Iceland Trip

Iceland East Fjords Itineraries

The East Fjords are the least visited leg of the Ring Road and the one most people wish they had given more time: the basalt columns of Stuðlagil canyon, Hengifoss and its red-striped cliffs, the fishing town of Seyðisfjörður at the end of a mountain pass, reindeer on the roadside, and fjord after fjord of empty road between Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir. The drive from Höfn to Egilsstaðir is about 3.5 hours without stops, or a whole day with them.

Every plan on this page overnights in the east rather than driving through it. Our editors picked them from real trips for breaking the fjords into two days, timing Stuðlagil for low water in late summer, and using Egilsstaðir or Seyðisfjörður as a proper base. Duplicate one and make it yours.

Picked and reviewed by · Iceland Lead & Content Curator· Updated

7 days

8–10 days

11–14 days

15+ days

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth stopping in the East Fjords?

Yes, if you have ten or more days for the Ring Road. The east has no single famous sight on the scale of the Glacier Lagoon, but Stuðlagil, Hengifoss, Seyðisfjörður and the coastal road itself are highlights for many travelers, and you will share them with far fewer people. With seven days it is usually a long transit day.

When is the best time to see Stuðlagil canyon?

Late summer, from about late July to September, when the Kárahnjúkar dam holds the river back and the water in the canyon turns clear turquoise against the basalt columns. In spring and early summer the glacial river runs high and grey. The east-bank hike (about 5 km each way from Klaustursel) gives the classic view; the west-side viewpoint is a short walk.

Where should I stay in the East Fjords?

Egilsstaðir is the practical hub with the most beds, fuel and supermarkets, and is 25 minutes from Seyðisfjörður over the pass. Seyðisfjörður itself is the prettiest base. Djúpivogur or Breiðdalsvík work for splitting the drive from Höfn, and Borgarfjörður eystri suits puffin-seekers in summer.

Deeper reading on iceland-trip.com

Our sister site covers every place in depth: access, parking, seasons, what to expect. Written by the same team.

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