Region
East Iceland
45 km from Egilsstadir
Mjoifjordur: East Iceland's Isolated Fjord Village
A village of only 10 houses deep in a narrow East Iceland fjord, reached by a single road that closes each winter.
Settlement
Brekkuþorp
East Iceland • Fjord village
Quick Answer
Mjóifjörður is an East Iceland fjord with a seasonal road approach. Check whether Route 953 is open before adding the fjord to a driving itinerary.
Mjoifjordur (meaning "narrow fjord") lives up to its name: a slender inlet of sea flanked by steep mountains. The seasonal road determines whether this can be part of a driving trip. Brekkuþorp is the small settlement identified in the regional visitor guide.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check road conditions before visiting Mjoifjordur. Route 953 closes in winter, typically from November to May.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Settlement
Brekkuþorp
Small year-round community
Known for
Fjord Scenery
Steep mountain walls
Top Attractions near Mjoifjordur
Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall
Multi-tiered falls near the village
Fjord Panoramas
Steep mountain walls on both sides of the fjord
Historic Shipwreck
A shipwreck beside the fjord
Hiking Trails
Challenging routes into surrounding mountains
Dalatangi Lighthouse
A lighthouse on the outer fjord coast
Village Atmosphere
One of Iceland's smallest communities
Decide whether to continue to Dalatangi
Visit East Iceland identifies Klifbrekkufossar on the descent into the fjord and an American LCM landing craft at its head. These give you stopping points before deciding whether to continue along the outer coast. The regional guide describes the road toward Dalatangi as narrow and winding, past cliffs, waterfalls and gorges; reaching the village does not mean you have finished that drive.
Dalatangi has two lighthouses; the regional guide dates the older one to 1895. Choose that extension because you want the coast and lighthouses, and leave time for the return. Check current road conditions before committing to either the fjord approach or the coastal extension.
How to Get to Mjoifjordur
By car: Route 953 from Egilsstadir (about 1 hour). The road includes a steep mountain pass; a 4x4 is recommended.
Road closure: The road closes in winter (typically November-May). Check road.is before traveling.
Preparation: Bring all supplies including extra fuel. There are no shops or fuel stations in Mjoifjordur.
Best Time to Visit Mjoifjordur
Summer: June-September is the only reliable window. Mid-summer brings midnight sun and the best hiking conditions.
Winter: The road is closed and the village is inaccessible to visitors. Even residents must plan for months of isolation.
Planning help
Mjoifjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What kind of stop is Mjóifjörður?
Mjóifjörður is a small fjord community with sights along the approach and outer coast. A stop near the head of the fjord and continuing to Dalatangi are different driving plans.
What makes Mjoifjordur's scenery special?
Steep mountains rise directly from the water on both sides of the narrow fjord. It is one of the more photographed landscapes in East Iceland.
How is Mjoifjordur accessed?
Only one road (Route 953) leads to Mjoifjordur. It's a steep mountain pass that closes in winter, so the village is cut off for months.
Is Mjoifjordur accessible in winter?
No, the road typically closes from November to May due to snow. Residents are essentially cut off from the rest of Iceland during this time.
How far is Mjoifjordur from Egilsstadir?
Mjoifjordur is about 45 km from Egilsstadir (approximately 1 hour driving) via Route 953, though actual time depends on road conditions.
Is there a waterfall in Mjoifjordur?
Yes, Klifbrekkufossar is a multi-tiered waterfall near the village, reached by a short hike.
What services are available in Mjoifjordur?
Services are minimal. There's a small summer cafe and guesthouse, but no shops. Bring all supplies from Egilsstadir.
What is the history of Mjoifjordur?
Once a larger fishing and farming community, Mjoifjordur has gradually depopulated as residents moved to larger towns. Those who stayed chose the isolation.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.