In winter, Iceland’s eastern fjords are transformed into a wonderland of snow-capped mountains, inlets, sandy and black beaches and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the serenity of places less visited than the south.
Here’s our guide to planning your visit to Iceland’s East Fjords in winter.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Visit the Eastern Fjords in winter: Map
Are the Eastern Fjords worth a visit in winter?
Firstly, because if you go all the way round Route 1 (Ring Road), you’re bound to pass through the eastern fjords…
But also because this route offers breathtaking panoramas of beautifully shaped cliffs and small towns with churches. At every turn, you’ll discover a different style of scenery with more or less snow. This is quite surprising.
Map
And here’s a map to help you find your way:
East Iceland’s winter roads
The main road through the fjords is Route 1. It is therefore regularly and rapidly cleared after snowfalls.
The roads to some villages, such as Seysidjordur, can involve mountain passes. In this case, the road is not always open. But there are lights to show you what’s possible before you commit!
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Where to stay?
The villages of the eastern fjords have some accommodation.
But the two main towns for exploring the fjords are at the beginning and end of the route:
- Höfn to the south – see open accommodations
- Egilsstadir to the north – see open accommodation
1. Almannaskard
Almannaskard is a mountain pass, and now a viewpoint. It was an essential road, but was often closed in winter due to heavy snow, hampering traffic to and from eastern Iceland. A tunnel has replaced this steep, narrow pass.
But if the conditions aren’t too bad, you can always climb up to admire the view. It’s just north of the tunnel, so don’t miss the turn!
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2. Hvalnes lighthouse
A little further along Route 1, stop off at the Hvalnes lighthouse. The lighthouse is a bright orange concrete structure rising to a height of 11.5 metres. Located on a rocky promontory, you can’t miss it!
Even if it’s surprising in shape and color, we recommend a stop here, especially to admire the black sand beach, the lagoon, the breathtaking peaks and the waves crashing on the rocks below.
3. Fauskasandur
Fauskasandur is a black sand beach with a dark monolith standing on the shore. The surrounding mountains and small cliffs add to the dramatic scenery, especially when covered in snow. There’s even a small waterfall that runs over the beach and freezes in winter (although it can disappear if there’s little snow).
The combination of elements makes for a captivating spectacle: monolith, mountains, black sand, snow… This is one of our favorite spots in the Eastern Fjords.
Note: this photo was taken at the end of February, the other fjords around were completely white but not this part of the road!
300m detour from Route 1.
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Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
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- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
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4. See reindeer (if you’re lucky)
Iceland’s reindeer are best observed in winter (November to March), when they migrate to lower altitudes in search of food. The population of around 6,000 to 7,000 is concentrated in eastern Iceland, closer to coastal areas. So drive carefully!
Worth knowing: Icelandic reindeer are not indigenous. They were introduced from Norway in the 18th century. They have adapted to the harsh Icelandic climate, protected from the cold by their thick fur.
5. Djupivogur and its eggs
Djúpivogur is a quiet village in the east. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop off and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
Let’s start with the village church, a charming wooden structure in shades of gray and black. It stands out against the snowy landscape.
You can also go down to the port, which is often covered in snow. It remains active with its fishing boats and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Nearby you’ll find restaurants and cafés.
Djúpivogur is also known for its sculpture “Eggin í Gledivík” by Sigurdur Gudmundsson. It features 34 large granite eggs representing local bird species. It’s quite surprising!
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
6. Berufjordur
The road then takes you around Berufjordur, a fairly deep fjord. The road goes all the way round, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and panoramic views in all directions.
Typical of the fjords of eastern Iceland. The fjord is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a striking contrast with the dark waters.
We loved the secluded beauty and super-quiet environment. What’s more, without too much wind, we had beautiful reflections on the inlet!
7. Breidalsvik
The next fjord is Breidalsvik. It is shallow and crossed in the middle by a bridge. There’s a tiny, isolated village. The place is very serene.
Don’t miss the viewpoint with parking just beyond the fjord. You’ll discover magnificent landscapes with the sea in the foreground. And don’t forget to look towards the hill behind you, with its beautiful ice formations.
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
8. Stodvarfjordur
You then do the whole of another fjord: Stodvarfjordur. We found the mountains at the end of the fjord particularly beautiful, all white with little black lines. We were also spoilt for choice with the beautiful lights on the way to the bottom of the fjord.
Stödvarfjördur is also a small village known for its blue village church, which stands out against the snowy landscape. It adds a touch of color to the winter landscape.
9. Faskrudsfjordur and Andey Island
Faskrudsfjordur is the next fjord. It is narrow and very long. And at its mouth are a number of small islands.
From the road, if it’s not foggy, you can see the small island of Skrudur.
There are in fact two islets: Andey, the nearest, but very flat and therefore barely visible, and Skrudur, which emerges almost vertically from the sea. They are strategically located at the entrance to the fjord.
Once again, it’s a road surrounded by snow-capped mountains. But each time, the width of the fjords and the shapes of the mountains mean that the panoramas are different and fascinating.
At the end of the fjord, you don’t continue along the seafront. The road is no longer paved. You cross a pass to return inland.
10. Seydisfjordur
If conditions aren’t bad, we highly recommend a detour to Seydisfjordur. In our opinion, it’s the most beautiful fjord in Iceland, with its village at the end (you’ve seen it in the film Walter Mitty).
However, it’s a major detour with a mountain pass. So make sure you have enough time while it’s daylight and the road is open!
The valley is long and narrow. Just enjoy the drive down to the town, overlooking the narrow fjord.
Once downstairs, you can explore the city. It’s nestled at the end of the fjord, surrounded by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
This small village has a unique charm, with colorful wooden houses and a sky-blue church… the scene is postcard-worthy!
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Hard-to-reach places in winter
East Iceland also has other interesting and beautiful places, but these are closed or difficult to access in winter:
- Borgarfjordur Eystri
- Gunnar Gunnarsson Museum (along Lake Lagarfljot)
- Mjoifjordur
- Dalatangi
- Klifbrekku Waterfall
- …
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
