East Iceland Campervan Itinerary 2025 - 2026
A three to four day journey through the Eastfjords for travellers who prefer quiet roads, working harbours and basalt canyons instead of crowded parking lots.
Jump to section:
- Why East Iceland Works So Well
- Best Basecamps in East Iceland
- Key Highlights on the Route
- East Iceland Route Map
- Three to Four Day Itinerary
- Driving, Campsites & Season Tips
- East Iceland Campervan FAQ
A region made for slow travel
East Iceland is ideal for travellers who prefer quiet fjords and working harbours to crowded parking lots.
Many visitors drive straight through this region without stopping, heading toward more famous waterfalls in the south.
However, the Eastfjords reward a slower pace with steep mountains, small fishing villages and reliable chances to see puffins and reindeer.
Flexibility and comfort in any weather
With a campervan you can adjust to the weather, stay longer where conditions are good and move on when clouds arrive.
You are not tied to hotel bookings or fixed check-in times. After a windy hike or a late photo stop you can simply return to a warm, comfortable space.
This flexibility is what makes East Iceland such a natural fit for a campervan route.
In one sentence: East Iceland offers quiet roads, open space and a calmer style of travel, especially when explored by campervan.
East Iceland at a glance
- Ideal trip length: 3–4 days
- Distance from Reykjavík: About 450 km
- Best season: June to August
- Main hub: Egilsstaðir
“Once you leave Egilsstaðir, the traffic thins out. On many trails you can walk for an hour without seeing anyone else.”
Why East Iceland Works So Well With a Campervan
Quiet roads and relaxed viewpoints
East Iceland offers long stretches of open road, quiet villages and generally steady summer weather.
The South Coast often becomes busy by late morning, even outside peak season. In contrast, the Eastfjords provide calm viewpoints and uncrowded stops.
Clearer roads than most travellers expect
Route 1 across the East is fully paved. Route 93 to Seyðisfjörður is a predictable mountain pass with manageable bends.
The road to Borgarfjörður Eystri includes gravel and some tight corners, so slowing down in wind or rain is sensible.
Overall, this region feels comfortable for drivers with basic experience.
Fuel, services and route flexibility
Fuel stations are spaced out, so top up in Egilsstaðir before entering remote valleys or canyon areas.
Campsites sit close to the region’s main viewpoints, making it easy to adjust your plan according to weather.
Planning tip: Whenever possible, take one of the older coastal roads instead of the inland shortcut. The pace feels slower and the fjord views are better.
Best Basecamps in East Iceland
These towns keep driving times short and provide fuel, food and reliable campsites. You can stay two nights in one base or change location each evening depending on your pace and the weather.
Egilsstaðir (practical hub)
Egilsstaðir is the main supply point in the region. Supermarkets, fuel and the year round campsite are close together.
Because major roads meet here, it works well as a reset point before continuing deeper into the fjords.
- Open year round with showers and laundry
- Close to Hengifoss and Hallormsstaðaskógur
- Vök Baths for evening relaxation
Seyðisfjörður (fjord village)
This photogenic village sits at the base of a deep fjord surrounded by waterfalls. Because the town is compact and walkable,
you can leave the campervan at the campsite and explore on foot.
- Rainbow Street and blue church
- Short walk to Gufufoss
- Campsite close to the harbour
Borgarfjörður Eystri (puffin base)
The village is known for easy puffin viewing at Hafnarhólmi. Wooden walkways bring you close to the birds while protecting their burrows.
Trails in the surrounding hills offer a full day of hiking without long drives.
- Hafnarhólmi puffin colony
- Stórurð and Víknaslóðir walking routes
- Campsite within walking distance of the harbour
Höfn and Vestrahorn (coastal link)
Höfn makes a convenient final stop before heading toward the glaciers and black sand beaches of the South Coast.
It has good restaurants and views toward Vatnajökull on clear days.
- Views of Vatnajökull
- Campsite with harbour scenery
- Great last resupply before driving west
Key Highlights on the East Iceland Route
This itinerary keeps driving times comfortable while covering the essential sights of the Eastfjords.
Stuðlagil Canyon
A narrow corridor of towering basalt shapes cut by the Jökla river. The east side offers the best access and views.
Early summer often brings bright turquoise water.
Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss
Red clay layers and dark basalt create unique striped cliffs behind Hengifoss. The trail passes Litlanesfoss, framed by tall basalt columns.
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Signed trails lead through the forest and up to viewpoints over Lake Lagarfljót. Local folklore adds a small story to a quiet landscape.
Borgarfjörður Eystri Puffins
Walk the wooden platforms at Hafnarhólmi to see puffins from close range.
Vestrahorn
Dramatic peaks above black sand and shallow lagoons. At low tide, wet sand can reflect the mountains for great photos.
East Iceland Campervan Route Map
This map shows the full loop with major stops and suggested driving legs.
Open full route in Google Maps
Three to Four Day East Iceland Campervan Itinerary
You can finish this loop in three days if you travel steadily. With a fourth day you can explore Stuðlagil and Vestrahorn in calmer light.
Day 1 – Egilsstaðir to Seyðisfjörður
Focus: Mountain pass · Overnight: Seyðisfjörður
Start with a full tank before driving over Route 93. Clear days reveal wide views of the plateau and fjord.
Fog and wind can arrive quickly, so use lower gear on descents.
- Walk Rainbow Street and the harbour
- Visit Gufufoss when road conditions are safe
- Stay at the village campsite
Day 2 – Seyðisfjörður to Borgarfjörður Eystri
Focus: Puffins · Remote fjord
Return to Egilsstaðir, then continue toward Borgarfjörður Eystri. The final stretch includes gravel and narrow bends,
so keep your speed low in rain or wind.
- Visit the Hafnarhólmi puffin platforms
- Walk the headlands around the harbour
- Stay at the local campsite
Day 3 – Borgarfjörður Eystri to Hengifoss
Focus: Waterfalls · Forest trails · Overnight: Egilsstaðir
Return to Lagarfljót and drive to Hengifoss car park. The climb is steady and passes Litlanesfoss on the way.
End the day with a short forest loop at Hallormsstað