East Fjords Coastal Hike
Waterfalls pour off green mountains into deep eastern fjords where reindeer roam and villages feel half-forgotten. Walk cliff-top trails between Seyðisfjörður and Borgarfjörður, with Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss as day-hike highlights.
Weather
Spring averages 0–6°C, summer 8–14°C, autumn 2–8°C, and winter −4 to 2°C in the East Fjords. This summer trip walks green mountains and cliff trails under long daylight. Coastal fog rolls into fjords quickly. Reindeer are more visible after snow melts.
Activities
Walk cliff-top trails between Seyðisfjörður and Borgarfjörður, with day hikes to Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls. Cross the Stórurð boulder field trail. Explore the rainbow-painted harbour town of Seyðisfjörður.
Culture
East Iceland feels quieter than the south coast ring road. Seyðisfjörður is an arts town with a weekly summer market. Villages like Borgarfjörður eystri are reached by gravel roads over mountain passes.
Natural history
The East Fjords are Iceland's oldest landscape — deeply eroded mountains with reindeer herds introduced from Norway. Hengifoss is Iceland's third-highest waterfall, flanked by red basalt strata. Puffins nest at Borgarfjörður eystri in summer.
Local food
Seyðisfjörður cafés serve lamb soup and fresh fish. The town's sushi spot is surprisingly excellent. Egilsstaðir supermarkets stock up before heading into remote fjord villages.
Fun fact
Wild reindeer roam the East Fjords — the only place in Iceland where they survive, introduced from Norway in the 18th century.
- Fly into: Egilsstaðir (EGS)
- Day 1: Seyðisfjörður harbour + coastal walk
- Day 2: Hengifoss + Litlanesfoss hike
- Day 3: Stórurð boulder field trail
- Day 4–5: Borgarfjörður fjord hikes, depart
- Est. total: ~$2,100