Reydarfjordur City
Icelandic town in the East fjords
A fjord-side town in East Iceland, Reyðarfjörður draws hikers, anglers and history buffs - wartime docks, the Maritime Museum and surrounding mountains make it a practical base for fjord exploration and aurora watching.
Reydarfjordur at a Glance#
Costs: Typical budget: $160-$220/day - iceland’s high prices for food, fuel and accommodation; remote region costs higher.
Safety: Extremely safe; remote and orderly - very low crime; extreme weather and isolated roads are the main hazards.
Best Time: Best months: June-August, September-March - summer for mild weather and hiking; autumn-spring for Northern Lights.
Why Visit Reydarfjordur?#
A fjord-side town in Iceland’s Eastfjords, it draws visitors with dramatic coastal scenery, steep mountains and easy access to hiking on nearby ridges. Reyðarfjörður also preserves wartime history in its local World War II exhibits and memorials, and clear winter nights often offer Northern Lights viewing. Fresh seafood and small-town hospitality make it a memorable stop between larger East Iceland destinations.
Best Things to Do in Reydarfjordur#
Reydarfjordur Bucket List#
Icelandic Wartime Museum (Reyðarfjörður) - Exhibits on Allied occupation and local wartime history in East Iceland.
Reyðarfjörður fjordwalk and harbor - Harbor area with coastal walks, boats, and views into steep fjord walls.
Local swimming pool (Sundlaug Reyðarfjarðar) - Geothermally heated public pool with family facilities and scenic fjord views.
Town wartime murals - Large outdoor mural project honoring wartime history and community artists painted around town.
Small local cafés and bakeries - Cozy cafés serving rye breads, seafood, and homemade cakes popular with locals.
Secluded fishing coves nearby - Quiet rocky coves reachable by short drives, good for angling and solitude.
Seyðisfjörður - Colourful arts town at fjord head, reachable via mountain pass and ferry connections.
Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls - Tall basalt-walled waterfalls near Egilsstaðir with layered rock formations and hiking trails.
Best Time to Visit Reydarfjordur#
Reydarfjordur is best in summer for mild temperatures, long daylight and outdoor exploration of fjords and trails. Winters are stark and dramatic but often windy with limited daylight.
December - February
-5 to 3°C (23 to 37°F)
Dark, cold days with frequent winds and snow at higher elevations - dramatic fjord scenery but limited daylight and rough weather.
March - May
0 to 8°C (32 to 46°F)
Slow thaw with unpredictable weather; quiet roads and spectacular waterfalls, though many facilities open only later in the season.
June - August
6 to 13°C (43 to 55°F)
Cool, long days and calm fjords - excellent for hiking, birdlife and scenic drives, plus near-constant daylight during midsummer.
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How to Get to Reydarfjordur#
Reyðarfjörður is served by Egilsstaðir for domestic flights; most international visitors arrive via Keflavík/Reykjavík then continue by domestic flight, bus or car. Because of limited public-transport frequency in the Eastfjords, renting a car or arranging a transfer tends to be the most practical solution.
Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS): Egilsstaðir is the closest airport to Reyðarfjörður and handles domestic flights from Reykjavík (scheduled by Eagle/Sam? or regional carriers). From Egilsstaðir drive or take a bus/taxi to Reyðarfjörður - the road distance is about 27-35 km and the trip takes ~25-35 minutes by car or taxi. Taxis may cost several thousand ISK (typical range ISK 4,000-8,000); bus fares are lower but schedules are limited.
Reykjavík Domestic / Keflavík (KEF): International visitors usually fly into Keflavík (KEF) and transfer to Reykjavík (Domestic Airport, RKV) for a domestic flight to Egilsstaðir; alternatively rent a car in Reykjavik and drive the ring road (long drive, many hours).
Train: Iceland has no rail network.
Bus: Public regional buses (Straeto and private coaches) link Egilsstaðir with towns in the East fjords, including Reyðarfjörður. Journey times are roughly 25-45 minutes from Egilsstaðir depending on route, and fares are modest (check Straeto.is for current prices and timetables). Car hire or taxis are often more convenient due to limited bus frequencies.
How to Get Around Reydarfjordur#
Because public-transport departures in East Iceland are limited, many visitors prefer to fly into Egilsstaðir and use a taxi or rental car to reach Reyðarfjörður. Buses exist but require planning around sparse timetables.
- Domestic flights (to Egilsstaðir) (Varies widely (check carriers for current fares)) - Domestic flights connect Reykjavík Domestic (RKV) to Egilsstaðir; schedules are limited and seasonal. Flights cut down long driving times across Iceland but require planning around bus/transfer times at the destination.
- Regional bus (Straeto / private coaches) (Modest (ISK-level fares); check operator) - Straeto and private coach operators run services between Egilsstaðir and Reyðarfjörður; buses are reliable but have limited departures, especially off-season. Timetables and fares change seasonally, so consult Straeto.is or local operators in advance.
- Taxi / transfer (ISK 4,000-8,000 (typical taxi estimate)) - Taxis from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður are fast and convenient for small groups or late arrivals, but can be expensive compared with bus fares. Pre-booking a transfer is common for cruise or flight connections.
- Car hire (~ISK 8,000-20,000/day depending on season and vehicle) - Hiring a car is the most flexible way to travel in the Eastfjords - roads are well maintained but weather can be variable. Driving gives freedom to explore fjords and small villages at your own pace.
- Ferry / boat (local) (Varies by tour) - There are local boat services and fishing-boat charters in the Eastfjords for short excursions; schedules and availability are seasonal and weather dependent. These are primarily for leisure rather than transport between towns.
- Walking - Reyðarfjörður village is compact and easy to explore on foot; walking the harbour and nearby trails is the best way to take in the fjord scenery.
Where to Stay in Reydarfjordur#
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Where to Eat in Reydarfjordur#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Reydarfjordur’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Reydarfjordur#
Shopping is limited to a small supermarket and a handful of local shops supplying essentials. For a wider selection of goods, larger towns like Egilsstaðir are the nearest option.
Nightlife in Reydarfjordur#
Nightlife is very modest - a couple of pubs and seasonal events. For more bars, live music and late-night options, travel to larger East Iceland towns.
