Iceland’s Eastern Fjords: Endless winding roads. Mystical small towns. Old fishing villages. Roaring waves crashing on the rocky shore. Misty clouds rolling over the mile long cliffs.
I’ve been to many places in my life that I’ve been able to compare to another in both looks and feel. Yet, when driving through Iceland’s Eastern Fjords, I did not have that opportunity. You’ll find yourself staring out the window in awe at how one second you think you can compare it to Ireland or California, and five minutes down the road, there are no words to even explain where you are. Driving the Eastern Fjords is literally taking the road less traveled.
Driving each fjord in and out from Ring Road to the ocean and back could quite literally take days. With limited time on our hands, we unfortunately had to pick and choose which we wanted to see. After researching highlights, we began our navigation of the twisting, cliff roads. We drove the fjords from H?fn to Egilsstadir in about 10 hours (thank God for the 24 hours of daylight). Exhausted from travel, we saved the last one for the next morning.
Hofn
Although not technically part of the eastern fjords, it serves as a clear turning point between southern Iceland’s popular highlights and the remote eastern seaboard. A town with a bigger feel located on a harbor, it’s a good spot to grab a bite to eat (think lobster pizza) before a long journey ahead. Located right outside of Hofn is Vestrahorn, a cluster of picture-perfect mountains.
On your way winding around each fjord, you’ll find pull offs to naturally beautiful sights along with some with a more creative focus–like a big, red chair on a rock or a vibrantly colored lighthouse.
Stodvarfjurdur
A small coastal town located right off of Ring Road, Stodvarfjurdur is one fjord worth stopping at that’s not out of your way. Petra’s stone collection is a reason many people visit this tiny town, but I had other reasons. I saw a tiny blue church and I set out to find it. And find it, I did. Not many instances in America where you can find small churches, let alone blue ones!
Mjoifjordur
Proceed at your own risk — literally (please make sure you have 4WD!). We turned down this road after reading that the mystical town houses 11 inhabitants that mostly commute via ferry to other fjords.
Miles down a rocky and bumpy dirt road, you’ll reach the top of a cliff. However, the small town is still miles down the opposite side of the cliff past seemingly extraterrestrial landscape. This excursion takes time as it is a steep downward grade. Pumping the breaks every few seconds is a necessity. While you’re driving, you’ll pass a beautiful waterfall that cascades swiftly down the cliff that it took you hours to trek down.
Although we arrived on a sunny day, the water shining and reflecting the sparse houses, I can vividly imagine the magic in the air in Mj?ifj?rdur on a misty, Icelandic day.
Seydisfjordur
If you’re looking for an artsy cafe or a photogenic spot, look no further than Seydisfjordur. This adorable fjord will make you feel right at home. Go on a stroll and take in the crafty village feel with harbor views, craft beers, outside picnic seating, and a tiny blue church with a rainbow road.
Borgarfjordur Eystri
Driving the long road to Borgarfjorudur Eystri, the vast open landscape will start playing tricks on the eyes. You’ll feel like you’re on a cloud of grass. The horizon to the left looks like the sky, but also the vast ocean. One moment you’re thousands of feet above sea level and the next you’re at sea level. At the end of the road, you’ll come to a small town of a few houses and possibly think to yourself, this is it? Keep going — around the mountains, up a few more, and then back down, and you’ll find yourself in a picturesque village town.
On your way through town, a charming turf home sits across from the harbor. You can capture a few pictures of the outside as it is still an actual home today.
However, the most notable part of this fjord is the marina a few more miles down the road. As you drive, it may seem like the road won’t end, but it comes to a halt at a small marina. Located here (you guessed it) are Iceland’s infamous puffins!!! You can get up close and personal to spot the puffins in action and even hear them moo. Yes, puffins moo! The puffins nest here during the summer and are most likely to be spotted in the morning and evening hours. During the afternoon, puffins are usually out to sea fishing.
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Although stopping over at the Eastern Fjords takes time, a trip to Iceland just isn’t quite Iceland without it. Do yourself a favor and schedule it into your itinerary.