East Fjords Coastal Drive

Overview

The East Fjords Coastal Drive (Austfjarðaleið) traces Iceland's most dramatic and least visited coastline, weaving through 14 deep fjords carved by ancient glacial activity. This 285-kilometre route connects Höfn in the southeast to Egilsstaðir in the northeast, following the narrow coastal shelf beneath towering mountain walls that rise directly from the sea. The drive encompasses some of Iceland's most challenging yet rewarding terrain, where single-lane tunnels pierce headlands and hairpin bends reveal hidden fishing villages that time seems to have forgotten.

What distinguishes this coastal route from Iceland's more famous drives is its intimate scale and cultural authenticity. Unlike the tourist-heavy Ring Road, the East Fjords remain genuinely remote, where conversations with locals in centuries-old fishing villages provide insight into traditional Icelandic life. The geology here is Iceland's oldest, with 14-million-year-old basalt formations creating a landscape dramatically different from the volcanic drama found elsewhere. Rhyolite mountains display extraordinary colour variations—rust reds, golden yellows, and deep purples—particularly striking during the extended daylight hours of summer.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 64.7500°N, 14.5000°W (approximate midpoint at Fáskrúðsfjörður)

**Entry Fee:** None

**Opening Hours:** 24/7 year-round

**Best Time to Visit:** June to September

**Difficulty Level:** Moderate to challenging; some single-lane roads and mountain passes

**Total Distance:** 285 kilometres

**Nearest Major Town:** Egilsstaðir (northeastern terminus)

**Journey Time:** 6-8 hours minimum; 2-3 days recommended

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Ring Road (Route 1) eastbound for 460 kilometres to Höfn (approximately 5.5 hours). The coastal drive officially begins at Höfn, following Route 99 northeast through Lón and transitioning to Route 96 at Djúpivogur. The route continues on Route 96 through Breiðdalsvík, then Route 92 through Reyðarfjörður, and finally Route 95 to Egilsstaðir. From Egilsstaðir, return to Reykjavík via Route 1 westbound (190 kilometres, 2.5 hours).

Alternatively, begin from Akureyri in North Iceland: drive Route 1 east for 170 kilometres to Egilsstaðir (2.5 hours), then follow the coastal drive southbound in reverse.

Parking

Parking throughout the route is generally free and readily available. Villages provide municipal car parks, whilst scenic viewpoints offer roadside parking on widened shoulders. Djúpivogur harbour car park accommodates 40 vehicles; Seyðisfjörður offers a large car park near the ferry terminal (free for day visits). Remote areas require careful attention to avoid blocking farm access roads.

Access

Most viewpoints and attractions are directly accessible from vehicle parking. The route itself serves as the primary access method, with minimal walking required for scenic photography and village exploration. Stokksnes Peninsula requires a 3-kilometre detour from Route 99.

What to See and Do

Stokksnes Peninsula, accessed early in the drive, provides dramatic black sand beaches beneath Vestrahorn mountain's distinctive Batman-like silhouette. The privately-owned area charges 800 ISK per person but offers some of Iceland's most photogenic coastal scenery.

Djúpivogur represents the region's quintessential fishing village, where the 19th-century Langabúð trading post now serves as a cultural centre and café. The village's Eggin í Gleðivík outdoor sculpture installation features 34 stone eggs representing local bird species along the shoreline.

Breiðdalsvík sits within Iceland's broadest fjord, surrounded by mountains rich in mineral deposits that create spectacular colour variations. The village museum showcases East Iceland's geological diversity through an impressive mineral collection.

The French heritage town of Fáskrúðsfjörður preserves unique architectural remnants from its 19th-century French fishing station period. Bilingual street signs in Icelandic and French reflect this unusual cultural connection, whilst the Franco-Icelandic Museum documents this fascinating maritime history.

Reyðarfjörður hosts Iceland's largest aluminium smelter, creating an interesting contrast between traditional fishing culture and modern industry. The town's Icelandic Wartime Museum provides insight into the Allied occupation during World War II.

Seyðisfjörður, the route's crown jewel, features Norway-inspired wooden architecture painted in vibrant colours. The town serves as the Faroe Islands and Denmark ferry terminal, creating a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. The blue church and rainbow crosswalk provide iconic photography opportunities.

Best Time to Visit

**June-August:** Peak season offering warmest weather (12-15°C), longest daylight hours, and full road accessibility. All services operate, but expect higher accommodation prices and advance booking requirements.

**September:** Optimal balance of accessibility and fewer crowds. Weather remains generally favourable with temperatures around 8-12°C. Northern lights begin appearing after mid-September.

**October-November:** Shoulder season with dramatic autumn colours and increased aurora activity. Weather becomes unpredictable; carry winter equipment. Some mountain passes may close temporarily due to snow.

**December-February:** Challenging but spectacular winter driving requiring extensive experience and proper equipment. Many services close, but northern lights reach peak activity. Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

**March-May:** Spring emergence with improving weather but unpredictable conditions. Snow may linger at higher elevations through April. Excellent value season with moderate weather risk.

Safety

Mountain passes between fjords can experience sudden weather changes, particularly Öxi Pass (Route 939) reaching 550 metres elevation. Carry emergency supplies including food, water, warm clothing, and mobile phone car charger.

Single-lane tunnels at Almannaskarð and Fáskrúðsfjörður require careful negotiation; wait for oncoming traffic to clear before entering. Túnel Norðfjarðargöng extends 7.5 kilometres and includes a steep 10% gradient.

Coastal roads experience severe wind exposure, particularly dangerous for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Mountain weather can deteriorate within minutes; monitor Vedur.is weather forecasts closely.

Winter driving requires studded tyres (mandatory November-April) and considerable arctic driving experience. Several sections lack mobile phone coverage; inform others of travel plans.

Nearby Places

**Vatnajökull National Park (Höfn section):** 15 kilometres west of route start, featuring glacier lagoons and ice cave tours.

**Lagarfljót Lake:** 25 kilometres west of Egilsstaðir, home to Iceland's legendary lake monster and Hallormsstaður forest.

**Petra's Stone Collection, Stöðvarfjörður:** 12 kilometres from main route, showcasing remarkable private mineral collection.

**Hengifoss Waterfall:** 30 kilometres southwest of Egilsstaðir, Iceland's third-highest waterfall featuring distinctive red clay striations.

**Seyðisfjörður Hiking Trails:** Multiple mountain trails beginning directly from town centre, ranging from 2-8 hour difficulty levels.

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