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Embrace Winter Magic in East Iceland
In East Iceland, winter isn't just a season; it's a celebration of nature's beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of authentic Icelandic culture, East Iceland welcomes you to embrace the enchanting winter magic that defines this extraordinary region. The region is renowned for its clear night skies, making it an ideal destination for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Bundle up and venture into the darkness, where the vibrant hues of the aurora borealis dance across the Arctic sky.

Winter activities

Bathing and wellness
After a day of adventure, unwind in one of our bathing spots. Imagine soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while gazing at the snowflakes gently falling around you. It's a serene and soothing experience that contrasts the chilly outdoor temperatures perfectly.
Ski resorts
The Eastfjords boast excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Try your skills on the slopes of Stafdalur or Oddskarð, popular ski areas where both beginners and experts can enjoy the thrill of gliding down the mountainside while enjoying breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains.
Hiking in winter
Lace up your boots and embark on winter hikes that lead you through snow-draped forests, along frozen rivers, and to secluded viewpoints offering panoramic views of the fjords. Guided tours are available, ensuring you discover the hidden gems of East Iceland safely.
Northern lights tours
East Iceland is an ideal spot to witness the Northern Lights, thanks to its clear skies and low light pollution. From September to April, the auroras illuminate the night with vibrant colors, set against the serene landscapes of fjords and highlands. Whether in a cozy village or a remote wilderness, the Northern Lights here offer a truly magical experience.
Tour Operators
Tour operators in East Iceland offer winter tours that highlight the region's stunning beauty. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation, these tours provide a memorable winter experience in this breathtaking region.

Municipalities

Múlaþing
Múlaþing is a picturesque municipality, encompassing the smaller municipalities of Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður, Djúpivogur, and Borgarfjörður eystri. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities, Múlaþing stretches from dramatic fjords to the vast highlands, offering a diverse range of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether exploring these charming towns, hiking through untouched wilderness, or enjoying local festivals, Múlaþing captures the essence of East Iceland's unique charm.
Fjarðabyggð
Fjarðabyggð is a beautiful municipality, consisting of the smaller communities of Breiðdalsvík, Stöðvarfjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Reyðarfjörður, Eskifjörður, Neskaupstaður, and Mjóifjörður. Nestled between majestic fjords and rugged mountains, Fjarðabyggð is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich maritime history, and close-knit communities. Each town within Fjarðabyggð offers its own unique charm, from picturesque fishing villages to vibrant cultural hubs, making it a captivating destination for anyone exploring East Iceland.
Fljótsdalur
Fljótsdalur is a valley, named after Lake Lagarfljót, which flows through it. The valley is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and captivating natural wonders. Its standout attraction is Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, cascading from a height of 128 meters into a dramatic gorge layered with vibrant red clay and basalt. Visitors to Hengifoss are treated to a scenic hike, passing through a landscape rich in geological history, with rock formations that tell the story of ancient volcanic activity.
Vopnafjörður
There’s good reason to turn off the Ring Road (Hwy 1) at Route 85: the secluded town of Vopnafjörður sits pretty on a scenic stretch of coastline, surrounded by mountains, valleys, sea cliffs and rock formations. The natural wonders are in evidence, but there are great tributes to history here, too: Kaupvangur in the heart of town houses a museum in remembrance of the thousands of emigrants who left the region for Canada and the USA in the wake of the Askja volcanic eruption in 1875. Outside Vopnafjörður, the 250-year-old turf-roofed farm Bustarfell is a folk museum where history comes alive through summertime storytelling and workshops.

Accommodation

Hotels
During the winter months, finding a cozy retreat in East Iceland is as delightful as the snowy landscapes that surround it. Hotels nestled amidst the fjords offer warm hospitality and breathtaking views. Imagine waking up to the soft glow of dawn illuminating the snow-clad peaks or relaxing after a day of winter adventures. With friendly locals and comfortable lodgings, your stay in East Iceland during winter promises not just a place to rest but an experience to cherish.
Guesthouses and cottages
Charming guesthouses and cottages in East Iceland are the perfect winter escape. Many of them offer snug, personalized stays where you can unwind amidst the fjords, waking up to stunning views of snow-covered peaks. With geothermal hot tubs inviting you to soak under a starlit Arctic sky, your guesthouse stay is sure to be a serene and memorable experience.
Camping
For the adventurous, winter camping in East Iceland offers a unique way to embrace the snowy landscapes. Set against breathtaking fjord views and starry skies, it's a peaceful, raw experience that brings you close to nature. With the chance to witness the Northern Lights, camping in East Iceland during winter is an unforgettable adventure!

