Highlight
Klifbrekkufossar
A series of waterfalls stepping down right next to the road.
East Iceland
Mjóifjörður: the Narrow Fjord in East Iceland
The Narrow Fjord is one of East Iceland's most remote destinations, accessible only via steep gravel road in summer. Home to fewer than 20 residents, the Klifbrekkufossar waterfall, and a rusting shipwreck.
Access
Summer only (4x4)
Road closes completely in winter.
Quick Answer
The 'Narrow Fjord' is one of the most remote inhabited places in Iceland, reachable only by a steep, winding gravel road in summer. With its rusting shipwreck, tiered waterfalls, and fewer than 20 residents, it is about as quiet as Iceland gets.
Decide where to turn back
The descent past Klifbrekkufossar, a stop in Brekkuþorp and the drive onward to Dalatangi are three stages of the same detour. Visit Austurland’s guide places Dalatangi at the eastern end of the north-shore drive, with lighthouses dating from 1895 and 1908. Continuing to them adds more of the narrow coastal road after you have reached the village.
Set your turnaround according to the road, weather and daylight. Bring what you need rather than relying on a café being open. The regional guide describes seasonal guesthouse services in Brekkuþorp; it does not promise a fully serviced touring route.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check the actual road opening before driving. The seasonal boat from Norðfjörður is a separate transport arrangement; verify the timetable and what it carries.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Vibe
Isolation
Few places in Iceland feel this cut off.
Road
Adventure
The descent into the fjord is steep and winding, with long views down the valley.
Wildlife
Seals & Birds
Harbor seals rest near the shore; seabirds nest on the fjord cliffs.
Heritage
Old Whaling
Remains of a Norwegian whaling station stand at Asknes.
Season
Summer Only
Visit Austurland describes about four months of road access, depending on weather.
What to Expect
- Klifbrekkufossar waterfall series cascading right beside the descending road
- Dalatangi’s two lighthouses beyond the village along the north shore
- Fewer than 20 permanent residents and near-total quiet
- Remains of the Norwegian whaling station at Asknes
- Harbor seals resting near the shore with seabirds nesting on the cliffs
- Steep hairpin-turn descent into the fjord
How to Get to Mjóifjörður
The road detour from Route 1
Turn off Route 1 onto the approach to Mjóifjörður via Route 953. Visit Austurland describes a rugged descent into the fjord followed by the road along its northern shore. Neskaupstaður is associated with the boat connection from Norðfjörður, not a direct road over the mountains into Mjóifjörður.
Road Conditions
Road access is seasonal and weather-dependent. Visit Austurland describes roughly four months of road access, with a scheduled boat from Norðfjörður during the rest of the year. Verify both the road and any boat timetable for your date; the existence of a boat service is not proof that it carries your car.
Best Time to Visit Mjóifjörður
Summer (July-August)
Summer is the main road-trip season. Check the road status before descending and confirm any café or accommodation arrangements; services in Brekkuþorp are limited.
Early Season (June)
Road may have just opened, so check conditions. Snow patches possible on the pass. Waterfalls powerful from snowmelt. Fewer visitors. Expect 5-10°C temperatures.
Winter (Oct-May)
Do not plan a winter drive into the fjord. Ask about the scheduled boat from Norðfjörður and arrange any stay and return journey together.
Nearby Attractions
Klifbrekkufossar Waterfalls
A multi-tiered cascade right beside the road, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Eastfjords.
Asknes Whaling Station
Ruins of a Norwegian whaling station from the early 1900s at the mouth of the fjord.
Neskaupstaður
The nearest town with services, accessible via the mountain road or by ferry in winter.
Norðfjörður & Eskifjörður
Neighboring Eastfjords towns with museums, hot pots, and connections to the wider region.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main hub, about 2 hours away, with flights, shops, and the Lagarfljót lake.
Planning help
Mjóifjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do you pronounce Mjóifjörður?
It's pronounced 'MYOH-ee-fyur-thur.' The name breaks down as Mjói (narrow) + fjörður (fjord).
What does Mjóifjörður mean in English?
Mjóifjörður translates to 'Narrow Fjord' in English. The name describes its distinctive narrow shape compared to other Eastfjords.
Is Mjóifjörður worth visiting?
Yes, for travelers who want real isolation. The Klifbrekkufossar waterfall, the rusting shipwreck, and the near-total quiet reward the trip, but it requires driving a difficult gravel road.
How long should I spend at Mjóifjörður?
Treat Mjóifjörður as an out-and-back detour from Route 1. A waterfall and village stop is shorter than continuing along the north shore to Dalatangi. Decide how far to go before setting off and leave time to return on the same road.
Can you drive around Mjóifjörður?
No, Route 953 is a dead-end road. You must return the same way you came. The road only opens in summer and requires careful driving on steep, winding gravel.
What is Mjóifjörður famous for?
It's known as one of Iceland's most remote inhabited places (under 20 residents), and for the Klifbrekkufossar waterfall, a rusting shipwreck on the shore, and the difficult summer-only access road.
What lies beyond Brekkuþorp?
The road continues east along the north shore toward Dalatangi. Visit Austurland identifies two lighthouses there, built in 1895 and 1908. This is an additional stretch of the detour, not a shortcut to another fjord.
Is the road to Mjóifjörður dangerous?
Route 953 is steep and winding with hairpin turns: demanding but manageable for confident drivers in summer. It's impassable in winter. A small 4x4 is recommended. Check road.is before going.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.