East Fjords Scenic Roads in Iceland
The road north from Southeast Iceland follows a sequence of mountains, bays and quiet coastal stretches where the views change continuously as the route curves through the fjords.
Discover one of Iceland's quieter regions on a private journey through dramatic fjords, coastal villages, mountain roads, Egilsstaðir, Lagarfljót, Hengifoss and the landscapes between Southeast Iceland and the volcanic north. Travel with your own driver-guide and adapt the route around scenery, walking, weather and the pace of your group.
East Iceland sits between the glacier landscapes of the southeast and the volcanic interior leading toward North Iceland. For many travellers it becomes one of the most memorable parts of a longer journey because the region feels less concentrated and the road itself becomes an important part of the experience.
The coastal section follows fjords, mountains and small communities, while the Egilsstaðir area opens access to inland scenery around Lagarfljót, Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss. The contrast between the coast and the interior makes it possible to build very different days without leaving the eastern region.
A private format is particularly useful here. Instead of treating East Iceland simply as a transfer between Höfn and Lake Mývatn, the itinerary can include additional time for viewpoints, villages, short walks, photography and a more relaxed overnight around Egilsstaðir.
The eastern region combines coastal scenery with inland waterfalls and lake landscapes, creating a natural progression between Southeast and North Iceland.
The road north from Southeast Iceland follows a sequence of mountains, bays and quiet coastal stretches where the views change continuously as the route curves through the fjords.
Djúpivogur can form part of the journey into the East Fjords, providing a natural stopping point before continuing through the coastal landscapes toward the north.
The eastern coastline includes smaller communities such as Fáskrúðsfjörður, allowing a private itinerary to combine road scenery with stops in inhabited fjord areas.
Egilsstaðir is a practical overnight base for exploring the inland east, particularly when the itinerary includes Lagarfljót, Hengifoss and additional time away from Route 1.
A dedicated excursion allows time for the uphill trail toward Hengifoss, with Litlanesfoss and its basalt formations visible along the route.
The Lagarfljót area adds lake scenery, countryside and a quieter inland character that contrasts strongly with the exposed coastal roads of the East Fjords.
The East Fjords deserve their own place within an eastern itinerary. They are not simply the road between Höfn and Egilsstaðir: the combination of mountain slopes, narrow fjords, fishing communities and open sea views creates a distinct regional journey.
A private driver-guide makes it easier to manage the pace, choose suitable scenic stops and balance the coastal road with the inland visits planned for the following day.
These existing itineraries include East Iceland as a meaningful part of the journey. Search by duration or compare one-way South-to-North routes with complete Ring Road tours.
5 Days
A compact one-way route through the South Coast, Jökulsárlón, Höfn, the East Fjords and Egilsstaðir before continuing toward North Iceland.
View 5 Day East Iceland Route
6 Days
Golden Circle, South Coast and glacier country lead into the East Fjords before the route continues north toward Akureyri.
View 6 Day East Iceland Route
7 Days
A longer one-way route including the Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón, East Fjords, Egilsstaðir and Hengifoss before continuing north.
View 7 Day East Iceland Route
7 Days
A compact complete-circle journey connecting South Iceland with the East Fjords, North Iceland and the western regions.
View 7 Day Ring Road Tour
8 Days
A complete circle linking the South Coast and Glacier Lagoon with East Iceland, the northern volcanic region and West Iceland.
View 8 Day Ring Road Tour
9 Days
A deeper journey through the East Fjords with Egilsstaðir, Lagarfljót, Hengifoss and Laugarvellir before continuing toward Dettifoss and Lake Mývatn.
View 9 Day Iceland Tour
10 Days
A complete ten-day journey with more regional time between Southeast Iceland, the East Fjords and the continuation toward the north.
View 10 Day Iceland Tour
12 Days
A slower complete journey with additional time for East Iceland, including inland scenery, waterfalls and greater flexibility between regions.
View 12 Day Iceland Tour
14 Days
The longest private journey provides greater margin for the East Fjords and inland East Iceland without treating the region as a simple transit day.
View 14 Day Iceland TourTry another duration, destination or route type.
East Iceland can be explored as a dedicated regional experience, as the central chapter of a one-way journey to Akureyri, or as part of a complete private Ring Road tour.
Spend additional nights around Egilsstaðir or the East Fjords and use the extra time for Hengifoss, Lagarfljót, smaller communities and scenic coastal roads.
Travel from Reykjavík through the South Coast, Southeast Iceland and the East Fjords before turning north toward Mývatn and Akureyri.
On a complete Iceland circle, the eastern region connects glacier country with North Iceland and becomes more rewarding as the number of available days increases.
The eastern route changes considerably with daylight, weather and road conditions. The seasonal pages below are linked only to help plan how those conditions affect an East Iceland itinerary.
Spring requires flexible timing as winter conditions gradually give way to longer daylight and changing road conditions across the eastern region.
View Iceland Spring ToursLong daylight creates more time for the East Fjords, Hengifoss, photography stops and a slower journey between Southeast and North Iceland.
View Iceland Summer ToursShortening daylight and quieter roads make route planning and overnight locations increasingly important as Iceland moves toward winter.
View Iceland Autumn ToursWinter travel requires substantial flexibility, with road conditions, wind, snow and limited daylight affecting the East Fjords and inland excursions.
View Iceland Winter ToursThe long coastal roads, changing weather and distances between overnight locations make a private driver-guide especially useful when travelling through East Iceland. The same service can connect Southeast Iceland, the East Fjords, Egilsstaðir and the road north while coordinating sightseeing and daily timing.
View Private Iceland Tours with Driver Guide
This page focuses only on East Iceland and the private journeys that genuinely travel through the region. For South Iceland, North Iceland, West Iceland, seasonal collections and the complete range of private multi-day tours, continue to the main Iceland Private Tours page.
View Iceland Private ToursPractical information about the East Fjords, Egilsstaðir, Hengifoss and private multi-day travel through eastern Iceland.
A private East Iceland journey can include the East Fjords, Djúpivogur, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður when included in the selected route, Lagarfljót, Hengifoss, Litlanesfoss and selected inland landscapes.
Yes. Several existing private itineraries travel from the South Coast and Jökulsárlón through the East Fjords and Egilsstaðir before continuing toward Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.
Yes. East Iceland forms an important regional chapter of a complete Ring Road journey, linking the glacier landscapes of the southeast with the volcanic areas of North Iceland.
Yes. Hengifoss can be included when enough time is available for the uphill walk and when weather, daylight and the group's walking pace are compatible with the day's route.
The East Fjords describe the coastal fjord region, while East Iceland also includes inland areas around Egilsstaðir, Lagarfljót, Hengifoss and other landscapes away from the coast.
Yes. The route can be adapted around travel dates, overnight locations, preferred walking level, regional priorities, weather conditions and the amount of time available in East Iceland.
Tell us your travel dates, group size, preferred duration and the eastern landscapes you most want to explore. The itinerary can be built around the East Fjords, Egilsstaðir, Hengifoss, Lagarfljót and your connection with Southeast or North Iceland.