Winter Travel Blog

  • Photographer: Ragnhildur Aðalsteinsdóttir

    Hygge in East Iceland: Embracing Cozy Local Life and Traditions

    Experience the Icelandic version of hygge in the East Fjords. Learn about cozy local traditions, warm cafes, and the slow pace of life in the East.
  • Skiing in the East Fjords: Best Slopes and Local Mountains

    East Iceland offers a winter landscape that feels largely untouched by the modern rush. While many travelers head north for downhill thrills, those who venture east discover something quieter. Here, mountains rise straight from the sea, and the snow stays crisp beneath wide, open skies. In the East Fjords, skiing in Iceland takes on a different rhythm. Deep fjords, narrow mountain passes, and a lingering sense of calm shape the experience. Accessible ski resorts sit alongside rugged backcountry terrain, creating a balanced mix of comfort and adventure. In winter, the pace slows. You’ll find yourself sharing the slopes with locals who have skied these peaks for generations. All while looking out over the dark blue waters of the North Atlantic.
  • Photographer: Ragnhildur Aðalsteinsdóttir

    Snowshoeing Iceland: Winter Trails in the East Fjords

    Snowshoeing in Iceland’s East Fjords offers a quieter rhythm. Here, winter settles gently over steep mountains and narrow fjords. It softens rough terrain and turns summer hiking paths into calm white corridors. For travelers seeking winter activities beyond the usual routes, this region feels refreshingly off the beaten track. Snow falls overnight. Wind shapes the drifts. By morning, your footprints may be the only ones crossing a hillside above the sea. A snowshoe hike here embraces the silence found between the peaks and the ocean. This guide explores the best trails for snowshoeing in East Iceland. Learn essential safety tips for the Arctic winter. And discover why the East remains a primary choice for a peaceful snowshoe hiking tour.
  • Photographer: Ragnhildur Aðalsteinsdóttir

    Cross Country Skiing in Iceland: Top Trails in East Iceland

    Want to experience cross-country skiing in Iceland? Explore East Iceland’s quiet, scenic winter trails?
  • Experience Austurland During the Off-Season in Iceland

    Explore Austurland during the off-season in Iceland. Learn about winter weather, off-season adventures, Northern Lights, wildlife, and itinerary route ideas.
  • Photographer: Gunnar Freyr Gunnarsson

    Visiting Vök Baths: Floating Geothermal Pools in East Iceland

    There’s a certain magic in floating on warm water while snow settles quietly around you. Steam rises into the crisp air. The scent is faintly mineral and remarkably clean. Across the shoreline, the hills of East Iceland soften into shades of deep blue. This experience is exactly what awaits you at Vök Baths, Iceland. It’s a geothermal spa unlike any other in the country, built directly into the still waters of Lake Urriðavatn. The floating hot pools feel less like a man-made resort and more like a gentle extension of the landscape itself. Read on and discover why Vök Baths stand out as the ultimate relaxation spot in the East.
Borgarfjörður eystri

Borgarfjörður eystri

You’re in good company in this beautiful region: around 100 friendly locals populate the village, tourists pass through to enjoy the surrounds (includ
Breiðdalsvík

Breiðdalsvík

Tiny Breiðdalsvík is a relatively young fishing village with some surprises and plenty of small-town hospitality. It lies on the coast with great seas
Djúpivogur

Djúpivogur

In the southern pocket of East Iceland, life moves at an unhurried pace. The scenic town of Djúpivogur is part of Cittaslow, ‘an international network
Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir

The hub of the east, Egilsstaðir is the largest town in the region and it’s home to all the services a traveler might need. Across the bridge is the s
Eskifjörður

Eskifjörður

Eskifjörður and its surrounds are a fabulous microcosm of the east, with attractions that neatly sum up the region’s appeal. History and nature work t
Fáskrúðsfjörður

Fáskrúðsfjörður

Fáskrúðsfjörður dishes up a Gallic surprise in the middle of the Eastfjords: a strong historical connection to France that today is showcased and cele
Fljótsdalur and Hengifoss area

Fljótsdalur and Hengifoss area

Fljótsdalur is a valley in Austurland, named after Lake Lagarfljót, which flows through it. The valley is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes an
Mjóifjörður

Mjóifjörður

In a country that specializes in unspoiled and out-of-the-way places, Mjóifjörður might just take the title of ‘most remote’.   Its name translates as
Neskaupstaður

Neskaupstaður

Neskaupstaður is about as far east as you can go in Iceland, and soaring mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the town (which is sometimes called No
Reyðarfjörður

Reyðarfjörður

At over 30km long, Reyðarfjörður is the longest and widest of Iceland's Eastfjords. Norwegians once operated whaling stations along the fjord, and fis
Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður

Color and creativity abound in Seyðisfjörður, a village filled with bright cottages and artist studios. Recently it has become famous for its photogen
Stöðvarfjörður

Stöðvarfjörður

Stöðvarfjördur is the only Eastfjords town that the Ring Road travels directly through, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the un
Vopnafjörður

Vopnafjörður

There’s good reason to turn off the Ring Road (Hwy 1) at Route 85: the secluded town of Vopnafjörður sits pretty on a scenic stretch of coastline, sur

Practical information

It is important to keep a few things in mind when travelling in Iceland. It is necessary to keep up with the weather forecast, even during summer, and road conditions. You must get familiar with the Icelandic Króna (currency) and pack appropriately for the season you are visiting, you can expect all kinds of weather all year round. And there is no need to buy water because the tap water is great!

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What to Pack for the Seasons
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