Iceland… A country that has long fascinated my travel curiosity. Just try to google it and wonderful and otherworldly photos of its best sights and places would surely capture your imagination. No wonder this volcanic island country has been the most popular destinations in recent years.
Many travelers, ourselves included, arrive at this island to roam and see its amazing landscape and wonderful wildlife, which are not in short supply in this country despite its relatively small size.
This country is generally divided into several regions based on their geography, namely South, East, North, Westfjords, West, Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Capital Area. Each region is so unique and diverse that they warrant days or even weeks to be explored on its own.
After years, we finally managed to visit this amazing country for three weeks, which we think is perfect to explore the whole island around the Ring Road 1. We also create an itinerary suggestion for a three weeks road trip around Iceland. Not only that, we also outline how we did our budgeting during the trip including some tips for traveling to Iceland on the cheap.
Here in this post, we first would like to share some of the best sights and places in East Iceland, a truly amazing region that is abound with wonderful glaciers, fjords, and unbelievably picturesque waterfalls and canyons. We also give some tips and accessibility description regarding each sight and place, including the link to parking location, to help you plan your visit to this amazing region.
1. Hiking in Skaftafell
Skaftafell is one of the most popular mountain area for hiking. Located on the southern end of the massive Vatnajökull glacier, this scenic area is perfect for hiking with many trails to choose from. Add to that amazing sights such as the unique Svartifoss or the Skaftafellsjökull glacier, and you got yourself a magnificent place to spend your day in.
The hike to Sjónarnípa viewpoint has got to be the best of them all in the Skaftafell area. This two hours hike up to the viewpoint will bring you to the edge of the Skaftafell mountain with a direct view over the vast Skaftafellsjökull glacier below, truly an unforgettable sight.
Another easier alternative is to walk to the front of the glacier lagoon itself, an easy walk from the parking area. You’ll be treated with a view of the vast lagoon with icebergs and the massive glacier in the backdrop. Be sure to take your time in the amazing Skaftafell mountain!
Accessibility: There is a paid parking lot directly where the trails start, with an information center as well. Be well prepared and equipped for the hike to Svartifoss and Sjónarnípa. The walk to the glacier lagoon is very easy though.
Tip: To avoid the steep price of the parking lot, you can alternatively park at the camping site and spend the night there (ISK 2000 per person, price June 2020), in which you don’t need to pay the parking fee.
2. Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón
These two glacier lagoons are undoubtedly the most famous in the whole country. Who wouldn’t be impressed by the sights of countless icebergs floating peacefully in water.
Despite being located not so far from each other and both stems from the same main glacier of Vatnajökull, these two lagoons are different and unique. Fjallsárlón is the smaller of the two, but you can see the floating glacier chunks from a closer distance.
Jökulsárlón is way more massive with crystal blue water, and the glacier chunks are usually way bigger and sometimes even bigger than a house. And while you’re at Jökulsárlón, don’t forget to visit Diamond Beach, just directly at the coast by the lagoon, to spot some seals and also play with large iceberg chunks spread over the beach.
We would recommend not to choose one of the two, but visit both to fully admire the magic of these two glacier lagoons. But if you are really pressed with time, we personally would recommend Fjallsárlón since there is more guarantee of a lot of iceberg chunks from up close.
Accessibility: There are free official parking lots available at both Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón. You can easily and safely walk along the shore of the lagoons, but never climb on any of the iceberg chunk, however close it is to the shore as it can suddenly tip over and land you in trouble.
3. Stokksnes
This is a nice nature area by the sea with the mesmerizing mountain view to the Stokksnes mountain. We actually did not have a chance to admire this place due to a terrible storm and cloud shrouding the mountains.
However, we would recommend to visit this place based on the recommendation of our friends for a super picturesque mountain view.
Accessibility: There is a paid parking lot owned by the cafe there from where you can walk around the area.
4. Borgarfjörður
When you’re into puffins watching, this is definitely the place to be. Borgarfjörður is arguably one of the best places in Iceland to get up close to the iconic yet super cute birds.
This small rocky outcrop at the north-eastern corner of Iceland is a home to thousands of sea birds, including puffins, seagulls, and many others. But note that puffins can only be found here from late spring to late summer.
Accessibility: There is a free parking lot near the rocky outcrop where the birds are. From there it is a short walk away to get up close to the birds through a set of stairs and walkways.
5. Seyðisfjörður
Welcome to one of the most beautiful towns in the eastern fjords area. This picturesque little town is beautifully situated at the end of a long and deep fjords surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Many hiking trails can be taken from this town to explore the surrounding area, such as the one up to Tvísöngur or to Skálanes nature area to marvel at the fjord landscape. Also check out the pretty Seyðisfjarðarkirkja in the town center.
Accessibility: You can park your car for free in the many free parking area throughout the whole town.
6. Kárahnjúkavirkjun
Not a very natural sight, but what a view it provides. This super massive dam in the heart of Iceland is such a sight to behold. It houses the largest hydroelectric power plant in the whole country and is truly an engineering marvel.
Standing on the dam itself, one can see the contrasting view of each side of the dam, sandwiched between a barren deep gorge and a vast man-made lake surrounded by desert-like terrain.
Accessibility: At the moment (as of 2020) there is still construction work going on at the dam and you can park your car on the side of the dam and walk around the area.
7. Fardagafoss
While in the north-eastern town of Egilsstaðir, you have to visit the nearby Fardagafoss. It is an easy climb to the waterfall and you can even walk, but do it carefully, to the back of the waterfall. We could not do it since the heavy rain on the day before made the waterfall too big to be walked safely.
During the hike you can see another waterfall (Onno-Óltifoss) downstream of Fardagafoss with a pretty U-shaped river right below it. Don’t forget to look back once in a while to see Egilsstaðir from the distance.
Accessibility: There is a free parking lot at where the trail starts. From there it is an easy walk in under an hour to Fardagafoss.
8. Hengifoss
One of the must see in East Iceland, this waterfall is one of the highest in the whole country, tumbling down 128 meters from a cliff side to the river below. Also check out the red layered stripes on the rock face surrounding it.
The tall waterfall is already visible from the distance and it is about an hour hike up to the waterfall base. During this relatively easy hike, you’ll also be treated to the magnificent view of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Accessibility: A free parking lot is available at the start of the hiking trail. Anyone with a reasonable fitness can manage to complete the hike through a well marked and maintained trail.
9. Stuðlagil Canyon
This is one of our personal favorites in the whole of Iceland. Few sites can match the beauty, uniqueness, and wow-factor of this otherworldly canyon. Giant pillars of hexagonal basalt columns line the canyon’s sides neatly where a stream of turquoise water flows gently through it.
This place will surely capture your imagination and instill wonder in every traveler’s heart. Be sure to take your time to explore the whole canyon area. And don’t miss the Stuðlafoss waterfall with its basalt columns which you’ll encounter during the walk to the canyon.
Accessibility: Park your car at the Klaustursel farm, cross the bridge and turn right to walk further southwest towards the canyon to approach it from the east side to be able to descend into the canyon. Do not park at the Stuðlagil Canyon Parking listed in Google Maps since this one is located in the west part of the canton and you can only see the canyon from above and not go down into the canyon.
And those were the best sights and places in East Iceland. If you’d like to get more impression on the each place, check out our YouTube video about the highlights of East Iceland below!