Region
Eastfjords
680 km from Reykjavik
Eskifjordur, Eastfjords
A historic fishing town with a maritime museum, mountain hiking, and Iceland's biggest metal festival.
Population
~1,000
Eastfjords • Maritime heritage
Eskifjordur is an old Eastfjords fishing town with good hiking on its doorstep. The East Iceland Maritime Museum records generations who made their living from the sea, and the surrounding mountains hold some of the region's best trails. Each July the quiet town fills up for the Eistnaflug heavy metal festival.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Eskifjordur is the gateway to Neskaupstadur through the Oddsskard tunnel system.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Population
~1,000
Historic fishing community
Known for
Maritime Museum
East Iceland fishing heritage
Top Attractions in Eskifjordur
East Iceland Maritime Museum
Fishing heritage and boat collection
Holmatindur
985m peak above the town
Helgustadir Mine
Historic Icelandic spar crystal mine
Eistnaflug Festival
Iceland's biggest metal festival (July)
Swimming Pool
Geothermal outdoor pool
Fishing Harbor
Active working harbor
How to Get to Eskifjordur
From Egilsstadir: 45 km (40 minutes) via Route 92.
From Reykjavik: Fly to Egilsstadir, then drive. Or 8 hours by car via Route 1.
Tunnels: Connected to Reydarfjordur (8 km tunnel) and Neskaupstadur (Oddsskard tunnel) for easy access between Eastfjords towns.
Best Time to Visit Eskifjordur
Summer: Best hiking weather. July brings the Eistnaflug festival; book early if visiting during the event.
Winter: Quiet season with Northern Lights. Maritime Museum remains open. Roads maintained via tunnels.
Planning help
Eskifjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.