East Iceland, Iceland
///Travel Guide
Firðir, skógar og hreindýr

East Iceland
Travel Guide

Þröngir firðir, sjávarþorp, regnbogagatan á Seyðisfirði, villt hreindýrahjörð og stærsti skógur landsins — rólegri og fallegri hlið hringvegarins.

🕐

From Reykjavík

8–9 h via Ring Road

🏙️

Main towns

Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður

☀️

Best time

Jun–Sep

✈️

Nearest airport

Egilsstaðir (EGS)

On this page

01Introduction

Austurland: kyrrláti fjórðungurinn

Austfirðir eru þar sem hringvegurinn hægir á sér og fjöldinn þynnist. Vegir hlykkjast um hvern djúpan fjörðinn á fætur öðrum, fram hjá litlum höfnum, fjöllum sem steypast beint í sjó og stöku hreindýrahjörð — eina staðnum á Íslandi þar sem þú finnur þau villt.

Inn til landsins liggur Egilsstaðir, miðstöð svæðisins, við langa vatnið Lagarfljót (sem sagt er geyma sinn eigin orm) og Hallormsstaðaskóg, stærsta skóg landsins. Yfir fjöllin dregur listabærinn Seyðisfjörður ferðamenn með bláu kirkjuna sína, regnbogamáluðu götuna og vikulegu ferjuna frá meginlandi Evrópu.

Þetta er svæðið fyrir ferðalanga sem meta tómið og andrúmsloftið umfram gátlista — þótt Hengifoss, lundabyggðin í Borgarfirði eystri og jarðhitaböðin Vök á vatninu sínu launi svo sannarlega langa aksturinn austur.

02Quick Facts

East Iceland at a Glance

The essentials every visitor should know before arriving.

🕐

From Reykjavík

8–9 h via Ring Road

🏙️

Main towns

Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður

☀️

Best time

Jun–Sep

Book ToursHotels
🛣️

Road conditions

Paved, mountain passes

🦌

Top activity

Fjords & reindeer

Explore Attractions Find Hotels Book Tours Plan My Trip
✈️

Nearest airport

Egilsstaðir (EGS)

🛣️

Road conditions

Paved, mountain passes

🦌

Top activity

Fjords & reindeer

03When to Go

The Best Time to Visit East Iceland

Austurland er best á löngum sumardögum þegar fjallvegir og ferjan eru opin; veturinn er fallegur en aðgengi takmarkað.

Sumar

jún–sep

Opnir fjallvegir, gönguleiðir, lundar í Borgarfirði eystri, Norrænaferjan og mildir, langir dagar. Kjörtíminn.

Haust

sep–okt

Gullnir birkiskógar á Hallormsstað, hreindýr á leið til strandar og rólegir vegir.

Vetur

nóv–mar

Frábær norðurljós yfir fjörðunum og snjódramatík — en fjallvegir eins og Fjarðarheiði geta lokast, svo hafðu sveigjanleika.

Vor

apr–maí

Snjór situr enn á heiðunum; láglendið grænkar og fyrstu lundarnir snúa aftur seint í mánuðinum.

04Location & Access

Getting to & Around East Iceland

Austurland er fjærsta svæðið frá Reykjavík — um 8–9 klst akstur, eða stutt innanlandsflug til Egilsstaða. Það er líka komustaður bílaferjunnar frá Evrópu.

Flug til Egilsstaða

Daglegt flug frá Reykjavík (~1 klst) setur þig beint inn á svæðið — langfljótasta leiðin.

Hringvegurinn

Keyrðu þjóðveg 1 annaðhvort um suðrið (fram hjá Jökulsárlóni) eða norðrið (um Akureyri). Báðar leiðir langar en stórbrotnar.

Norræna-ferjan

Ferja Smyril Line frá Hirtshals (Danmörku) um Færeyjar leggst að á Seyðisfirði — taktu eigin bíl með.

05Must See

Top Attractions in East Iceland

The essential sights — loaded live from our content library, with directions and full guides.

