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Eastern Region
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Explore Eastern Iceland for dramatic Eastfjords, basalt canyons, birch woodland, fishing villages, geothermal bathing and wide-open glacial landscapes.

Eastern Iceland, known locally as Austurland, is a region of long fjords, steep-sided valleys, broad glacial landscapes and scattered communities shaped by the sea. It stretches from the highlands around Vatnajökull and the Eastfjords to the remote coast near Vopnafjörður and Borgarfjörður Eystri. Egilsstaðir, on the shores of Lake Lagarfljót, is the principal service centre and a practical base for exploring the interior, while fishing towns such as Seyðisfjörður, Eskifjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Djúpivogur and Neskaupstaður reveal the distinctive maritime character of the coast.
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The landscape changes markedly across short distances. The Eastfjords are defined by narrow inlets, open ocean and mountains cut by layers of ancient basalt. Inland, birch woodland around Hallormsstaðaskógur provides an unusual contrast to Iceland's generally treeless appearance, while the highlands become more austere towards Vatnajökull and the great reservoirs created by hydroelectric development. Waterfalls such as Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss, the basalt columns of Stuðlagil canyon and the boulder fields of Stórurð provide some of the region's most memorable geological settings.
Eastern Iceland also has a strong literary and artistic identity. The medieval Sagas preserve stories associated with the fjords, while nineteenth- and twentieth-century writers and artists drew inspiration from the region's remoteness and dramatic light. At Skriðuklaustur, the former home of writer Gunnar Gunnarsson is now a cultural centre, and Seyðisfjörður is known for its colourful historic buildings, arts activity and location beneath a steep mountain pass. Smaller communities retain links to fishing, sheep farming, boat building and local craft traditions.
Outdoor travel is central to the region's appeal, but distances and conditions require realistic planning. The Eastfjords are suited to scenic drives, walking and wildlife watching, with reindeer occasionally seen in the eastern highlands and seabirds common along the coast. Hiking ranges from short walks near waterfalls and villages to demanding routes in remote valleys such as Borgarfjörður Eystri. Roads can be narrow, exposed or gravelled, and some mountain routes are seasonal. Eastern Iceland rewards travellers who allow time for weather, detours and the changing scale of its fjords rather than treating it as a quick passage between the south and the north.

When is the best time to visit Eastern Region?

Best: June–August · 11–13°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January390
February380
March380
April560
May850
June (best)1150
July (best)1350
August (best)1360
September1070
October780
November580
December390

Getting to and around Eastern Region

How to get there

Egilsstaðir Airport has domestic air links with Reykjavík and is the principal air gateway within Eastern Iceland, although services vary by season and should be checked before travel. Route 1 connects Egilsstaðir with northern and southern Iceland, while Route 1 and the Eastfjords roads provide access to coastal settlements. The Norröna ferry from mainland Europe calls at Seyðisfjörður on a scheduled service whose timings and availability vary; it is a useful option for travellers bringing a vehicle but requires advance planning. International visitors may also arrive through Keflavík Airport, outside the region, and continue by domestic flight, hire car or a long overland journey.

Transportation

A car is generally the most flexible way to explore Eastern Iceland because settlements and attractions are spread along winding fjords and inland valleys. Route 1 is paved, but many connecting roads are narrower, gravelled or exposed, and highland roads may be closed outside the summer season. Public buses connect some larger communities, though services are limited and do not provide comprehensive access to hiking areas or remote viewpoints. Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður, Reyðarfjörður and other towns have local taxi options, but availability can be restricted. Cycling is possible for experienced riders, while walking is best used for marked local trails rather than as a means of travelling between settlements.

Top city travel guides in Eastern Region

The cities of Eastern Region, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Eastern Region

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Eastern Region

Eastern Iceland's attractions range from geological formations and waterfalls to small museums, literary sites and working harbours. Around Egilsstaðir, visitors can combine Lake Lagarfljót with Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland's largest national forest, and the walks to Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss in Fljótsdalur. Stuðlagil canyon, known for its regularly formed basalt columns and blue-green river, is reached through the Jökuldalur area, where access conditions can vary. The fjord settlements provide maritime museums, historic buildings and local collections, while Seyðisfjörður adds galleries and a strong arts presence. Farther east, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a base for walking among rhyolite mountains and distinctive rock formations such as Stórurð. Djúpivogur is associated with the outdoor sculpture project Eggin í Gleðivík, and the nearby Petra's Stone Collection presents an extraordinary lifelong gathering of Icelandic minerals. Eastern sections of Vatnajökull National Park offer highland scenery, glaciers and demanding day walks, though access is seasonal and conditions can change quickly.

