Getting around — East Fjords

The East Fjords are explored exclusively by hire car (or personal vehicle arrived by Smyril Line ferry).

From Reykjavik, two options: the road (700 km on Route 1 south + fjords, 8-9 h non-stop, 2-3 days with stops; or 600 km on Route 1 north via Akureyri, same durations) or the domestic flight (Reykjavik RKV-Egilsstaðir EGS, 1 h, €90-150 return with Air Iceland Connect, 2-3 daily flights). The flight is relevant for a short trip focused on the fjords; the road is necessary in a Ring Road road trip framework.

At Egilsstaðir, car hire possible at Hertz, Avis, Lotus at the airport or in town. Count €70-100/day for a 2WD compact, €120-180/day for a 4x4. The main roads (1, 93, 92, 94 in season) are paved and well maintained. For the Borgarfjörður Eystri peninsula (Route 94), a 4x4 is recommended at the start or end of the season, and the road is closed October to May.

The Smyril Line ferry (Norröna) links Hirtshals (Denmark) to Seyðisfjörður in 47 h with a stop in the Faroes. Weekly service, €1,000-1,600 return for cabin + car. It's the option for travellers wanting to arrive with their own vehicle (campervan, personal car equipped for the cold).

At Seyðisfjörður, the village is walked in 2-3 hours. At Djúpivogur, Stöðvarfjörður and other fjord villages, Route 1 crosses directly through the centre — park and walk.

In winter, Route 93 (Egilsstaðir-Seyðisfjörður, 620 m pass) closes frequently during blizzards. Route 1 remains drivable most of the time but the crossing of the highlands between Egilsstaðir and Mývatn (Möðrudalur, alt. 530 m) can be tricky. Systematically check road.is the morning of each trip, and adapt your itinerary if necessary.