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Akurfell — East Iceland, Iceland

Akurfell

Akurfell offers breathtaking panoramic views of East Iceland's dramatic fjords and verdant valleys.

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Aldamótaskógur í Norðurdal — East Iceland, Iceland

Aldamótaskógur í Norðurdal

Discover East Iceland's vibrant Millennium Forest, a testament to nature's resilience and human endeavor.

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Almannaskarð — East Iceland, Iceland

Almannaskarð

Experience dramatic coastal views from the historic Almannaskarð mountain pass in East Iceland.

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Almannaskarð - gönguleið — East Iceland, Iceland

Almannaskarð - gönguleið

„Eftir að bílaumferð lagðist að mestu niður um veginn í Almannaskarði hefur þessi leið verið vinsæl gönguleið sem reynir vel á þol og þrek. Þegar kemur upp á brún skarðsins er tilvalið að halda áfram niður Skarðsdalinn að Almannaskarðsgöngunum að norðan og ganga svo sömu leið til baka því umferð gangandi fólks um göngin er bönnuð. Algengt er að gangan upp á brún Almannaskarðs, sem er í 170m. hæð, taki frá ca. 12-20 mínútur“

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Arnarvatn — East Iceland, Iceland

Arnarvatn

Where dark volcanic earth meets reflective waters, whispering ancient Icelandic legends of hidden folk.

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Atlavík — East Iceland, Iceland

Atlavík

A tranquil lakeside campsite in Hallormsstaðaskógur, rich in history and natural beauty.

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Austurfjörur — East Iceland, Iceland

Austurfjörur

Experience the dramatic beauty of Austurfjörur, where black sands meet the Atlantic and towering peaks.

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Aðalból — East Iceland, Iceland

Aðalból

Step into the sagas at Aðalból, where ancient folklore meets unique turf-roofed dwellings amidst rugged East Iceland.

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Bakkafjörður — East Iceland, Iceland

Bakkafjörður

Bakkafjörður offers a tranquil escape with vibrant green landscapes, a charming fishing village, and abundant birdlife along its sapphire waters.

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06Dining

Where to Eat in East Iceland

Featured places to eat and drink, straight from our content library.

Beljandi Brewery
€€

Beljandi Brewery

other

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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🍽️
€€

Bókakaffi Hlöðum

other

Bókakaffi Hlöðum is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

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🍽️
€€

Café Giddy

other

Café Giddy is a café in East Iceland, Iceland serving breakfast. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

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🍽️
$

Café Nielsen

Seyðisfjörður

Artistic café and gallery space in a rainbow-colored town, serving organic coffee and vegetarian food.

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🍽️
€€

Café Sumarlina

other

Café Sumarlina is a restaurant in East Iceland, Iceland. 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.

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🍽️
€€

Faktor Brewery Djúpivogur

other

Faktor Brewery Djúpivogur is a pub in East Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.

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07Accommodation

Where to Stay in East Iceland

Real hotels and guesthouses with photos — book directly with our Hotels.com partner.

All hotels
Aldan Hotel & Restaurant
hotel

Aldan Hotel & Restaurant

Austurland

Check prices & book
Berunes Farfuglaheimili
hostel

Berunes Farfuglaheimili

Austurland

Experience tranquil East Iceland at Berunes Farfuglaheimili, a charming hostel by a fjord with mountain views.

$50–$100/night
Blábjörg Resort
guest house

Blábjörg Resort

Austurland

Experience serene East Iceland at Blábjörg Resort, featuring inviting outdoor hot tubs with mountain views.

$150–$300/night
Eiðar - Hostel & Apartments
hostel

Eiðar - Hostel & Apartments

Austurland

Experience comfort and convenience at Eiðar, a modern hostel and apartment complex in East Iceland's scenic Austurland.

$70–$180/night
Eyjólfsstaðir á Héraði
guest house

Eyjólfsstaðir á Héraði

Austurland

Experience tranquil comfort at this charming guesthouse, featuring a distinctive blue roof amidst scenic East Iceland.

