Why Visit
Experience Iceland's most remote and dramatic fjord scenery along a route most tourists never reach.
Did You Know?
The Smyril Line ferry from Denmark and the Faroe Islands docks at Seyðisfjörður — many travelers first set foot in Iceland here.
The Elves of the Eastern Fjords
The steep mountains and narrow fjords of East Iceland are considered one of the most enchanted regions of the country. Local tradition holds that entire communities of elves (álfar) live inside the mountains, with their own towns, churches, and social structures mirroring human society. Fishermen in eastern fjord villages have long reported seeing lights in the mountainsides on dark winter nights — the windows of elf houses, they say. Some families maintain that their ancestors had regular contact with the elf-folk, trading goods and sharing knowledge. The belief is so persistent that construction projects in the region still sometimes account for known elf dwellings.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Off-Peak Visit
Visit Eastfjords Scenic Route during shoulder season (May or September) for a perfect balance of access and solitude.
You'll experience the site without summer crowds while still having good weather and daylight.
Local Flora
Look for the native Icelandic plants growing in the area — Arctic thyme, moss campion, and various lichens.
These resilient plants have adapted to survive harsh conditions and add subtle beauty to the landscape.
Changing Light
Eastfjords Scenic Route looks dramatically different depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
Cloud shadows, rain showers, and low-angle sunlight can transform the landscape within minutes — Iceland's famous "four seasons in one day."
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer (June-August) offers 24-hour daylight; winter for Northern Lights
Duration
1-2 hours
Access
Accessible by car on paved or gravel roads. Some require short hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?▾
Summer (June-August) offers the best weather and longest daylight hours. However, each season offers unique beauty.
Is this place wheelchair accessible?▾
Accessibility varies by location. Major tourist sites often have paved paths, while more remote areas may require hiking.
Do I need to book in advance?▾
Most natural attractions in Iceland are open access and free. No booking is needed unless it involves a guided tour.