Scenic Drive
Route 92
Main route from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður
Fagridalur: Beautiful Valley in East Iceland
Fagridalur — Beautiful Valley
Updated February 10, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
A scenic valley along the main route from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður, offering a beautiful drive through typical East Iceland mountain terrain.
Region
East Iceland
Best time: May – September
Fagridalur, meaning "Beautiful Valley," is located along the main route from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður in East Iceland. The valley lies south of Fossadalur valley and west of the 512 m Skúta peak. Travelers passing through enjoy a scenic drive through typical East Iceland mountain terrain, with green hillsides, dramatic peaks, and ever-changing light conditions that make this stretch particularly photogenic.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-10
The road through Fagridalur is paved and open year-round. Winter conditions may require caution due to snow and ice on mountain passes.
Sources to check
Notable Peak
Skúta (512 m)
Mountain west of the valley
Best Season
May–Sep
Best visibility and greenest scenery
Region
East Iceland
Typical East Iceland mountain terrain
Meaning
'Beautiful Valley'
The name Fagridalur translates to 'Beautiful Valley' — and it lives up to its name
Wildlife
Reindeer
East Iceland's free-roaming reindeer herds are sometimes spotted in the valley
Key Highlights
Scenic Mountain Drive
One of East Iceland's most beautiful road stretches through mountain terrain
Skúta Peak (512 m)
A prominent mountain offering hiking opportunities with panoramic views
Fossadalur Connection
Neighboring valley to the north adds more scenery to the area
East Iceland Character
Typical green hillsides, dramatic peaks, and ever-changing light
How to Get There
- Located on the scenic mountain road between Egilsstaðir and Reyðarfjörður in East Iceland
- Access via Route 92 from Egilsstaðir, the valley appears as you cross the mountain pass
- About 25 km from Egilsstaðir, a 30-minute drive on a paved road
- The valley is a natural stop when driving between Egilsstaðir and the Eastfjords towns
- Egilsstaðir Airport has daily flights from Reykjavik for faster access to the region
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Wildflowers bloom across the valley floor, comfortable hiking temperatures
- July: Peak summer with the lushest vegetation and longest daylight hours
- September: Autumn colors in the birch patches, reindeer occasionally spotted
- Year-round: The road through the valley is maintained in all seasons
- May: Snow recedes revealing green pastures, lambing season on local farms
Planning help
Fagridalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.