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Best landmarks in Eastern Region

Eastern Iceland's most recognisable landmarks are often geological or landscape features rather than monumental buildings. Hengifoss, one of the country's higher waterfalls, drops over vividly banded layers of basalt and red clay in Fljótsdalur, with Litlanesfoss framed by basalt columns lower on the route. Stuðlagil is notable for its near-regular basalt walls, created as the Jökulsá á Dal river cuts through the ancient volcanic plateau. The steep, enclosed fjord of Seyðisfjörður, surrounded by waterfalls and mountains, forms one of the region's most distinctive townscapes, while Fáskrúðsfjörður's French heritage buildings provide a rare architectural reminder of international fishing history. Hallormsstaðaskógur is a landmark of a different kind: a national symbol of Iceland's long effort to establish woodland in a largely treeless country. In the eastern highlands, Vatnajökull and the broad Kárahnjúkar landscape express the scale of glacial geology and modern engineering side by side.

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Explore Eastern Region on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Eastern Region

Dining in Eastern Iceland reflects its coastal fishing economy, farming valleys and small-scale food producers. Fish and seafood are prominent in the fjord communities, while lamb, dairy products, potatoes, root vegetables and locally gathered berries appear in home cooking and restaurant menus. Egilsstaðir has the region's broadest choice of cafés, casual dining and restaurants, whereas smaller villages tend to offer a more limited selection centred on local hotels, guesthouses, cafés and pubs. Fáskrúðsfjörður's French connections are sometimes reflected in its culinary interpretation, while Djúpivogur and other harbours provide opportunities to eat seafood close to where it is landed. Rhubarb is a familiar Icelandic ingredient, used in drinks, preserves and desserts, and regional bakeries and farm shops may offer it alongside cakes, rye-based breads and treats. Travellers covering long distances should plan meals ahead, as opening arrangements and supplies can be limited outside the larger settlements and summer season.

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Best bars in Eastern Region

Nightlife in Eastern Iceland is modest and community-focused rather than built around large clubs. Egilsstaðir has the widest choice of hotel bars, pubs and occasional live music, while Seyðisfjörður's arts community can bring a more creative evening atmosphere during cultural events and the summer season. In the smaller Eastfjords villages, evenings usually centre on restaurants, local pubs, cafés or hotel lounges rather than dedicated nightclubs. Breweries and drinks made by small Icelandic producers may appear on regional menus, but availability changes and should not be assumed. The long summer daylight encourages late walks and outdoor gatherings, whereas winter evenings are quieter and more dependent on local programming. Visitors should check current arrangements locally and respect the scale of communities where the same venue may serve as a café, dining room and social meeting place.

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Best nightclubs in Eastern Region

Nightlife in Eastern Iceland is modest and community-focused rather than built around large clubs. Egilsstaðir has the widest choice of hotel bars, pubs and occasional live music, while Seyðisfjörður's arts community can bring a more creative evening atmosphere during cultural events and the summer season. In the smaller Eastfjords villages, evenings usually centre on restaurants, local pubs, cafés or hotel lounges rather than dedicated nightclubs. Breweries and drinks made by small Icelandic producers may appear on regional menus, but availability changes and should not be assumed. The long summer daylight encourages late walks and outdoor gatherings, whereas winter evenings are quieter and more dependent on local programming. Visitors should check current arrangements locally and respect the scale of communities where the same venue may serve as a café, dining room and social meeting place.

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Best shops in Eastern Region

Shopping in Eastern Iceland is centred on practical high-street services, independent craft outlets, galleries, food shops and local markets rather than major retail centres. Egilsstaðir is the main place to replenish outdoor equipment, groceries and everyday supplies, while Seyðisfjörður offers a more artistic selection of galleries, handmade objects, books and locally produced goods when seasonal shops are open. Djúpivogur and other coastal settlements may have small craft outlets and food producers, and Petra's Stone Collection provides an opportunity to learn about and purchase mineral-related items without confusing them with the landscape's protected natural material. Useful regional purchases include Icelandic wool garments, ceramics, jewellery, artwork, preserves, rhubarb products and packaged seafood or lamb products. Markets and seasonal stalls are most likely during summer, so opening arrangements should be checked locally rather than assumed.

