Region
Eastfjords
670 km from Reykjavik
Reydarfjordur: Town on the Eastfjords' Longest Fjord
A fishing town on the longest fjord in the Eastfjords, with WWII history and mountain hiking.
Population
~1,200
Eastfjords • Longest fjord
Quick Answer
Reydarfjordur, population about 1,200, sits on a 30 km fjord, the longest in the Eastfjords. The Icelandic Wartime Museum covers the WWII Allied presence here.
Reydarfjordur stretches along the shore of the Eastfjords' longest fjord, 30 kilometers of sheltered water that housed thousands of Allied troops during WWII. Today the fishing town has a wartime museum, mountain trails, and few tourists.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The WWII museum is worth a stop for anyone interested in Iceland's wartime history.
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Official sources to check
Population
~1,200
On the longest Eastfjords fjord
Known for
WWII Museum
Allied military history in Iceland
Top Attractions in Reydarfjordur
Icelandic Wartime Museum
WWII Allied occupation history
Reydarfjordur Fjord
30 km, the longest in the Eastfjords
Mountain Hiking
Trails with fjord views
Swimming Pool
Geothermal heated outdoor pool
Fishing Harbor
Active fishing industry and boats
Faskrudsfjardargong
Tunnel connection toward Faskrudsfjordur
How to Get to Reydarfjordur
From Egilsstadir: 35 km (30 minutes) via Route 92.
From Reykjavik: Fly to Egilsstadir (1 hour), then drive. Or 7-8 hours by car via Route 1.
Tunnel connections: Faskrudsfjardargong connects toward Faskrudsfjordur. Nordfjardargong is farther east, between Eskifjordur and Nordfjordur.
Best Time to Visit Reydarfjordur
Summer: Long daylight for walking and the Wartime Museum’s regular June–August opening season.
Winter: Museum visits from September through May are by arrangement. Check road conditions and the forecast before traveling.
The wartime museum is about civilian life too
The Icelandic Wartime Museum focuses on how the occupation affected life in Iceland. Its displays include a barracks hut, a cinema, objects and wartime photographs. This makes it a useful stop for understanding the community around the military base, as well as the military presence itself.
For a regular walk-in visit, the listed season is June 1–August 31, daily 13:00–17:00. September–May requires an arrangement through sofn@fjardabyggd.is or +354 470 9063. The May 2026 tariff also specifies a 14,000 ISK base charge for opening outside normal hours for groups smaller than 20, plus admission. Ask for the full charge before arranging a private opening.
The municipality’s report on a proposed new exhibition describes community consultation and work still in development. It does not establish a completed new display or a reopening date. Use the current museum listing when planning a visit, and ask staff about any access changes.
Planning help
Reydarfjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Reydarfjordur?
Reydarfjordur has approximately 1,200 residents and is one of the larger towns in the Eastfjords.
What is special about Reydarfjordur fjord?
At 30 km, Reydarfjordur is the longest fjord in the Eastfjords and forms a large natural harbor.
How far is Reydarfjordur from Reykjavik?
Reydarfjordur is about 670 km from Reykjavik (7-8 hours driving) via the Ring Road.
What is the WWII museum in Reydarfjordur?
The Icelandic Wartime Museum explores life during the military occupation and its effects on Icelanders, using wartime objects, photographs, a barracks hut and a cinema.
Is there industry in Reydarfjordur?
Yes, the Alcoa Fjardaál aluminum smelter opened in 2007 and is a major employer in the region, though it's located outside town.
How is Reydarfjordur connected to other towns?
Faskrudsfjardargong leads toward Faskrudsfjordur. For Neskaupstadur, continue through Eskifjordur and the Nordfjardargong tunnel; these are two different crossings.
What outdoor activities are available?
Hiking in the surrounding mountains, fishing, and kayaking in the fjord are popular. The area sees little tourist traffic.
What services does Reydarfjordur have?
The town has supermarkets, a swimming pool, hotel, restaurants, and the popular WWII museum.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.