$160–$280/night
Farfuglaheimilið Hafaldan - bragginn
hostel

Farfuglaheimilið Hafaldan - bragginn

Austurland

Experience stunning fjord views and cozy communal living at this East Iceland hostel.

$40–$80/night

08Tours & Experiences

Best Tours in East Iceland

Top-rated guided experiences, booked through our partner Viator.

Browse all tours
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
2 days

Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike

From $7240Book
Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
2 days

Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights

From $7400Book
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
5h

Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour

From $383Book
Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
3h

Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer

From $1636Book
Reykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers
6h

Reykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers

From $20500Book
Reykjavík Bay Jet ski tour
2h

Reykjavík Bay Jet ski tour

From $179Book

Tours & activities powered by Viator.

09Geothermal

Hot Springs & Pools in East Iceland

Soaking is Iceland's national pastime — here's where to do it.

All lagoons & pools
Egilsstaðir Swimming Pool
Ring Road Stop

Egilsstaðir Swimming Pool

Discover a modern geothermal haven at Egilsstaðir Swimming Pool, the perfect stop for travelers exploring East Iceland. With its inviting outdoor pools, various hot tubs, and family-friendly amenities, it offers a relaxing escape for all ages. Locals and visitors alike gather here year-round to unwind in the naturally heated waters.

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Hoffell Hot Pots
Hidden Gem

Hoffell Hot Pots

Discover the simple charm of Hoffell Hot Pots, a collection of five circular geothermal pools nestled in the dramatic glacial landscape of East Iceland. Just a short drive from Höfn, these naturally heated tubs with their vibrant green waters offer a serene escape with unparalleled views of Vatnajökull's cascading glaciers on clear days. Immerse yourself in temperatures ranging from 38-42°C for authentic Icelandic relaxation.

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Höfn Swimming Pool

Höfn Swimming Pool

Nestled in East Iceland, Höfn Swimming Pool offers a perfect geothermal escape for travelers exploring the rugged beauty of the Southeast. Enjoy warm waters, hot tubs, and a children's pool, all while soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and proximity to Vatnajökull National Park.

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Neskaupstaður Swimming Pool
Fjord Town Pool

Neskaupstaður Swimming Pool

Nestled in the remote Eastfjords, Neskaupstaður Swimming Pool offers a serene escape with its inviting outdoor geothermal pools and hot tubs. Surrounded by breathtaking, dramatic mountains, it's a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Iceland's rugged eastern landscape. Experience local life and unparalleled relaxation in this charming, off-the-beaten-path destination.

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Reyðarfjörður Swimming Pool

Reyðarfjörður Swimming Pool

Nestled in the picturesque fjord town of Reyðarfjörður, this public swimming pool offers a refreshing escape in East Iceland. Visitors can enjoy its outdoor pools and soothing hot tubs, all geothermally heated for year-round comfort. It's a perfect spot to unwind while soaking in the dramatic Eastfjords scenery.

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Seyðisfjörður Swimming Pool
Fjord View Pool

Seyðisfjörður Swimming Pool

Nestled in the breathtakingly picturesque fjord of Seyðisfjörður, this charming swimming pool offers a unique Icelandic experience. Enjoy its outdoor areas and hot tubs with stunning mountain views, or relax in the charismatic indoor facility, a true gem of Icelandic swimming culture.

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10Itineraries

Suggested East Iceland Itineraries

Ready-made plans — mix, match and make them yours in the Trip Planner.

1 dagur

Egilsstaðir og nágrenni

  • Ganga að Hengifossi
  • Hallormsstaðaskógur
  • Lagarfljót
  • Vök böðin
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2 dagar

Firðir og þorp

  • Dagur 1: Egilsstaðir, Hengifoss, Vök
  • Dagur 2: Seyðisfjörður, lundar í Borgarfirði eystri
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3 dagar

Austfirðir í dýpt

  • Listabærinn Seyðisfjörður
  • Borgarfjörður eystri og Stórurð
  • Suðurfirðir til Djúpavogs
  • Austurjaðar Vatnajökuls

11Beyond

Day Trips from East Iceland

Nearby excursions worth building into your route.

