Top 5 Reasons to Visit East Iceland (Instead of the Crowded South)

Peaceful landscape in East Iceland with open space and no crowds

Let’s be honest: most travelers coming to Iceland head straight south. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, big-name sites — it’s all over Instagram, and it’s easy to see why.

But here’s the thing: when you go east, you get something else entirely.

At East Highlanders, we guide guests through this part of the country every day — and we hear the same thing over and over again:

“I wish we had planned more time here.”

So if you’re planning your trip and wondering whether to follow the crowds or carve your own path, here are 5 reasons to consider choosing East Iceland instead of the South.

1. Less Crowds, No Rush

In the East, you don’t have to race to beat the bus. You don’t have to wait for the waterfall to clear. You don’t have to walk in line on a trail that feels more like a queue.

You can just… be.

We’ve had guests tell us they didn’t realize how much they needed that. Space. Quiet. Room to breathe. They came here expecting nice views — and left with something much deeper: a sense of stillness.

If you’re someone who values time over TikToks, East Iceland might feel like a breath of fresh air.

Private traveler enjoying a quiet view during East Iceland day tour

2. Wilder Nature, Closer to You

Yes, Iceland’s nature is amazing everywhere. But in the East, it feels like it’s just for you.

You might spot wild reindeer crossing a snowy road. Hike into a canyon with basalt walls towering above you. Or pull over to look at a glacial river and realize no one else is around.

From highland deserts to coastal cliffs, the variety here is incredible — and you’re rarely sharing it with a crowd.

One guest once told us, “I feel so small compared to the nature here.”We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Puffin in East Iceland

3. Authentic Encounters with Locals

People in the East don’t just work in tourism — they live here, raise families here, and take pride in sharing the stories of this region.

When you tour with us, you're not just hearing a script. You’re talking to someone who knows the land, knows the history, and can point out the places that don’t show up on Google Maps.

We’ve had deep conversations on forest trails, on gravel roads, in small-town cafés. That’s what happens when you slow down and make room for real connection.

4. Hidden Gems Over Highlights

Sure, you’ve heard of the Golden Circle. But have you heard of Stuðlagil Canyon? Have you stood by a basalt river in total silence? Or visited an elf queen’s home in Borgarfjörður Eystri?

The South has its famous spots. But the East has its soul.

Here, it’s not about checking boxes. It’s about discovering places that feel like secrets — from the quiet farms of Fljótsdalur to the endless trails that wind from mountain to sea.

Hidden gem location in East Iceland with no other tourists in sight

5. It Feels Like Iceland Used to Feel

This is the comment we hear the most from returning travelers.“This feels like the Iceland I imagined.”

No rush. No fences. No noise. Just wide views, changing light, and local stories told with care.

East Iceland isn’t just a destination — it’s a pace. One that gives you time to notice things. To ask questions. To feel.

We believe every season here has something to offer. Summer’s green valleys. Winter’s snow and stillness. Spring’s meltwater and returning birds. Autumn’s colors and cool, crisp air. (Personally, we recommend coming four times — one for each season.)

Guests enjoying a private East Iceland moment with local guide

Ready to Explore the East?

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for something more personal, East Iceland welcomes everyone — families, photographers, hikers, or the simply curious.

Explore our private day tours or reach out to plan something custom. You might just find the Iceland you didn’t know you were looking for.

– The East Highlanders Team