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Eastern Region essentials

Currency and Payment
Eastern Iceland uses the Icelandic króna, commonly abbreviated as ISK, like the rest of the country. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, petrol stations, shops, museums and restaurants in the larger settlements, and cash use is limited. It remains sensible to carry a small amount of Icelandic currency for unattended facilities, occasional rural services or payment problems, especially when travelling far from Egilsstaðir. Iceland is a largely cashless society, but visitors should not assume that every remote campsite, honesty box or small seasonal service accepts every card type.
Safety
The principal risks are environmental rather than urban crime. Sudden wind, fog, low temperatures, slippery paths, loose rock and rapidly changing road conditions can affect travel throughout the region. Keep well clear of cliff edges and rough seas, follow marked routes and check conditions before setting out for canyons, waterfalls or highland areas. Drivers should allow extra time on narrow roads, watch for sheep and reindeer, and use only suitable vehicles on roads where four-wheel drive or high clearance is required. Swimming in rivers or glacial water is unsafe, and visitors should respect warning signs and temporary closures.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue or other urgent emergencies in Eastern Iceland and throughout the country. Give the exact location, road number, nearby settlement, landmark or GPS coordinates where possible, as distances are considerable and weather may delay assistance. The Icelandic Search and Rescue system supports responses in remote areas, while maritime emergencies are also coordinated through the national emergency system. For non-urgent medical advice, contact a local health service or use Iceland's official health information channels; do not rely on mobile coverage in every valley, fjord or highland area.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow road signs, marked walking routes and local instructions around waterfalls, canyons, nesting areas and geothermal facilities. Do close farm gates, keep a respectful distance from livestock and avoid entering private land or photographing homes without consideration. Do remove outdoor footwear when local accommodation requests it and keep conversations discreet in small cafés or community spaces. Do not stop in the middle of a road for photographs, drive off marked tracks or take natural material such as stones from protected places. Tipping is not obligatory in Iceland, though good service may be acknowledged at the visitor's discretion.
Local Tips
Egilsstaðir is the region's most useful resupply point, but coastal villages offer different perspectives and are worth building into a route rather than treating them as brief stops. The drive through the Eastfjords is slow but rewarding, with frequent changes in weather and light. Hallormsstaðaskógur and the shores of Lake Lagarfljót can provide calmer walking conditions when exposed coastal routes are windy. In summer, daylight lasts for long hours, while many rural services and some accommodation options are more limited outside the main season. Download maps and confirm fuel, food and accommodation plans before leaving the principal towns.
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
HelloHello[həˈloʊ]
GoodbyeGoodbye[ɡʊdˈbaɪ]
YesYes[jɛs]
NoNo[noʊ]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[pliːz/jʊər ˈwɛlkəm]
Thank youThank you[θæŋk ju]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[ɪkˈskjuːz mi/ˈsɔːri]
How are you?How are you?[haʊ ɑːr ju]
Fine. And you?Fine. And you?[faɪn. ənd ju]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[du ju spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandI don't understand[aɪ doʊnt ˌʌndərˈstænd]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please[aɪd laɪk tu si ðə ˈmɛnjuː, pliːz]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[aɪ doʊnt iːt miːt]
Cheers!Cheers![tʃɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please[aɪ wʊd laɪk tu peɪ, pliːz]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Go away![ɡoʊ əˈweɪ]
Call the Police!Call the Police![kɔːl ðə pəˈliːs]
Call a doctor!Call a doctor![kɔːl ə ˈdɒktər]
I'm lostI'm lost[aɪm lɔst]
I'm illI'm ill[aɪm ɪl]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...[aɪd laɪk tu baɪ...]
I'm just lookingI'm just looking[aɪm dʒʌst ˈlʊkɪŋ]
How much is it?How much is it?[haʊ mʌtʃ ɪz ɪt]
That's too expensiveThat's too expensive[ðæts tuː ɪkˈspɛnsɪv]
Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?[kæn ju ˈloʊər ðə praɪs]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[ɪts wʌn əˈklɒk]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[hæf pæst (10)]
MorningMorning[ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
AfternoonAfternoon[ˌæftərˈnun]
EveningEvening[ˈiːvnɪŋ]
YesterdayYesterday[ˈjɛstərdeɪ]
TodayToday[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowTomorrow[təˈmɔroʊ]
11[wʌn]
22[tu]
33[θri]
44[fɔr]
55[faɪv]
66[sɪks]
77[sɛvən]
88[eɪt]
99[naɪn]
1010[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[wɛrz ə/ðə...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[wʌts ði əˈdrɛs?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[kæn ju ʃoʊ mi (ɑn ðə mæp)?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[wɛn's ðə nɛkst (bʌs)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[ə ˈtɪkɪt (tu ....)]

History of Eastern Region

Settlement and the Saga Age

Eastern Iceland was settled mainly during the late ninth and early tenth centuries, when Norse migrants and their families established farms around the fjords and inland valleys. The region appears in several Icelandic sagas, including accounts associated with the Eastfjords and the valleys around Fljótsdalur. Farming depended on haymaking, sheep and access to coastal fishing, while local communities were connected by sea routes and difficult overland tracks. The settlement landscape remains visible in farm names, church sites, archaeological remains and the continuing pattern of small communities separated by mountains and water.

