History
WWII Museum
Excellent exhibits on the British and American occupation.
East Iceland
Reydarfjordur (Reyðarfjörður) Fjord Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide
The longest fjord in the Eastfjords at 30km, with fascinating WWII history when it served as a secret Allied base. Visit the Icelandic Wartime Museum, explore filming locations from the TV show Fortitude, and experience the dramatic scale of East Iceland's largest fjord.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Main Town
Reyðarfjörður
Regional center for Fjarðabyggð municipality.
Massive and majestic, Reyðarfjörður is the widest of the eastern fjords. Its strategic depth made it a secret Allied base in WWII, and today it remains a powerhouse of the East. The sheer scale of the mountains here dwarfs the towns below, reminding you of nature's dominance.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
The main road (Route 92) connecting to Egilsstaðir is paved and good, but check for winter conditions.
Sources to check
Scale
Longest
At 30km, it feels massive and grand compared to tighter fjords.
Pop Culture
Fortitude
Fans of the TV show will recognize the scenery immediately.
Hub
Regional Center
The largest town in the Eastfjords with supermarkets, a hospital, and good services.
Hiking
Mountain Trails
Trails lead up to panoramic viewpoints over the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Industry
Alcoa Smelter
Iceland's largest aluminum smelter operates here, a major employer for the region.
What to Expect
- Icelandic Wartime Museum documenting the secret Allied naval base during WWII
- Filming locations from the British TV show Fortitude recognizable throughout town
- The longest Eastfjords fjord at 30 kilometers with massive mountain scale
- Tunnel connections to Eskifjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður for easy multi-fjord exploration
- Mountain hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoints over the vast fjord
- Regional hub status with supermarkets, hospital, and full services for Eastfjords visitors
How to Get to Reyðarfjörður
Driving from Egilsstaðir
Reyðarfjörður is 32km (30 minutes) from Egilsstaðir via Route 92. The road descends through a mountain pass offering views of the massive fjord. Tunnels connect to neighboring fjords, making it a central hub for Eastfjords exploration.
Road Conditions
Route 92 is paved and well-maintained year-round. The mountain pass can have snow in winter but is regularly cleared. Tunnels to Eskifjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður are modern and easy to drive. Check road.is in winter.
Best Time to Visit Reyðarfjörður
Summer (June-August)
Best time for exploring. Midnight sun, all attractions open, perfect hiking weather. Wartime Museum at full operation. Weather mildest (8-15°C). Best views of the massive fjord.
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Fewer tourists, museum still open. Northern lights in September. All roads accessible. Expect 4-10°C temperatures. Industrial activity continues year-round.
Winter (Oct-April)
Town functions year-round as a regional hub. Museum may have limited hours. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Great for northern lights. Roads maintained but check conditions.
Nearby Attractions
Icelandic Wartime Museum
Excellent museum documenting the British and American military presence in East Iceland during WWII.
Eskifjörður
Neighboring fjord town connected by tunnel, with the Maritime Museum and Helgustaðir Iceland spar mine.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
French-heritage village through the tunnel to the east, with bilingual signs and the French Hospital Museum.
Hólmanes Nature Reserve
Peninsula near Eskifjörður with marked hiking trails through dramatic coastal scenery and bird cliffs.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main town, 30 minutes away, with flights, shops, and the Lagarfljót lake monster legend.
Planning help
Reyðarfjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.