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 WWII shipwreck.
Access
Summer only (4x4)
Road closes completely in winter.
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.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
CRITICAL: Do not attempt to drive here in winter or early spring before the road is officially opened. There is no winter service.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
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
The gravel road typically opens June and closes by October, so plan accordingly.
What to Expect
- Klifbrekkufossar waterfall series cascading right beside the descending road
- Rusting WWII US Navy landing craft beached on the shore near the village
- Fewer than 20 permanent residents and near-total quiet
- Remains of the Asknes Norwegian whaling station at the fjord entrance
- Harbor seals resting near the shore with seabirds nesting on the cliffs
- Steep hairpin-turn descent into the fjord
How to Get to Mjóifjörður
Driving from Neskaupstaður
The only road access is Route 953 from Neskaupstaður (or its junction with Route 92). The drive is approximately 50km but takes 1.5 hours because of the steep mountain pass. A small 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
Road Conditions
Route 953 is steep, winding, gravel, and includes hairpin turns. It typically opens in June and closes in September/October. The road is IMPASSABLE in winter. In winter, locals access the village by scheduled ferry from Neskaupstaður. Always check road.is.
Best Time to Visit Mjóifjörður
Summer (July-August)
The only realistic time to visit. Road is fully open, Klifbrekkufossar at full flow. Midnight sun provides 24-hour daylight. The tiny café/guesthouse may be open. Weather around 8-14°C.
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)
NOT POSSIBLE by road. The road is completely closed and impassable. Locals only access the village by scheduled ferry boat from Neskaupstaður. Do not attempt.
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.