Medieval Christianity and Skriðuklaustur

Christianity became the official religion of Iceland around the year 1000, and churches and ecclesiastical estates developed across the eastern districts. Skriðuklaustur in Fljótsdalur was the country's only known medieval monastery, founded in the fifteenth century and operated by Augustinian canons until the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Archaeological work has revealed the monastery church, domestic buildings, burial area and evidence of medical care. The site illustrates the region's connection to European religious institutions and the way a remote Icelandic valley formed part of wider medieval cultural networks.

Fishing Settlements and Foreign Trade

The Eastfjords' sheltered harbours supported seasonal fishing, small-scale trade and contact with merchants from mainland Europe. Towns such as Djúpivogur and the later fishing communities farther north developed around access to rich coastal waters rather than extensive farmland. Danish and other European trading interests influenced commerce, while the protected fjords provided anchorage for boats. The region's maritime past remains visible in old harbour areas, warehouses, fish-processing traditions and the layout of settlements pressed between steep mountains and the sea.

French Fishermen in Fáskrúðsfjörður

From the nineteenth century, French fishermen regularly used Fáskrúðsfjörður as a base while fishing in Icelandic waters. A French hospital, chapel, consulate and other buildings were established to serve the crews, whose work was dangerous and often carried out far from home. The French presence left an unusually strong architectural and cultural imprint on the village, including bilingual historical references and restored buildings. The story forms part of the wider history of North Atlantic fishing, in which seasonal fleets linked remote Icelandic harbours with communities in France and beyond.

Modernisation, Roads and Regional Services

For much of Iceland's history, travel between Eastfjords communities depended on boats, tracks and arduous mountain routes. Twentieth-century road building, bridge construction, improved communications and later tunnel projects transformed access, strengthened links with Egilsstaðir and made year-round movement more practical. The arrival of aviation also gave Egilsstaðir a national transport role. Modernisation brought schools, health services and new economic opportunities, while accelerating population concentration in larger settlements and changing the relationship between remote farms, fishing villages and the regional centre.

Hydroelectric Development and the Kárahnjúkar Landscape

The Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric project, constructed in the early twenty-first century to supply power to an aluminium smelter in Reyðarfjörður, reshaped parts of the eastern highlands. Dams and reservoirs altered the landscape around the Jökulsá á Dal and Jökulsá í Fljótsdal river systems and prompted substantial public debate about wilderness, energy policy and industrial development. The project remains an important example of Iceland's effort to use renewable energy for heavy industry, as well as a reminder that the eastern interior is both a natural environment and a site of modern economic infrastructure.

Contemporary Cultural Renewal

In recent decades, eastern communities have developed museums, literary centres, arts events, craft initiatives and visitor services alongside fishing, farming and energy-related industries. Seyðisfjörður has become particularly associated with creative activity, while Skriðuklaustur, the East Iceland Heritage Museum in Egilsstaðir and local collections across the fjords interpret regional history. This cultural work does not replace older livelihoods; it adds new ways of presenting the area's language, architecture, maritime heritage and landscape to visitors while supporting communities that remain widely dispersed.

Eastern Region in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Eastern Region, Iceland

Discover Eastern Region, Iceland with Evendo - your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Eastern Region, Iceland like never before with Evendo. This free app-based travel guide provides you with detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, making your trip planning effortless and enjoyable.

  • History and travel essentials for Eastern Region.
  • Curated local tips to experience the region like a local.
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions and services.
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Planning a trip to the Eastern Region of Iceland? Let Evendo be your ultimate travel companion. From the moment you download the app, you have access to a wealth of information about the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences in the region. Whether you're eager to visit the stunning Hengifoss waterfall, the mystical Stórurð boulder field, or the picturesque Seyðisfjörður town, Evendo provides rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details to enhance your travel experience.

Food enthusiasts will love exploring the local culinary scene with recommendations for top restaurants like Randulff's Seahouse and Norð Austur Sushi & Bar. And when it's time to rest, easily book your stay at charming hotels such as the Fosshotel Eastfjords or Hotel Bláfell directly through the app. No more endless searches for what to do or how to get there – Evendo consolidates all your travel needs into one user-friendly platform.

The app doesn’t just stop at providing information. With features like the 'Near me' function, you can discover nearby attractions and services in real-time, ensuring you never miss out on hidden gems. Plus, curated local tips allow you to experience the Eastern Region like a true local. Whether you're interested in the region's rich history, essential travel tips, or simply navigating through the city, Evendo has it all covered. And the best part? It's 100% free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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