East Fjords Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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East Fjords
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Discover the serene beauty of Iceland's East Fjords, where dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and diverse wildlife await in an unspoiled natural paradise.

The East Fjords of Iceland are a hidden treasure, offering a serene and majestic escape from the usual tourist paths. This region is known for its dramatic landscapes, where towering mountains plunge into the sea, creating breathtaking fjords that stretch along the coastline. Visitors can explore quaint fishing villages, each with its own unique charm and history. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, including reindeer and puffins, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
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The East Fjords are perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The scenic drives along the fjords provide stunning views and numerous opportunities for photography. Hiking trails abound, leading adventurers through lush valleys and up to panoramic viewpoints where one can take in the unspoiled beauty of the Icelandic wilderness. Don't miss the chance to visit the local museums and art galleries, which offer insights into the region's rich cultural heritage.
In the East Fjords, you can also enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. The small towns and villages offer warm hospitality, with cozy guesthouses and traditional Icelandic cuisine waiting to be discovered. Whether you are looking to relax and unwind or embark on an adventure, the East Fjords of Iceland promise an unforgettable experience.

When is the best time to visit East Fjords?

Best: June–August · 16–18°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January470
February360
March460
April850
May1340
June (best)1640
July (best)1840
August (best)1750
September1360
October1070
November680
December380

Getting to and around East Fjords

How to get there

The East Fjords are located in the eastern part of Iceland. The nearest international airport is Egilsstaðir Airport, which has flights from Reykjavik. Alternatively, you can fly into Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik and then take a domestic flight to Egilsstaðir. From Egilsstaðir, you can reach the East Fjords by renting a car or taking a bus. The drive from Reykjavik to the East Fjords takes approximately 8 hours, offering a scenic route along the Ring Road.

Transportation

Transportation options in the East Fjords include rental cars, buses, and taxis. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and to fully explore the remote areas. The public bus system connects major towns but may not cover all the smaller villages. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Biking is also a popular option for exploring the fjords in the summer months.

Best attractions in East Fjords

The East Fjords in Iceland offer a captivating mix of dramatic landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore winding coastal roads that hug steep cliffs, revealing stunning views of cascading waterfalls, sparkling fjords, and rugged mountains. Hike through lush valleys dotted with colorful wildflowers, or visit historic sites such as the charming town of Seydisfjordur with its iconic blue church and vibrant arts scene. Experience the warmth of local hospitality, indulge in delicious seafood fresh from the ocean, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines this enchanting region.

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Best landmarks in East Fjords

The East Fjords in Iceland offer visitors a unique blend of rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and rich cultural heritage. From the towering peaks of the volcanic mountains to the tranquil fjords carved by ancient glaciers, there is something for every nature lover. Explore the charming towns of Seydisfjordur and Djupivogur, where colorful houses line the streets and traditional Icelandic culture comes to life. Visit the historic sites of Petra's Stone Collection and Skriduklaustur Monastery to delve into the region's fascinating past. And don't miss out on the opportunity to hike along the scenic trails of Storurd and Hengifoss, where stunning waterfalls and panoramic views await. The East Fjords are a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

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Explore East Fjords on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in East Fjords

The dining scene in East Fjords offers a unique culinary experience for visitors, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and traditional Icelandic cuisine. From cozy cafes serving freshly baked pastries to seafood restaurants offering the catch of the day, there is something for every palate. Don't miss the opportunity to try the famous Icelandic hot dog or indulge in a hearty lamb stew. With picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and fjords as your backdrop, dining in East Fjords is not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience.

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Best bars in East Fjords

The nightlife scene in East Fjords offers a unique experience for visitors, with a mix of cozy pubs, lively bars, and charming cafes to explore. From enjoying local craft beers at traditional Icelandic taverns to dancing the night away at modern clubs with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, there is something for everyone. Live music performances, DJ sets, and themed events are common, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere that is sure to entertain and delight tourists looking for a memorable night out in this picturesque region.

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Best shops in East Fjords

The shopping scene in East Fjords offers a unique experience for visitors, with a mix of traditional Icelandic handicrafts, locally-made souvenirs, and modern fashion boutiques. From cozy knitwear made from local wool to handmade pottery and jewelry inspired by the stunning landscapes, there is something for every taste. Explore the charming boutiques in the small towns and villages, where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures to bring home as a reminder of your time in this picturesque region.