Seyðisfjörður

30 mín frá Egilsstöðum

Regnbogagatan, bláa kirkjan og líflegt listalíf yfir Fjarðarheiði.

Explore

Borgarfjörður eystri

1,5 klst frá Egilsstöðum

Ein aðgengilegasta lundabyggð landsins og gönguperlan Stórurð.

Djúpivogur og Papey

1,5 klst frá Egilsstöðum

Rólegt hafnarþorp í Slow Food hreyfingunni, hlið að fuglalífi Papeyjar.

12Know Before You Go

East Iceland Travel Tips

Local know-how to keep your trip smooth and safe.

🦌

Reindeer

East Iceland is the only place wild reindeer roam. Watch for them crossing roads at dawn and dusk, especially in winter.

🚢

Ferry

The Norröna ferry from Denmark docks in Seyðisfjörður — the scenic way to bring your own car to Iceland.

🏔️

Mountain passes

Fjarðarheiði (to Seyðisfjörður) and other passes get snow and fog. Check road.is and drive slowly.

♨️

Vök Baths

The floating geothermal pools at Vök on Lake Urriðavatn are the East's signature soak — clean, quiet and modern.

⛽

Fuel

Egilsstaðir is the regional hub with full services. Villages have limited or card-only pumps.

🕐

Distances

The East is far and spread out. It rewards a slow multi-day loop rather than a day trip.

13FAQ

East Iceland Travel FAQ

10 of the most common questions, answered.

Is East Iceland worth visiting?

+

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.

What is Seyðisfjörður famous for?

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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.

Can you see reindeer in East Iceland?

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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.

How far is East Iceland from Reykjavík?

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About 650 km / 8–9 hours via the south, or you can fly Reykjavík–Egilsstaðir in around an hour.

What is there to do in Egilsstaðir?

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It's the regional hub near Lake Lagarfljót (home of Iceland's 'Loch Ness monster'), Hallormsstaður forest, and the Vök geothermal baths.

Are there waterfalls in East Iceland?

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Yes — Hengifoss (one of Iceland's tallest, with red clay strata), Litlanesfoss with its basalt columns, and the falls above Seyðisfjörður.

When is the best time to visit East Iceland?

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June to September for open mountain passes, hiking and the ferry season. Winter is beautiful but roads and daylight are limited.

Where should I stay in East Iceland?

+

Egilsstaðir for a central base, Seyðisfjörður for charm and arts, or one of the eastern fjord villages like Borgarfjörður Eystri for puffins and hiking.

Can you see puffins in East Iceland?

+

Yes — Borgarfjörður Eystri has one of the most accessible puffin colonies in Iceland, with a viewing platform right by the harbour (May–August).

Is East Iceland good for Northern Lights?

+

Very — low light pollution and long dark winters make the eastern fjords excellent for aurora, weather permitting.

14References

Trusted Icelandic Sources

This guide is grounded in official Icelandic sources — always check them for live conditions before you travel.

Vegagerðin — road.is

Opinberar upplýsingar um færð og opnun fjallvega (F-vega).

Veðurstofa Íslands — vedur.is

Veðurspár, viðvaranir og norðurljósaspá.

SafeTravel.is

Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg — öryggisviðvaranir, ferðaáætlanir og hættumat.

Visit East Iceland — east.is

Opinber markaðsstofa Austurlands.

Umhverfisstofnun — ust.is

Friðlýst svæði og upplýsingar um hreindýr.

Related Guides

Nearby Regions

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East Iceland
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East Iceland Guide

East Iceland Guide

Fjords, waterfalls, reindeer and the Ring Road's quiet side.

Ring Road Route

Ring Road Route

Plan the full circle of Iceland, region by region.

Seyðisfjörður Guide

Seyðisfjörður Guide

The rainbow street, the arts scene and the ferry town.

Hengifoss & Waterfalls

Hengifoss & Waterfalls

The tall red-striped waterfall above Lagarfljót.

North Iceland

North Iceland

2h

South Iceland

South Iceland

4h

Highlands

Highlands

3h