Planning a journey to East Iceland is like stepping into a quieter, wilder chapter of the country—towering fjords, tiny fishing villages, black-sand beaches, and some of the least crowded sights in Iceland. With a bit of planning, you can make the most of this remote region while using comfortable bases in West Iceland, such as Ourhotels.is properties, to break up the long drives and see more of the country along the way.
Here are some practical East Iceland travel tips, plus how to weave Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn into a memorable Ring Road or longer road trip.
East Iceland: What to Expect
East Iceland is all about dramatic landscapes and peaceful pace. The main hub is Egilsstaðir, with smaller villages like Seyðisfjörður, Borgarfjörður Eystri, and Djúpivogur scattered along the coast. Compared to the south and the Golden Circle, you’ll find:
– Fewer crowds and more authentic local encounters
– Long, scenic drives between fjords and mountain passes
– Excellent hiking, birdwatching, and photography opportunities
– A slower rhythm—perfect if you want to unwind and explore at your own pace
Best Time to Visit East Iceland
– **Summer (June–August):** Long days, open mountain roads, and the best hiking conditions. Ideal for first-time visitors.
– **Shoulder seasons (May, September):** Fewer visitors, cooler temperatures, and a good chance of clear weather.
– **Winter (October–April):** Short days, possible road closures, but magical snow-covered landscapes and northern lights potential if conditions cooperate.
Always check road and weather conditions (road.is and vedur.is) before driving into East Iceland, especially outside summer.
Driving to East Iceland: Make the Journey Part of the Trip
Reaching East Iceland from Reykjavík is a long drive, so it’s smart to break it into comfortable stages. This is where staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland can transform a long haul into a relaxed, scenic road trip.
**1. First stop: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)**
Borgarfjörður in West Iceland is a natural first stop when heading north or east from Reykjavík. Staying at **Hvítá Inn**, part of Ourhotels.is, lets you:
– Rest after your arrival in Iceland before tackling longer drives
– Explore nearby highlights like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic Reykholt area
– Enjoy a peaceful countryside setting with easy access to the Ring Road
From Hvítá Inn, you can continue north via the Ring Road toward Akureyri and then on to East Iceland, or loop through the Westfjords and North Iceland if you have more time.
**2. Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Stykkishólmur Inn**
If you want to add the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to your itinerary before heading east, **Stykkishólmur Inn** is an excellent base. Located in the charming harbor town of Stykkishólmur, this Ourhotels.is property gives you:
– Easy access to Snæfellsjökull National Park, Kirkjufell mountain, and dramatic coastal cliffs
– A picturesque town with colorful houses, good restaurants, and scenic boat tours
– A relaxing overnight stop that breaks up your journey and adds variety to your trip
From Stykkishólmur, you can return to the Ring Road and continue north and east, or combine your stay with Hvítá Inn for a more leisurely exploration of West Iceland before heading on.
**3. Adding the Westfjords: Ísafjörður Inn**
For travelers with extra days and a love of remote landscapes, the Westfjords are a perfect addition before or after East Iceland. **Ísafjörður Inn**, another Ourhotels.is property, sits in the heart of the region’s main town, Ísafjörður. Staying here allows you to:
– Experience one of Iceland’s most dramatic and least-visited regions
– Take day trips to places like Dynjandi waterfall, remote fjords, and wild beaches
– Enjoy local culture, cafés, and maritime history in Ísafjörður
From Ísafjörður, you can drive back to the Ring Road and continue toward North and East Iceland, turning your trip into a full circuit of the country.
Top Things to Do in East Iceland
Once you reach East Iceland, slow down and enjoy the region’s unique character:
– **Seyðisfjörður:** A colorful village at the end of a deep fjord, known for its arts scene, wooden houses, and the iconic rainbow street leading to the church.
– **Borgarfjörður Eystri:** A hiker’s paradise with the “Elf City” Álfaborg, rugged mountains, and some of the best puffin-watching spots in Iceland in summer.
– **Egilsstaðir & Lagarfljót:** The main service town of the east, close to Hallormsstaður National Forest, Hengifoss waterfall, and the mysterious Lagarfljót lake.
– **Eastfjords villages:** Places like Djúpivogur, Fáskrúðsfjörður, and Reyðarfjörður offer quiet harbors, local museums, and scenic coastal drives.
– **Wildlife & birdlife:** Look for reindeer (especially in winter and spring), seabirds, and seals along the coast.
Practical Tips for East Iceland
– **Fuel & food:** Fill up on fuel and snacks whenever you can; distances between towns can be long.
– **Accommodation:** Book ahead in summer, especially in smaller villages.
– **Packing:** Layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy shoes are essential year-round.
– **Navigation:** GPS is helpful, but always cross-check with official road information in case of closures or gravel sections.
Why Use Ourhotels.is as Your Base Network
Ourhotels.is connects comfortable, well-located inns across West and North-West Iceland, making it easier to plan a longer journey that includes East Iceland without rushing. By staying at **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn**, you can:
– Break up long driving days into enjoyable stages
– Explore multiple regions—West Iceland, Snæfellsnes, the Westfjords, and beyond—on the way to or from the east
– Travel at a relaxed pace, with reliable, welcoming accommodation at each stop
If you’re planning an East Iceland adventure, consider designing your route as a full or partial circle of Iceland, using Ourhotels.is properties in the west as your stepping stones. You’ll see more of the country, avoid exhausting drives, and experience the contrast between Iceland’s rugged western coasts and the tranquil fjords of the east—all in one unforgettable trip.
