What to Do in East Iceland in Summer: A Local’s Guide

Most travelers to Iceland race around the Ring Road or focus on the South Coast. But those who make their way east in summer discover something quieter, wilder, and more personal.

Here in East Iceland, the landscapes are vast, the crowds are few, and the stories run deep. You won’t find big tour buses or Instagrammable cafés on every corner—but you will find deep fjords, remote canyons, reindeer in the hills, and locals who still believe in elves.

As a small, family-run tour company based just outside Egilsstaðir, we’ve spent years exploring this region—by foot, on quiet forest roads, and across the highlands. Summer is when everything comes alive: roads open up, reindeer roam freely, and the days stretch long into the night. Often, the best moments come when we’re not in a rush—standing at a waterfall with no one else around, watching fog roll through a fjord, or sharing a story about the land we’ve come to love.

This guide is our take on what you shouldn't miss during summer in the East.

1. Hike Through Wild Landscapes

East Iceland is full of dramatic terrain—and many of its best places are still peaceful and uncrowded, especially in summer when the roads and trails are most accessible. One of the most breathtaking spots is Stuðlagil Canyon, where turquoise waters cut through soaring basalt columns. It’s a place that feels ancient and untouched.

Nearby, the Hallormsstaður Forest—Iceland’s largest forest—is a surprising contrast to the island’s typical volcanic scenery. It’s perfect for a quiet walk, a lakeside picnic, or even just to hear the wind in the trees.

If you want a taste of true isolation, head out to Mjóifjörður. Only accessible in summer, this hidden fjord is home to a tiny village, roaring waterfalls, and a timeless quiet that’s hard to describe until you’ve been there.

2. Discover Culture, Folklore, and Wildlife

Summer is the best time to explore the cultural roots and wildlife of East Iceland. In Borgarfjörður Eystri, you’ll find more than puffins (though they’re worth the trip on their own). This small village is steeped in folklore. According to the sagas, it’s home to Álfaborg—the Queen of the Elves. Whether or not you believe, walking the trails here feels a little magical.

For those interested in deeper cultural insight and the chance to see wild reindeer, the Fljótsdalur Expedition is one of our most meaningful experiences. This tour explores the rural heartland of East Iceland, where history and nature overlap. You'll visit a reindeer farm, meet locals who still live close to the land, and stop at the Wilderness Center—a cultural site that preserves the stories of life in Iceland’s eastern valleys.

3. Embrace Slow Travel

Summer in the East is about more than just where you go—it’s how you experience it. This part of Iceland is perfect for travelers who don’t want to rush from one landmark to the next. Here, the joy is in the in-between—the quiet drive along a fjord, the short stop at a roadside stream, or the feeling of being the only one on the trail.

That’s why we keep our tours private and flexible. We build space into the day. We adapt to weather and mood. And we take time to share what we’ve learned from living in the East—not just where to go, but why the land matters.

Whether you're walking among waterfalls, listening to old legends, or soaking up the midnight light, summer is the perfect season to slow down and let East Iceland in.

Off the beaten path in Mjóifjörður

4. How to Explore East Iceland in Summer

You can reach East Iceland by flying into Egilsstaðir, driving the scenic Ring Road, or taking the ferry into Seyðisfjörður. However you arrive, we recommend staying a few nights—enough to settle in, explore the region at your own pace, and discover some of its quieter corners.

If you’d like help planning your time here, we’d be happy to guide you. We offer a variety of

private day tours that cover landscapes, culture, and the in-between moments that often become people’s favorites.

Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, East Iceland in summer offers something that’s hard to explain—but easy to feel once you’re here.

Explore our full list of summer tours or get in touch to plan your own East Iceland experience.