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.

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.

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.

Explore the winding trails and scenic beauty of Hallormsstaðaskógur. Plan your journey through East Iceland’s massive woodland with our guide to the best hikes and hidden spots.