Breakfast near Höfn
Start your day with breakfast at Netto bakery in Höfn, which opens early and offers fresh pastries and coffee.
11-Day Iceland Ring Road Adventure
July 14-24, 2025
🏔️ Day 5: East Fjords
July 18
"The mountains are calling and I must go."
Day Summary
Journey through Iceland's spectacular East Fjords, a region of winding coastal roads, dramatic mountain vistas, and colorful fishing villages. Today's adventure takes you from the lobster capital of Höfn to the remote Borgarfjörður Eystri, with stunning photo stops at iconic locations like Vestrahorn mountain and Hvalnes Lighthouse. Enjoy a more relaxed pace with scenic viewpoints and Petra's unique stone collection. The East Fjords offer a more authentic glimpse of Iceland away from the crowds, with landscapes that rival the country's more famous attractions.
Total Driving: ~350 km (217 miles), 6 hours
- Airbnb in Höfn to Vestrahorn/Stokksnes: ~25 km (16 miles), 30 minutes
- Vestrahorn to Hvalnes Lighthouse: ~30 km (19 miles), 30 minutes
- Hvalnes Lighthouse to Djúpivogur: ~100 km (62 miles), 1 hour 45 minutes
- Djúpivogur to Petra's Stone Collection: ~80 km (50 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes
- Petra's Stone Collection to Alfheimar Hotel: ~85 km (53 miles), 1 hour 15 minutes
- Alfheimar Hotel to Stórurð Basin Trailhead: ~15 km (9 miles), 15 minutes
- Stórurð Basin Trailhead to Alfheimar Hotel: ~15 km (9 miles), 15 minutes
Daily Schedule
Drive to Vestrahorn
Depart early for Vestrahorn mountain and Stokksnes beach to take advantage of morning light for photography.
Vestrahorn and Stokksnes Beach
Experience one of Iceland's most photogenic mountains with its jagged peaks rising dramatically above a black sand beach. The reflections in the wet sand during low tide create stunning photo opportunities.
Drive to Hvalnes Lighthouse
Head to this iconic orange lighthouse along the coast.
Hvalnes Lighthouse
Visit this striking orange lighthouse perched on dramatic black beaches with views of Eystrahorn mountain. The lighthouse offers excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into Iceland's maritime history.
East Fjords Coastal Drive
Continue the spectacular drive along the East Fjords, one of Iceland's most scenic coastal routes. The winding road takes you through deep fjords, past towering mountains, and through small fishing villages.
Lunch in Djúpivogur
Stop for lunch in this charming fishing village, known for its artistic flair and relaxed atmosphere. The Við Voginn restaurant offers fresh local seafood and other Icelandic specialties.
Drive to Petra's Stone Collection
Continue your journey along the coast toward Petra's Stone Collection, with a stop at a picturesque waterfall along the way.
Petra's Stone Collection
Visit this unique museum housing an extensive private collection of East Iceland minerals and stones, gathered by local resident Petra Sveinsdóttir throughout her lifetime.
Drive to Reindeer Park
Travel to the Reindeer Park in Fellabær, just outside Egilsstaðir, to visit rescued reindeer in a conservation setting.
Reindeer Park
Visit this unique park featuring rescued reindeer that have been raised by hand. Take a short guided tour to learn about these majestic animals and get up close with them in their enclosure.
Drive to Borgarfjörður Eystri
Complete your journey to Borgarfjörður Eystri, with a scenic stop along the way.
Stórurð Basin Hike
This relaxed 3-mile loop trail takes you through massive boulders and past turquoise pools in a stunning valley setting. The name translates to 'The Giant Boulders' which perfectly describes this unique landscape.
Check in at Alfheimar Hotel
Arrive at your accommodation in Borgarfjörður Eystri and get settled for the evening.
Dinner at Alfheimar Hotel Restaurant
Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant, which serves traditional Icelandic cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients.
Key Highlights of the Day
- Photographing the dramatic peaks of Vestrahorn mountain
- The scenic coastal drive through the East Fjords with numerous quick stops
- The striking orange Hvalnes Lighthouse against black beaches
- Exploring unique minerals at Petra's Stone Collection
Accommodations
Alfheimar Hotelv/Merkisveg, Borgarfirdi Eystra, 720 Iceland
Cost: $358.13
Room Type: Standard Double or Twin Room, Patio
Note: Note that a small cruise ship (Azamara Quest, 698 passengers) will be docking in the region today, but most East Fjords attractions are spread out enough that crowds shouldn't be an issue if you start early.
Alternative Activities
- Tvísöngur Sound Sculpture: A concrete sound sculpture designed by German artist Lukas Kühne, consisting of five interconnected domes of different sizes. Each dome has its own resonance that corresponds to the Icelandic tradition of five-tone harmony.
- Fáskrúðsfjörður French Connection: Village with strong historical ties to French fishermen, featuring a French museum, bilingual street signs, and the annual French Days festival (if visiting in July). The renovated French Hospital now serves as a hotel and museum.
- Búlandstindur Mountain: Distinctive pyramid-shaped mountain rising 1,069m above Djúpivogur. According to local legend, the mountain fulfills wishes during the summer solstice. A hiking trail leads to the summit for panoramic views.
- Papey Island Boat Tour: Boat tour to abandoned island with abundant birdlife including puffins. The island was inhabited until 1966 and contains Iceland's oldest and smallest wooden church.
- Rauðubjörg (Red Rocks): Distinctive red rhyolite cliffs contrasting dramatically with black sand beaches. The striking colors are the result of volcanic activity and make for excellent photography opportunities.
Bad Weather Alternatives
- Skaftfell Center for Visual Art: Contemporary art gallery showcasing works by local and international artists, with a focus on East Iceland's artistic heritage.
- Wilderness Center: Museum and exhibition about life in the Icelandic highlands, featuring interactive displays, historical artifacts, and stories of survival in harsh conditions.
- East Iceland Heritage Museum: Collection of historical artifacts showcasing the cultural history and daily life in East Iceland through the centuries.
Hot Springs
- Djúpavogskörin: A natural hot spring in Djúpivogur, conveniently located on your route through the East Fjords.Location: DjúpivogurCost: Free
- Vök Baths: Unique floating geothermal pools on Lake Urriðavatn near Egilsstaðir with stunning views.Location: Near EgilsstaðirCost: 6,990 ISK (~$50) per person
- Blábjörg Guesthouse Hot Tubs: Seaside hot tubs with stunning views of the harbor and mountains, located right in Borgarfjörður Eystri where you're staying.Location: Borgarfjörður EystriCost: 1,500 ISK (~$11) per person for non-guests✨ Evening Relaxation
Notes
- This is a long driving day with multiple stops, so keeping to schedule is important.
- The roads through the East Fjords are paved but winding, with occasional single-lane bridges and tunnels.
- Route 939 Axarvegur is an alternate to driving the fjords that would save time by going through the mountains. It is also supposed to be quite pretty. Some prefer it
- Note that the Azamara Quest cruise ship will be in port today with 698 passengers, so some locations might be busier than usual during midday hours.