Region
Eastfjords
700 km from Reykjavik
Neskaupstadur Iceland: Easternmost Town & Maritime Museum Guide
Iceland's easternmost town—a remote fishing community reached through mountain tunnels, with excellent museums and dramatic Arctic scenery.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Population
~1,500
Eastfjords • Easternmost town
Neskaupstadur sits at the end of the road in East Iceland—quite literally Iceland's easternmost town. Reached through the Oddsskard tunnel, this fishing community offers authentic Icelandic culture away from tourist crowds, with fine museums, dramatic mountain scenery, and the feeling of being at the edge of the world.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
The tunnel to Neskaupstadur is open year-round, but check road conditions in winter for the approach roads.
Sources to check
Population
~1,500
Largest town in Eastfjords
Known for
Easternmost town
Maritime heritage and museums
Top Attractions in Neskaupstadur
Maritime Museum
Fishing heritage and local history
Paskahellir Cave
Famous sea cave accessible at low tide
Natural History Museum
Local flora, fauna, and geology
Art Museum
Works by Icelandic artists
Mountain Hiking
Dramatic peaks with Arctic Ocean views
Norðfjörður
The scenic fjord surrounding the town
How to Get to Neskaupstadur
From Egilsstadir: 70 km (1 hour) via Route 92 through the Oddsskard tunnel.
From Reykjavik: Fly to Egilsstadir (1 hour), then drive to Neskaupstadur. Or drive 8-9 hours via Route 1.
The tunnel: The 7.5 km Oddsskard tunnel (opened 2017) provides year-round access, ending the town's winter isolation.
Best Time to Visit Neskaupstadur
Summer: Midnight sun, best hiking conditions, Paskahellir cave accessible.
Winter: Northern Lights, authentic local atmosphere. Tunnel ensures access but check road conditions.
Planning help
Neskaupstadur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.