There's a certain kind of quiet that only exists in Iceland's Eastfjords. You don't realize how much noise you've been carrying—until you're standing in front of a red-streaked cliff at Hengifoss, wind brushing past your face, and not a single tour bus in sight.
If you've already seen the south coast's highlights or just crave something less curated and more soulful, Iceland's eastern ring road offers that and more. From remote hot springs and under-the-radar waterfalls to cozy harborside villages, this loop delivers raw beauty without the selfie-stick crowd.
Here's how to plan an unforgettable East Iceland road trip—designed for those who prefer silence to spectacle and discovery over checklists.
Where the Tour Buses Don't Go: Natural Highlights
Start your loop in Egilsstaðir, the main hub in East Iceland. From here, it's easy to reach several low-traffic gems:
1. Hengifoss Waterfall
One of Iceland's tallest waterfalls at 128 meters, Hengifoss is known for its dramatic red and black basalt stripes. The hike is around 5 km round-trip (roughly 1.5–2 hours return), and while the climb is moderate, the scenery is unforgettable—especially at golden hour.
• Cost: Free
• Parking: On-site lot, no fee
• Local Tip: Stop at Lítlanesfoss midway, known for its symmetrical basalt columns. It's often more photogenic than Hengifoss itself.
2. Vök Baths
Unlike the packed Blue Lagoon, Vök Baths are floating geothermal pools on Lake Urriðavatn. Imagine soaking in hot water with mist rising off the lake, surrounded by icy silence.
• Entrance: ~$45 USD
• Opening Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Best Time: Evening sessions offer surreal light during summer or northern lights in winter.
3. Seyðisfjörður
Just a 30-minute drive over a mountain pass from Egilsstaðir, this colorful fishing village is a creative haven with fjord views, art installations, and the famous rainbow path leading to a blue building. It's small, walkable, and feels like a real Icelandic town—not a museum.
Planning Your Self-Drive Route
Driving in East Iceland feels almost meditative—long stretches of winding coastal roads with almost no one else around. But you'll want to plan wisely, especially with fuel and lodging.
1. Best Direction:
Most travelers circle Iceland counterclockwise. If you do the same, you'll hit the Eastfjords after the busy south coast—making it a breath of fresh air.
2. Road Conditions:
Route 1 (Ring Road) is paved and accessible year-round, but some detours to fjords or waterfalls are gravel. In winter, check conditions daily at the official website.
3. Driving Time Estimates:
• Egilsstaðir to Hengifoss: 40 minutes
• Egilsstaðir to Vök Baths: 10 minutes
• Egilsstaðir to Seyðisfjörður: 30 minutes
• Egilsstaðir to Djúpivogur (coastal town): 2.5 hours (with scenic stops)
4. Fuel Up Smart:
Gas stations are far apart—always top off in Egilsstaðir or Djúpivogur. Expect to pay $8–9 per gallon, so budget accordingly.
Where to Stay: Quiet, Cozy, and Local
Unlike Reykjavik or Vik, East Iceland is less commercial, which means more locally run guesthouses, fewer hotels, and some truly special stays.
• Gistihúsið – Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir
Lakeside charm with on-site restaurant and spa. Rooms from $160 USD/night.
• Seyðisfjörður Guesthouse
Family-run guesthouse in a traditional wooden house, walking distance to harbor. Around $100–120 USD/night.
• Berunes HI Hostel (near Djúpivogur)
Set on a fjord with rustic views and organic breakfasts. Budget-friendly at $40–70 USD per night.
Prefer camping? Designated sites in Egilsstaðir, Breiðdalsvík, and Djúpivogur charge around $15–20 USD per tent per night. Facilities are clean and usually include kitchens and showers.
Meet East Iceland's Soul: Villages & Festivals
What makes East Iceland different isn't just fewer tourists—it's the culture. Fishing towns here still function as fishing towns. Locals wave as you drive by. And if you're lucky, you might stumble upon an art festival in a fjord.
1. Breiðdalsvík
Small fishing village with an old-school harbor, cozy cafés, and access to wild beaches. A coffee and pastry at a local café will cost $8-12 USD.
2. Djúpivogur
A slow-paced village on Berufjörður, known for its harbor and Eggin í Gleðivík, a shoreline art installation of 34 granite bird eggs. This place is ideal for those who want to journal, photograph, or simply breathe. Viewing the art installation is free. A mid-range hotel or guesthouse for a night averages $150-220 USD.
3. Bræðslan Music Festival (Borgarfjörður Eystri)
Every July, this tiny town hosts a festival in an old fish factory, bringing in Icelandic and Nordic musicians. It's low-key, local, and totally magical. Tickets sell out fast, and accommodations fill up quickly—so book months ahead if you're planning around it. A full festival pass typically costs $180-250 USD. A basic cabin or room for the weekend can be $400-600+ USD (often with a 2-3 night minimum). A campspot (if you bring your own gear) is $40-60 USD per night.
It's easy to chase the Icelandic checklist: Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Black Sand Beach. But there's a different kind of magic when you break away from the crowd.
In the East, the rewards are softer: a waterfall echoing through a canyon, the smell of seaweed in a quiet harbor, the way the fog rolls in without warning. These aren't bucket list moments—they're the ones that quietly stay with you.
So if you're ready to go where fewer go, take the long road east. Just don't forget to stop, listen, and let Iceland whisper back.