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East Fjords essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small transactions. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for use in remote areas and small establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are available in larger towns like Egilsstaðir.
Safety
The East Fjords are generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions are recommended, such as not leaving valuables in your car and being cautious in remote areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. However, always stay informed about the weather conditions, as they can change rapidly and affect travel plans.
Emergency Situations
In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Egilsstaðir has a hospital and several pharmacies for medical needs. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do wear layers and waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid wearing heavy perfumes or scents as they can attract insects. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious sites. Remove your shoes when entering homes. Public Transport: Do respect the schedules and be punctual as buses run on a fixed timetable. Don't expect extensive public transport coverage in remote areas. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Góðan daginn' (Good day). A firm handshake is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as fresh seafood and lamb. Don't leave a tip as it is not customary in Iceland.
Local Tips
To experience the East Fjords like a local, visit the small fishing villages and interact with the residents. Try local dishes such as 'plokkfiskur' (fish stew) and 'skyr' (Icelandic yogurt). Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the culture. Don’t miss the chance to explore the stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, waterfalls, and fjords. For a unique experience, consider joining a guided tour to learn about the region's history and folklore.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHalló[hah-loh]
GoodbyeBless[bless]
YesJá[yow]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel[gyohr-thuh svoh vel]
Thank youTakk fyrir[tahk fi-rir]
Excuse me/SorryAfsakið[ahv-sah-kihth]
How are you?Hvernig hefur þú það?[khvehr-nihg heh-ur thoo thah-th]
Fine. And you?Fínt. Og þú?[feent ohg thoo]
Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?[tah-lahr thoo ehn-skoo]
I don't understandÉg skil ekki[yehg skil ekk-ee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg ætla að sjá matsedilinn, takk[yehg ait-lah ath syah maht-seh-thill-inn tahk]
I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt[yehg bor-tha ekk-ee k-yoht]
Cheers!Skál![skowl]
I would like to pay, pleaseMig langar að greiða, takk[meeg lahn-gahr ath gray-tha tahk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjálp![hyowlp]
Go away!Farðu í burtu![far-thoo ih bur-thoo]
Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna![hring-thoo ih loh-greh-gluna]
Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn![hring-thoo ih lahk-nin]
I'm lostÉg er týndur[yehg ehr teun-thur]
I'm illÉg er veikur[yehg ehr vay-kur]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ég ætla að kaupa...[yehg ait-lah oith koy-pah]
I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða[yehg ehr bah-rah ath skoh-thah]
How much is it?Hvað kostar það?[khvath kohs-tahr thah-th]
That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt[thah-th ehr ohf deert]
Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkad verðið?[geh-tuhr thoo leh-kah-th ver-theeth]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?[khvath ehr kloh-kahn]
It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt[kloh-kahn ehr ayt]
Half past (10)Hálf tíu[howlf tee-oo]
MorningMorgunn[mohr-gunn]
AfternoonSíðdegis[seed-deh-yees]
EveningKvöld[k-vohlt]
YesterdayÍ gær[ee gai-r]
TodayÍ dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowÁ morgun[ow mohr-guhn]
1Eitt[ayt]
2Tvö[tvuh]
3Þrír[threer]
4Fjórir[fyoh-reer]
5Fimm[feem]
6Sex[sehx]
7Sjö[syoh]
8Átta[ow-thah]
9Níu[nee-oo]
10Tíu[tee-oo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er...[khvahr ehr]
What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?[khvath ehr hay-mih-lihs-fahn-gith]
Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?[geh-tuhr thoo seent mehr ow kohr-tih-nu]
When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsti (strætisvagn)?[khve-nihr keh-muhr nais-ti strai-tis-vah-ny]
A ticket (to ....)Einn miða (til ....)[aytn mi-thah til]

History of East Fjords

The Viking Age and Settlement

The East Fjords of Iceland were among the first areas to be settled by Norse Vikings in the late 9th century. The natural harbors and fertile lands attracted settlers who established farms and small communities. Notable figures such as Flóki Vilgerðarson, who gave Iceland its name, journeyed through these fjords, marking the beginning of Icelandic history in the area.

Medieval Trading Routes

During the medieval period, the East Fjords played a significant role in Iceland's trade. The fjords served as important trading posts where goods like fish, wool, and skins were exchanged with European merchants. The town of Djúpivogur became particularly prominent during this time, with its well-protected harbor facilitating trade with the Hanseatic League.

The Danish Era

In the 16th century, Iceland came under Danish rule, and the East Fjords were no exception. Danish influence is evident in the architecture and cultural practices that emerged during this period. The village of Eskifjörður, for instance, still showcases old Danish-style buildings and trading posts that date back to the era of Danish dominance.

World War II and Allied Occupation

During World War II, the strategic importance of the East Fjords became apparent. Seyðisfjörður, with its deep fjord and natural harbor, was used by Allied forces as a base. This period saw significant infrastructure development, including the construction of roads and airstrips which contributed to the post-war modernization of the region.

The Herring Boom

The mid-20th century Herring Boom brought economic prosperity to the East Fjords. Towns like Neskaupstaður thrived on the herring industry, with factories processing fish for export. This era left a lasting impact on the cultural and economic landscape, with many locals still reminiscing about the 'golden days' of herring fishing.

Modern Cultural Renaissance

In recent decades, the East Fjords have experienced a cultural renaissance, drawing artists, writers, and musicians to the area. The annual LungA Art Festival in Seyðisfjörður has become a focal point for contemporary Icelandic art, attracting international attention and contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the region.

East Fjords in Photos

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Cities in East Fjords

The towns and cities of East Fjords, and the easiest places to base yourself.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to East Fjords, Iceland

Discover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences in East Fjords with Evendo - a 100% free travel app.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels
  • Rich descriptions, images, and local tips for each location
  • Integrated booking system for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Evendo is your all-in-one travel companion for exploring the enchanting East Fjords of Iceland. Discover top attractions, book hotels, and experience local culture.

  • History and travel essentials of East Fjords
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for authentic experiences
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the East Fjords of Iceland with Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide app. Whether you're drawn to the breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, or the rich local culture, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip.

From the majestic Hengifoss Waterfall to the serene Seyðisfjörður town, our app provides detailed information, stunning images, and local tips for all the must-see attractions. Savor the culinary delights at Norð Austur Sushi & Bar or relax at the cozy guesthouses scattered across the fjords.

Evendo makes planning easy with its intuitive booking system for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences. No more hassle of searching and planning; everything you need is in one place. With features like historical insights, travel essentials, and a user-friendly interface, navigating through the East Fjords has never been easier.

Use our 'Near Me' feature to discover hidden gems around your current location and explore the fjords like a local with curated tips. Download Evendo now and transform your journey into an extraordinary experience.

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