Region east-iceland 
Region
East Iceland
East Iceland is the quieter side of the Ring Road — fjords, fishing villages, hiking and reindeer, anchored by Egilsstaðir and Seyðisfjörður.
Key facts
- Anchor town
- Egilsstaðir
- Ferry
- Seyðisfjörður (Smyril Line to Denmark)
- Core towns
- Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður, Neskaupstaður, Reyðarfjörður, Djúpivogur
- From Reykjavík
- Egilsstaðir ~660 km / 8.5 h (or 1 h flight)
- Best months
- jun, jul, aug, sep
- Road note
- Some passes (Fjarðarheiði to Seyðisfjörður) close in winter storms. Check road.is.
Highlights
- Seyðisfjörður — arts village, blue church, rainbow street.
- Egilsstaðir + Lake Lagarfljót — base town, lake, Hengifoss nearby.
- Borgarfjörður eystri — puffins (summer), hiking.
- Mjóifjörður — gravel road through one of Iceland’s loveliest fjords.
Practical
- Long drives between sights — plan in 2+ days minimum.
- Fuel sparingly distributed; top up in Egilsstaðir.
- Some passes (especially Fjarðarheiði) close in winter storms.
Frequently asked questions
Is East Iceland worth visiting?
Yes if you have 7+ days. With less, prioritise South Coast and Southeast. The East is rewarding because it's quiet.
Can you fly to East Iceland?
Yes — Air Iceland Connect flies Reykjavík–Egilsstaðir in ~1 hour. Sometimes cheaper than driving the Ring Road if you skip the North.