Go to content 
What to See in the East Fjords | Complete Guide
The East Fjords is a one of the most beautiful and least visited regions by tourists. Some don't make it that far, only traveling through South Iceland, while others inexplicably skip the region very quickly, missing out on some truly spectacular places.
If you are reading this article, you can already imagine that there is a lot to see in the Eastern Fjords. We recommend that you You dedicate at least a day and a half to it, you will see that it will not be enough for you.
The Eastern Fjords belong to the Austurland region, where only 13.000 inhabitants live there. Which translates into wild nature. Egilsstaðir, the capital of the region has less than 2.500 inhabitants. A town that was our home for almost a year, that's why we can bring you so many cool things to do in the East Fjords. We know there are a lot, but We tell you our favorites so that in your route through Iceland do the ones you like the most depending on the weather and your tastes.
What to do in the Eastern Fjords
We leave you a Map of the best of East Iceland marked so you can locatecarEverything's better.
East Iceland waterfalls
Vestdalsfossar
I wanted to start this section with a waterfall in East Iceland that is not well known, but very accessible. There are several waterfalls in a canyon very close to SeydisfjordurAlmost at the foot of carFrom the trail you can see the waterfalls in the photo I've included below, but if you continue along the path you'll pass several more that are well worth seeing, a peaceful and beautiful path of about 4km in each direction.
Hengifoss, the most famous waterfall in the East Fjords
Hengifoss is the most famous waterfall in the East Fjords and the second waterfall tallest in Iceland at 128 meters high. In addition, it is in a rather curious location due to the basalt wall combined with stripes of reddish mud.
You can read more information at ⪼ How to visit Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss, another waterfall that you will find on the same path and that has spectacular basalt columns.
Flögufoss
An unknown gem of eastern Iceland very close to the carRoute 95 runs through the incredible Breiðdalur valley. Flögufoss is carcharacterized by having uA stone arch through which water seeps, there are 60 meters of fall and a heart-stopping landscape.
Update:At the end of 2023 the stone arch has collapsed and is no longer there. The scenery is still worth seeing.
From an area where there is parkingcar (not very well equipped, but accessible to any vehicle) it takes about ten minutes to get there. I recommend that you continue along the path a little further to get to where you are right in front of Flögufoss and have the best perspective with the mountain behind, as seen in the photo below.
Strútsfoss, the great unknown of the Eastern Fjords
To Me the unknown twin sister of Hengifoss, although you can't approach StutsfosscarI like it as much as Hengifoss. If you're looking for a less crowded route, this is the waterfall for you, especially during July and August when Hengifoss can get so busy that it loses its charm.
Like its twin, Strútsfoss falls on a wall of basalt combined with stripes of reddish mud sediments and has two jumps, a first jump of 20 meters and another of almost 100.
The route is 7,2km and 200 meters of elevation gain from a small but well-equipped parking lot. It is signposted, but I recommend following the path from maps.me. It starts from the parking lot apparently in the “opposite” direction to the waterfall because what it does is take you a few meters along the river to go around a farm.
If you like it, you can investigate another route of 14 km and 600 in elevation that takes you to the foot of the first jump.
Going towards Strútsfoss you will pass right in front of Snæfellsstofa Visitor Center, it's free and worth a ten-minute stop. Inside you will find a lot of information about the flora and fauna. There is also a picnic area and Minjasvaeði, which are the ruins of an ancient monastery.
Klifbrekkufossar
The 90-meter waterfall divided into several jumps is located in the most spectacular enclave of the Eastern Fjordsin the Mjóifjörður fjord. I recommend you do itcarHead towards her and follow a small path on the right side that climbs up in a series of jumps. Sometimes it might not seem like it's there, but if you look closely you'll see it; we climbed quite a few jumps without any problem. Just follow it, and remember not to step on the moss.
Please note that this is only accessible in summer this fjord. If you are travelling during the colder months you can read our tips for travel to Iceland in winter.
Rjúkandifoss
Rjúkandifoss is a must-see stop on the way to Stuðlagil canyon. There is a small parking area next to it. carRetera and a path for climb up to its feet which will not take you more than five minutes. Especially during the thaw or autumn season it is very flooded, when we visited it in June it was really impressive.
Fardagafoss
On the outskirts of Egilsstaðir by the carretera that goes up to Seyðisfjordur you will find Fardagafoss, a little-known waterfall that is accessed by foot about 15 minutes from the parking lot and where it is worth stopping. The beauty of Fardagafoss is that you can pass behind.
A few kilometers further on you will find Gufufoss, a waterfall at the foot of carretera where you can also stop for a few minutes.
Stapavík, the waterfall of the East Fjords that falls into the sea
This waterfall It is curious to fall into the sea during high tide or into the sand when it is low., which is also cool because you can access the beach to see it. Also, the cliffs in front of Stapavík are nesting area Therefore, there are many birds fluttering about during the summer. You will also see some remains as it was an old port.carbetween 1930 and 1945.
To get to Stapavík there is a well-equipped trail that surrounds the coast for 4 kilometers without any unevenness, it will take you about two hours in total.
