East Fjords Map

The least-crowded stretch of the Ring Road: steep fjords with small fishing villages, the basalt canyon at Stuðlagil and some of Iceland's tallest waterfalls.

Egilsstaðir and Seyðisfjörður are the best overnight stops in the East.

Hotels in East Iceland ↗
  • Towns
  • Hot springs & lagoons
  • Waterfalls
  • Whales & wildlife
  • Hikes & canyons
  • Sights

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

From Reykjavík (south)
~640 km
Hengifoss
128 m
Days to explore
2
Puffins at Borgarfjörður
Apr–Aug

Driving the East Fjords

Between Höfn and Egilsstaðir the Ring Road follows the coast in and out of a series of fjords. You can take the shorter inland Route 95 over Öxi pass (gravel, summer only, steep) or stay on the coastal Route 1 through Djúpivogur, Breiðdalsvík, Fáskrúðsfjörður and Reyðarfjörður. Allow two days to explore the region properly.

Highlights

  • Stuðlagil: the turquoise Jökla river between basalt columns. The water is clearest from about late July to September, before glacial meltwater from a reservoir upstream colours it.
  • Seyðisfjörður: a 27 km drive over the Fjarðarheiði pass from Egilsstaðir, with the pastel wooden houses and rainbow path to the blue church.
  • Hengifoss: a stiff 1 hour walk each way past Litlanesfoss and its basalt columns.
  • Borgarfjörður eystri: one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins up close, from boardwalks at Hafnarhólmi.
  • Vök Baths: floating pools on a lake near Egilsstaðir.

Vök Baths has floating hot pools on Lake Urriðavatn, ten minutes from Egilsstaðir.

Book Vök Baths ↗

Where to stay

Egilsstaðir is central with the most choice; Seyðisfjörður is more atmospheric. On a Ring Road trip, the East Fjords are usually the night between Höfn and Mývatn.

Guesthouses and small hotels across the East Fjords, from Djúpivogur to Seyðisfjörður.

Hotels in the East Fjords ↗

Plan your trip to the East Fjords

Where to stay

Compare hotels, guesthouses and cabins in Egilsstaðir.

Find places to stay ↗

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Stuðlagil?

From Route 1 take Route 923 into Jökuldalur. For the best views, park at Klaustursel on the east side and walk about 2.5 km each way down to the canyon floor. The Grund side has viewing platforms close to the car park.

Is the Öxi pass open?

Route 939 over Öxi is a steep gravel mountain road that is usually open only in summer. In winter, or in bad weather, take the coastal Route 1.

Where can I see puffins in the East Fjords?

At Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður eystri, where boardwalks lead through a colony from about mid-April to mid-August.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.