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.
Population
~50
East Iceland • Fjord village
Mjoifjordur (meaning "narrow fjord") lives up to its name: a slender inlet of sea flanked by steep mountains. The village has 10 houses, about 50 residents, one seasonal road in, and no shops. Few visitors make the drive, and the isolation is much of the appeal.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Check road conditions before visiting Mjoifjordur. Route 953 closes in winter, typically from November to May.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Population
~50
Only 10 houses
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
Remains of the Bruarfoss visible at low tide
Hiking Trails
Challenging routes into surrounding mountains
Dalatangi Lighthouse
Iceland's easternmost point nearby
Village Atmosphere
One of Iceland's smallest communities
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.