Eskifjordur City
East Iceland fishing town with dramatic fjord scenery
Eskifjörður hangs on a long eastern fjord, where a small harbor supports trawlers and a museum collects cod-fishing relics. Visitors hike coastal ridges, watch for seals, and use the town as a refueling stop on Iceland’s Ring Road.
Eskifjordur at a Glance#
Costs: $150-230 / day - icelandic prices apply; accommodation and tours push daily costs up.
Safety: Very safe - low crime; outdoor hazards (weather, sea) are main risks.
Best Time: June-August - mildest weather, accessible hiking and long daylight.
Why Visit Eskifjordur?#
Perched along a narrow East Fjords inlet, this Icelandic town appeals to travelers who prize maritime character and quiet fjord scenery. Its working harbour and small maritime museum reflect a deep fishing heritage, and local menus highlight Arctic char and hearty plokkfiskur. Cultural history and seasonal festivals give a sense of place, while the seafront and winding mountain roads provide a measured, coastal Iceland experience away from larger tourist hubs.
Best Things to Do in Eskifjordur#
Eskifjordur Bucket List#
Maritime Museum (Gamlabúð) - Visit the Maritime Museum (Gamlabúð) to learn coastal fishing history in restored warehouses.
Harbour promenade - Walk the harbour promenade for views of mountains, fishing boats, and quiet coastal life.
Eskifjörður Church - Visit Eskifjörður Church for wood-carved altarpieces and local parish history.
Local artist studios - Explore local artist studios showcasing East Iceland crafts and landscape paintings.
Seabird walks along the fjord - Walk to nearby seabird colonies along the fjord for quiet nature encounters.
Small fishing-community cafés - Pop into tiny cafés frequented by fishers for stories and fresh local specialties.
Seyðisfjörður - Drive to Seyðisfjörður for colorful houses, art scene, and rainbow street.
Egilsstaðir - Visit Egilsstaðir for regional services, Lagarfljót river, and local restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Eskifjordur#
Eskifjörður is at its friendliest in summer (June-August) when the weather is mild, daylight is long and coastal roads are easiest. Winter offers aurora and stark beauty but stronger storms and occasional closures.
June - August
7°C to 13°C (45°F to 55°F)
Cool, mostly dry and pleasantly breezy; long days for hiking and coastal drives, though weather can still shift quickly and unpredictably.
September - November
1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F)
Rain and wind increase, daylight shortens; dramatic colors and fewer visitors, but some mountain roads can close after storms unexpectedly.
December - February
-2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F)
Cold, windy and often snowy with frequent storms; rewarding northern-lights displays and empty fjords, but expect travel disruptions and limited hiking.
Continental climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1111 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Eskifjordur#
How to Get Around Eskifjordur#
- Bus -
- Domestic flight -
- Taxi -
- Car (rental) -
- Walking -
Where to Eat in Eskifjordur#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Eskifjordur’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Eskifjordur#
Shopping is modest - a supermarket, a few small shops and occasional craft sellers tied to the fishing industry. For broader shopping or specialty items, plan a trip to Egilsstaðir where services are more extensive.
Nightlife in Eskifjordur#
Nightlife is low-key with hotel bars, cafés and the occasional live-music night rather than a club scene. If you want more late-evening options, Egilsstaðir is the nearest place with a wider range of bars and events.
