EskifjordurEskifjordur 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
Mountain
Víkingur
Small East Iceland village and fishing port
Waterfall
Fardagafoss
Waterfall in eastern Iceland, accessible by hiking
Waterfall
Gufufoss
Picturesque waterfall among rocky cliffs in East Iceland
Eskifjordur Bucket List
Don't Miss
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.
Hidden Gems
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.
Day Trips
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.
Summer
Cool, mostly dry and pleasantly breezy; long days for hiking and coastal drives, though weather can still shift quickly and unpredictably.
Autumn
Rain and wind increase, daylight shortens; dramatic colors and fewer visitors, but some mountain roads can close after storms unexpectedly.
Winter
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 2° | -7° | 118 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.4h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 89 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 2° | -6° | 99 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 4° | -3° | 68 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 15.0h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 62 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 56 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 21.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 8° | 76 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 8° | 86 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.3h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 117 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 6° | 0° | 141 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 3° | -4° | 99 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.7h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -6° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 92% | 5.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
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.
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.
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.