Why Honeymoon in the East Fjords
The main reason is calm. Many travelers never get this far, so parking areas are rarely full. Villages feel lived-in rather than built for tourists.
The scenery is classic fjord country. Mountains drop straight into the sea, waterfalls stream down every slope and small harbors hold fishing boats and wooden churches.
The region also packs in variety. Within a short drive you can see a basalt canyon, a forest, puffin colonies and a waterfall with red stripes. Seyðisfjörður adds galleries, cafés and a creative community. Iceland's only wild reindeer live in the east and you may spot them by the road.
For couples who like road trips, unhurried hikes and a hot pool at the end of the day, it is a satisfying place to slow down.
When to Go
Summer is the best time for a honeymoon here.
- June to August: long daylight, mild weather and open trails. Puffins nest at Borgarfjörður eystri from about mid-April to mid-August, with June and July the most reliable. Stuðlagil is easiest to visit in these months.
- May and September: quieter shoulder months. Weather changes fast, but roads are usually clear and the light is soft. Puffins have left by September.
- October to April: short days, snow and icy mountain passes. Some roads, including the pass to Seyðisfjörður, can close in storms. The northern lights are possible, but driving is more demanding.
Check road and weather conditions daily on the official Icelandic sites, especially outside summer.
Where to Stay
The East Fjords have small hotels, guesthouses, farm stays and cabins rather than big resorts.
Egilsstaðir is the most practical base, with the airport, supermarkets and a few hotels and guesthouses. The area around Lake Lagarfljót and the Hallormsstaður forest has quiet countryside stays.
Seyðisfjörður is the most charming village to stay in, with a handful of small hotels and guesthouses in old wooden buildings near the harbor. It is a lovely place to wake up, though it is a short drive over a mountain pass from the rest of the region.
Expect roughly a couple of hundred dollars a night for good rooms, with prices rising in July and August. These figures are approximate. Book early, because rooms are limited.
Romantic Things to Do
- Vök Baths: warm geothermal pools float on Lake Urriðavatn near Egilsstaðir. Swim from the hot pools into the cool lake if you are brave.
- Puffins at Hafnarhólmi: a viewing platform at Borgarfjörður eystri's harbor lets you watch puffins at close range in summer.
- Seyðisfjörður: stroll the painted main street to the blue church, browse galleries and have coffee by the harbor.
- Stuðlagil canyon: see basalt columns from the viewing platform on the west side or hike about 3 miles on the east side to reach the canyon floor.
- Hengifoss: walk uphill to one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, with layers of red clay in the cliffs.
- Hallormsstaður forest: walk among trees in Iceland's largest forest, a surprise in a mostly treeless country.
Getting There and Around
Fly from the US to Keflavík International Airport (KEF), which has nonstop service from a range of US cities. Check current schedules, as some routes are seasonal.
From there, you have two choices. Drive the Ring Road, which takes many hours from Reykjavík via either the south or north. Most couples spread the drive over several days with stops along the way. Or fly from Reykjavík Airport (RKV) to Egilsstaðir (EGS) in about an hour and rent a car on arrival.
A car is essential in the East Fjords. Roads are mostly paved, but some side roads are gravel and mountain passes can be steep. In winter, a 4x4 with good tires is wise. The ferry from Denmark and the Faroe Islands also docks at Seyðisfjörður.
Food and Drink
Dining is low-key and local. Expect fresh fish, lamb, reindeer in season and hearty soups. Cafés in Seyðisfjörður and Egilsstaðir serve good coffee, cakes and light lunches.
Farm stays and guesthouses often cook dinner for guests. Ask about it when you book, since village restaurants may keep short hours outside summer.
Look for local favorites such as Arctic char and smoked lamb. Craft beer is brewed in the region and a few village pubs offer a friendly place for a nightcap.
As elsewhere in Iceland, food is pricey. Stock up on snacks at supermarkets in Egilsstaðir before driving out to the more remote fjords.
Honeymoon Tips
- Allow at least three nights. Distances between fjords are longer than they look.
- Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and good walking shoes for both of you, even in July.
- Keep a respectful distance from puffins and nesting birds. Stay on marked paths.
- At Stuðlagil, do not climb down unstable slopes. Use the marked routes only.
- Fill up with fuel in larger towns. Stations are sparse.
- Pair the East Fjords with North Iceland and Lake Mývatn, or with Southeast Iceland and Jökulsárlón, for a varied Ring Road honeymoon.
