The East Fjords are a little known region, we often stop before, at the Jokulsarlon on route 1, where you can experience these places in a short amount of time. However, the view of the fjords can be amazing, and some places deserve that you take the time to discover them.

Between sea and mountains: the East Fjords 

Grimsey is a small Icelandic island situated about 25 miles north of Iceland and the arctic polar circle runs through it. The spot is also ideal for watching bird colonies.

Crossing over the arctic circle on Grimsey island

Only open when the centre of the country is no longer under snow, Route F35 is one of the most legendary in Iceland: rocky and wild, it winds its way through the most desolate and mountainous regions of the island. An exceptional road trip of discovery during the summer months!

On the F35

The peninsula of Snæfellsnes, made famous by Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth, contains most of Iceland's magnificent landscapes and is just a few hours' drive from the capital. In one day—or two, if you have the time—, you can discover superb panoramic views and various natural places of interest.

A day on the peninsula of Snæfellsnes

Skaftafell

Hekla

Gullfoss

Just opposite the little village of Djúpivogur, the island of Papey stands tall with its 2 square kilometres of uninhabited land. It is a landmark for the birds that come in the summer to nest in its cliffs and on its green slopes.

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Travellers to Iceland quite often content themselves with seeing the island of Papey from a distance. In fact, this little island in the eastern part of the East Fjords is uninhabited and serves as a safe haven for seabirds—particularly for the star of these parts, the puffin, which comes to nest in complete peace for the summer.  I was able to go to Papey one summer thanks to an excursion leaving from Djúpivogur. On the list of things to do: seeing the seals that lounge about on the coast and the puffins that fly just above the sea, as well as a two-hour walk on the island to go and see the only building besides the lighthouse: a little wooden church, introduced as the oldest and smallest church in the country.  A visit to this island is especially recommended for bird lovers and for those who want to see the birds up close, even though the cliffs of the East Fjords are full of places where you can see puffins.

Papey Holidays

Papey: How to get there?

Papey: See when to go?

Papey: For how long?

Papey: What to see nearby?

Iceland: our articles for your holidays