Kirkjufoss, the waterfall circle
One of our three favorite places to see in the East Fjords, it is a hiking route that passes by several waterfalls (we tell you more below). But if you don't have that much time you can Visit Kirkjufoss, which is the most beautiful of all and is located just two kilometers from the Laugarfell Hotel.
Canyons to see in the Eastern Fjords
Studlagil, the canyon of basalt columns
This canyon needs no introduction, it has become very famous in recent years and you have surely seen more than one photo of it when looking for information about Iceland. It is truly impressive and without a doubt one of the best places in the East Fjords.
We have an article in which we tell you how to get there, its history and other tips for visiting it, I leave it to you here to help you prepare your visit to Studlagil Canyon.
Hafrahvammar Canon
As famous as Stuðlagil is, Hafrahvammar is unknown. It is an impressive 200-meter-deep gap in the Jökuldalur valley.
To visit this canyon located in the highlands of eastern Iceland You'll need a 4x4 or a high SUV (carF910 retera). If you're driving a vehicle that isn't 4x4, the only way is to parkcarit in the carRoute 910 before it becomes an F-road and continue on foot; it's about a 2-hour route from there.
Puffins and other animals What to see in the Eastern Fjords
Hafnarhólmi, the Puffin Rock
Puffins are the most adorable birds in the country, and if you're looking for a perfect point to observe them up close This is yours. Hafnarhólmi is a rock where every year Hundreds of puffins flock to nest and take care of their young. You can see them from June until the end of August, when they will leave to live in the sea until next year.
IF YOU WANT TO I recommend you climb the Álfaborg mountainIt will only take you 15 minutes and has spectacular views. It is also an important site for Icelandic folklore wrapped in legends of elves and hidden people.
In Borgarfjörður Eystri, just in front of the port, there are some typical icelandic houses with grass on the roof. It is a tourist attraction so don't be afraid to look out the window and gossip about its decoration. On Google maps you find them as Lindarbakki.
Seal sighting on Húsey beach
Yes, you read that right, there are seals in eastern Iceland too! It is much more common to go see them at Snæfellsnes peninsula Possibly being so close to Reykjavík it has earned all the fame, but There is also a very large colony of seals in Húsey. which can be seen both in the river that runs down to the beach, and on the beach.
You can spot them in the river without walking, but if you want to get to the beach there's a trail of about half an hour to reach the sand, and from there you have to continue a little further to get there.carI'll stay on the shore while you look for them. There is a better chance of seeing them at low tide.
On the way back we turned off to follow the 925 in another direction, the intersection is right in Geirsstaðakirkja (a replica Viking church made of wood and grass roofs). If you take that path you will also pass through Kirkjubæjarkirkja, a typical Icelandic wooden church very pretty.
Reindeer in the Eastern Highlands
Did you know that there are only reindeer in eastern Iceland? According to some locals, one of their foods is a type of moss that they only find in the east. A few years ago, an attempt was made to take them to the western fjords, a very wild area of Iceland where it was believed they would adapt, but it did not work. Some even spent the whole summer crossing the country to return to the east.
In summer they are very difficult to see, as they live in the highlands near Snaefell, but in winter they are very common to spot in the carreteras of the East Fjords or on the Ring Road itself on the way to them.
Best thermal baths in the East Fjords
One of the greatest pleasures of Iceland is taking a warm bath after a long day of exploring or having it as your refuge from the cold when the sun goes down in winter. So of course in the Eastfjords you can do that too.
Djúpavogskörin Natural Geothermal Pool
This small thermal pool is next to Djúpivogur and is completely free. There are pipes that come down from the mountain and are the ones wherecarThey take care to keep it filled with warm water. There are no changing tables, but there is a clothes rack.
Laugavellir Hot Natural Pot
It is undoubtedly one of the most special hot springs in Iceland. Although it is not easily accessible, if you have time I highly recommend it.
To get there you can take the F907 runway that starts in the Studlagil canyon area or from the carRoute 910 in the Laugarfell area; we did it with a small car and managed to get through both, but they are not good. carFor rough terrain, the ideal vehicle is a 4x4 or SUV.
Laugarfell hotel hot pot
Thermal pools made of stone with spectacular views of Snaefell. One of them is larger and regulated so that it is around 37-38 degrees and another small one with the temperature of the thermal river that passes next door, the day we bathed it was burning.
The entrance fee if you are not staying is 1.400 isk, It has showers and some baskets for you to put all your things in. and take it outside. If you are staying in a room or camping, they are included.
Vök baths
Vök Baths is a totally different experience from the others, you feel pampered in well-kept facilities and as they are right in the middle of your route through Iceland They seem like a perfect whim to me.
The thermal baths have 3 pools of different temperatures, a Turkish bath and Access to the lake! Believe me, it may seem cold, but it's wonderful to jump in and run to the warmest place. A very Icelandic plan to do in the East Fjords.
You can buy tickets in advance, when we were working they were 5€ cheaper than at the Vök reception. It is worth buying it online because Sometimes the capacity is full.
