Winter in Austurland

The Fjord to Fjord travel route offers a breathtaking winter experience, with snowy landscapes and exciting outdoor opportunities. This route is home to two of Iceland’s best ski areas: Stafdalur near Seyðisfjörður and Oddsskarð in Eskifjörður, known as the ‘East Iceland Alps’ for its excellent backcountry skiing. As you drive through mountain passes, valleys, and along fjord shores, take time to appreciate the stunning winter scenery and watch for reindeer migrating from the highlands. While some restaurants may close in winter, you'll find supermarkets and dining options in towns along the way. From Neskaupstaður, you can return to Egilsstaðir or explore more fjord highlights by following The Coastal Experience route. For more details, visit the Visit Fjarðabyggð and Visit Seyðisfjörður websites. This route features two of Iceland’s top ski areas: Stafdalur near Seyðisfjörður and Oddsskarð above Eskifjörður, known as the "East Iceland Alps" and ideal for backcountry skiing. Drive carefully through mountain passes and fjords, and take time to appreciate the snowy scenery—just watch out for icy patches and reindeer that descend from the highlands in search of grazing. While some restaurants may be closed for the season, you’ll find essentials at local supermarkets and a few dining spots in the towns. Starting from Neskaupstaður, you can rejoin the Ring Road or explore more fjord highlights by continuing on The Coastal Experience route. To plan your perfect trip, use the 'Add to Favorites' tool on our website, and visit the Visit Fjarðabyggð and Visit Seyðisfjörður sites for more detailed information.

The On the Edge travel route offers an unforgettable winter journey through snow-covered landscapes. While daylight hours are limited, the long nights increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. Although Rte 917 over Hellisheiði is closed in winter, the main roads to Vopnafjörður and Borgarfjörður eystri remain open year-round. As you drive through mountain passes and fjord shores, take in the breathtaking scenery, but watch for icy patches. Warm up at the geothermally heated Selárdalslaug pool or enjoy a hot tub with a view in Borgarfjörður eystri. While some dining options may be limited, you'll find essentials in the towns. Finish the route at Borgarfjörður eystri and return to Egilsstaðir to explore more of Austurland. Plan your trip using our 'Add to Favorites' tool and check out the Borgarfjörður eystri and Visit Vopnafjörður websites for more information.

The Coastal Experience travel route offers a breathtaking winter journey along snow-covered valleys and fjord shores. Although mountain roads (Rte 95 and 939) are generally closed in winter, the Ring Road (Hwy 1) remains open, making the fjord communities accessible year-round. With limited daylight hours, there's more time to enjoy the Northern Lights, but be prepared with sturdy gear for outdoor adventures. Keep an eye out for reindeer migrating from the highlands, and while some restaurants may close for the season, you can always find a supermarket and a dining option in the towns. After exploring Breiðdalsvík or Djúpivogur, retrace your steps on the Ring Road back to Egilsstaðir, or connect with the Fjord to Fjord route to see more of Austurland’s scenic beauty. Plan your trip with the 'Add to Favorites' tool on our website, and visit the Visit Fjarðabyggð website for more information on the area.

The Ring of Riverdale travel route offers a picturesque winter journey around Lagarfljót lake, where Hallormsstaður National Forest and Hengifoss waterfall are beautifully dusted with snow. With limited daylight, you'll have shorter windows for outdoor adventures, but more chances to see the Northern Lights. As you drive, watch for reindeer migrating from the highlands and be cautious of icy patches on paths and roads. With many restaurants closed in winter, it’s wise to pack snacks for the road. After completing the scenic loop, warm up and relax at Vök Baths. Plan your trip using the 'Add to Favorites' tool, and visit the Hengifoss website for more information.

The Highland Circle travel route offers a stunning journey, though parts of it are inaccessible in winter due to closed highland roads. However, you can still explore much of the region by combining this route with the year-round Ring of Riverdale. Winter in Austurland is magical but requires careful planning—pack the right gear, check the weather on vedur.is, and road conditions on road.is before setting out. As you drive around Lagarfljót lake, take in the snow-dusted beauty of Hallormsstaður National Forest and Hengifoss waterfall, and keep an eye out for reindeer. While dining options may be limited, stock up on snacks, and after your adventure, warm up at Vök Baths. To visit Stuðlagil canyon, use Rte 923 from Hwy 1, checking conditions in advance. Plan your trip with our 'Add to Favorites' tool to tailor a perfect journey through Austurland.