Travel Blog

Many travelers who have visited Iceland before link the northern lights with Reykjavík or the south coast. Yet some of the top locations in Iceland to view the northern lights sit quietly in the east. The region stays far from crowds and city lights. If a trip to Iceland is on your calendar this winter, East Iceland deserves a closer look. Iceland sits just below the auroral oval, the band of activity around the magnetic poles. This location makes the northern lights in Iceland a near nightly possibility through the winter months. East Iceland offers even more advantages for anyone planning a hunt for the auroras.

Austurland holds some of the country's quietest landscapes, far from the crowds. Many of its best spots sit within an hour or two of Egilsstaðir, the region's largest town. A short day trip works for some, while others suit a longer road trip. Either way, these East Iceland hidden gems are worth the detour off the Ring Road. Renting a car opens up the full region, from puffin cliffs to basalt canyons hidden behind glacial rivers. Whether you're planning a scenic road trip or hoping to explore beyond Iceland's busiest destinations, East Iceland delivers. It offers plenty of rewarding detours. These hidden corners provide a deeper connection to the region's nature, history, and local culture.

The East Fjords of Iceland offer a short period of autumn color that most visitors miss. Birch forests turn amber, and morning fog often forms over the fjords. The roads are usually much quieter by October than they are in summer. This quiet stretch of Iceland's eastern region rewards patience more than any other season. Autumn also brings early chances to see the aurora, along with weather that shifts within an hour. For photographers, that means planning around light, weather, and road conditions. It also means knowing which locations look best at different times of day.

Tucked away among the colourful mountains of Austurland (East Iceland), Borgarfjörður Eystri is a small village with unforgettable character. Famous for its puffins, spectacular hiking trails, rich folklore and welcoming local community, the fjord is the perfect place to slow down and experience a quieter side of Iceland. Borgarfjörður Eystri is also part of The Fjord Way, a scenic travel route connecting the unique fjords and communities of East Iceland. From outdoor adventures and local food to culture, wellness and unique places to stay, here’s everything you need to start planning your visit to Borgarfjörður Eystri.

Discover the best hikes in Iceland this autumn, from basalt canyons to waterfall trails. Fewer crowds and fall colours make September and October ideal.

East Iceland is home to a wonderful variety of places to eat. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, or homemade Icelandic specialties, every stop offers something unique. Many of these restaurants combine delicious food with spectacular scenery, making the journey as memorable as the meal itself. Here are some of the places worth saving for your trip. This summer, take your time, explore the region, and eat your way through East Iceland one great restaurant at a time.

Discover everything about Dyrfjallahlaupið, East Iceland's most remote trail race. Get race distances, difficulty levels, gear tips, and travel advice for July 2026.

For those looking for a peaceful and quiet getaway, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a hidden gem in the East Fjords. This village, surrounded by tall mountains and the sea, offers a true Icelandic experience with beautiful hiking trails and lively music festivals. If you’re after a nature-filled escape, Borgarfjörður Eystri is the perfect destination.

East Iceland (Austurland) is far from the crowds. Here, remote trails, secret spots and a deep connection to nature, culture, and history await. This summer, take the roads less traveled and discover some of East Iceland’s lesser known places. There are countless hidden gems waiting just off the beaten path.