Hiking in the East Fjords
Stórurð, the trek with the best views
Stórurð are gigantic rocks shaped by glacial water with a turquoise color. Although this point gives the route its name, it's only one of its attractions, because the views along the way are truly spectacular. The mountain, in particular, is...carThe Dyrfjöll pad that accompanies you throughout the route from different perspectives.
They are a total of 14 kilometers and +600 meters from Vatnsskarð. There is the possibility of circulating it to the Njarðík parking and then climb a couple of kilometers along the carback to where you parked.
The Waterfall Circle from Laugarfell
Our favorite route in East Iceland, So pretty we've made it 4 times!
It is an unknown gem in the highlands of the East Fjords that you can't miss it if you like nature. This is a circular route of 8 kilometres and +350 metres that starts at the car park of the Laugarfell hotel. In the same car park there is an informative sign with a red arrow pointing to some stairs to go over the fence. From there the route begins following the course of the Laugará river, always indicated with small red stakes.
The first big waterfall you come across is Stuðlafoss, surrounded by basalt columns. Shortly after is Faxifoss, and before reaching it a suspension bridge that acts as a viewpoint. It seems that the path follows there, but it is a different one that leads to a conservation center, you have to continue where you came following the stakes.
The route continues close to the river in some points and with views of a brutal canyon in others until reaching Kirkjufoss, another spectacular waterfall (one of the most beautiful in Iceland) overlooking Snæfell.
Snæfell, the highest mountain in Iceland
The climb to Snæfell may require technical material throughout the year and a good vehicle to approach, So we haven't been lucky enough to do it. But I didn't want to leave it out of the article because it is undoubtedly one of the best hiking routes in eastern Iceland.
Bjólfur Mountain Avalanche Barriers
The best point for appreciate the grandeur of a fjord. From the avalanche barrier of Mjólfur mountain there is a stunning view of Seyðisfjörður.
The detour is on the same carhighway 93 that goes to Seyðisfjörður right here (you won't see it indicated in the carretera). With a 4×4 you can access the viewpoint by an F-roadOtherwise, you'll have to go as far as you can and leave it on the side of the carTurn off and continue on foot. From the turnoff to the avalanche barrier it's 5 kilometers.
Eastfjords and charming towns
Mjóifjörður, the most beautiful and wild fjord in the east
Mjóifjörður is one of my favourite landscapes in Iceland, I feel it represents the wild side of Iceland very well. The most spectacular views are from above the fjord. Once you take the detour, it takes about 20 minutes along a track in good condition. (in winter it is usually closed) to begin to see the firodo. It appears as if from nowhere in a change of elevation, all its splendor and spectacularity at once.
If you're short on time, I recommend staying in that area of the carRetera, but if you have several days in the east, don't hesitate to go all the way down carRetera to the sea. Stranded on the beach you will find a rusty ship from world war iiAnd if you go a few kilometers further there is the tiny village of Brekka.
Reyðarfjörður
La carThe Reyðarfjörður trail is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in the country. A must-do in the East Fjords.
In general the entire town of Reyðarfjörður, pronounced “reidisfiordum", It has very good views. But you will have the best ones from Búðarárfoss, a small waterfall less than ten minutes walk from the parking lot that gives you panoramic views of the fjord.
Seyðisfjörður, the most bohemian town
Have you ever seen photos of a rainbow street with a blue church in the background? Well, it is in the town of Seyðisfjörður. So that you don't go crazy trying to pronounce it, it sounds something like /seidisfiordum/.
We have an article with a guide to What to do in Seyðisfjördur and a little of its history. Don't hesitate to take a look because both the town and the enclave are wonderful.
Öxi Pass to reach Egilsstaðir
This is the alternative route through the carRoute 939 is for those who decide to "skip" the Eastern Fjords. The good news is that this carRetera also has very good viewsThe bad thing is that you miss the fjords and if you don't go in summer you have to check their condition because it is a trail that tends to be closed many days.
Egilsstadir
I couldn't finish a post about what to see in the east of Iceland without talking about Egilsstadir, our adopted home for a whole year while we were working in Vök Baths.
Egilsstadir as such has nothing special, but it is an essential stop on any route through Iceland to stock up at Bónus (Iceland's cheapest supermarket) or Netto. In addition to being the perfect place to stay in one of their guesthouses or spend the night in camping while visiting the area.
Below I leave you some things about Egilsstadir that might interest you;
- To have dinner at Askur pizzeria It is very tasty and they have craft beers that they produce right there.
- Nielsen is the best restaurant in town, local tasting templates like reindeer. (That's Icelandic prices though...)
- If Vök Baths is out of your budget you can go to the local pool, has two pools at 38-40 degrees and costs about 6 euros.
- Are you traveling with children? Then don't miss the giant trampoline what's in the park.
- Do you know the typical ones? Icelandic sheep wool sweaters? In Egilsstadir there is a Red Cross shop where they sell donated items of all kinds, including jerseys. You can go in and ask if there are any, they sell them for about €30. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 6pm and Saturday from 12 to 2.
If all this information about what to see and do in the East Fjords of Iceland has not been enough for you (which I doubt) you can see our featured stories at Instagram y to continue organizing your trip to the land of ice and fire You have all our Iceland guides full of tips, unknown places and recommended itineraries.
