Eastern Iceland

Region ·🇮🇸 Iceland

Population 11,227

Area 16,792 km²

Time zone Europe/London, Atlantic/Reykjavik

Official website east.is

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Explore Eastern Iceland

Eastern Region's Absolute Essentials

The Eastern Region of Iceland features the expansive Vatnajökull National Park, home to the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the basalt columns of Svartifoss. Along the coast, the black sands of Breiðamerkursandur collect icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, while the Stokksnes peninsula offers views of the Vestrahorn mountains and a replica Viking village. Inland, the region holds the 128-meter high Hengifoss waterfall and the turquoise waters of Stuðlagil canyon, framed by one of the world's largest collections of basalt columns. The historic town of Seyðisfjörður and the fjords of Borgarfjörður Eystri define the area's remote eastern coastline.

8 places

Iceland's Hidden Gems

Explore East and Southeast Iceland's unique landmarks, from the 128-meter-high Hengifoss waterfall with its distinct red clay layers to the industrial remains of the Gígjukvísl Bridge, destroyed by a 1996 glacial flood. This collection features Petra’s mineral museum in Stöðvarfjörður and the Tvísöngur sound sculpture in Seyðisfjörður, designed to resonate with traditional Icelandic vocal harmonies. The list also includes Falljökull, a steep outlet glacier of Vatnajökull characterized by its massive icefall and intricate crevasse patterns.

5 places

Iceland's Natural Wonders

Eastern and Southern Iceland feature diverse geological formations, from the geometric basalt columns of Svartifoss to the 128-meter drop of Hengifoss. The region is shaped by the Vatnajökull ice cap, feeding the iceberg-filled Jökulsárlón lagoon and numerous glacier tongues like Skaftafellsjökull and the steep icefall of Falljökull. These sites showcase volcanic activity through red clay layers and ancient lava flows, alongside dynamic glacial systems that form seasonal ice caves.

8 places

Icelandic Vistas and Monuments

This collection highlights the dramatic geological and artistic landmarks of East Iceland. It features the basalt column formations of Stuðlagil Canyon and Svartifoss, the jagged peaks of Vesturhorn and Eystrahorn, and glacial vistas from Sjónarnípa. Cultural sites include the resonating domes of Tvísöngur in Seyðisfjörður, the granite bird eggs of Gleðivík, and the Gigjukvisl Bridge Memorial, which preserves twisted steel remains from the 1996 glacial flood. These sites showcase a mix of natural wonders, sound installations, and historical ruins.

17 places

Icelandic Churches

Eastern Iceland's landscape is dotted with diverse places of worship, from historic timber structures to modern architectural landmarks. This collection highlights sites like the iconic blue church of Seyðisfjörður and Bakkagerðiskirkja, which houses a notable altarpiece by artist Jóhannes Kjarval. Many of these churches, such as Stafafellskirkja and Valþjófsstaður, preserve centuries of local history through their unique artifacts and traditional Icelandic craftsmanship, reflecting the region's spiritual and cultural evolution.

12 places

Icelandic Campsites & Caravan Sites

This collection features campsites and caravan parks across East Iceland, ranging from the glacier-access points of Skaftafell to the remote highland sites near Mount Snæfell. Key locations include the regional hub of Egilsstaðir, the historic fjord town of Seyðisfjörður, and the coastal villages of the Eastfjords. Facilities vary by site, with many offering sanitary dump stations, Wi-Fi, and showers, while others provide access to hiking trails, puffin colonies, and historic landmarks like Petra’s Stone Collection.

22 places

Icelandic Stays

This selection of accommodations in Eastern Iceland spans from coastal fjord villages to the remote Lónsöræfi wilderness. It includes modern design hotels near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, historic 19th-century buildings in Fáskrúðsfjörður, and rustic alpine huts managed by local touring clubs. Travelers will find converted agricultural buildings, farm stays with geothermal hot tubs, and highland shelters positioned at the base of Mount Snæfell and the Kverkfjöll glacier.

36 places