History
WWII Museum
Exhibits on the British and American occupation.
East Iceland
Reyðarfjörður: the Longest of the Eastfjords
The longest fjord in the Eastfjords at 30km, and an Allied base during WWII. Home to the Icelandic Wartime Museum and filming locations from the TV show Fortitude.
Main Town
Reyðarfjörður
Regional center for Fjarðabyggð municipality.
Quick Answer
Reyðarfjörður is the widest of the eastern fjords. Its depth made it an Allied base in WWII, and today it is a regional center of the East. The mountains here dwarf the towns below.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The main road (Route 92) connecting to Egilsstaðir is paved and good, but check for winter conditions.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Scale
Longest
At 30km, it is far larger than the tighter fjords nearby.
Pop Culture
Fortitude
Fans of the TV show will recognize the scenery immediately.
Hub
Regional Center
The largest town in the Eastfjords with supermarkets, a hospital, and good services.
Hiking
Mountain Trails
Trails lead up to panoramic viewpoints over the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Industry
Alcoa Smelter
Iceland's largest aluminum smelter operates here, a major employer for the region.
What to Expect
- Icelandic Wartime Museum documenting the secret Allied naval base during WWII
- Filming locations from the British TV show Fortitude recognizable throughout town
- The longest Eastfjords fjord at 30 kilometers, ringed by high mountains
- Tunnel connections to Eskifjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður
- Mountain hiking trails leading to viewpoints over the fjord
- Regional hub status with supermarkets, hospital, and full services for Eastfjords visitors
How to Get to Reyðarfjörður
Driving from Egilsstaðir
Reyðarfjörður is 32km (30 minutes) from Egilsstaðir via Route 92. The road descends through a mountain pass with views over the fjord. Tunnels connect to neighboring fjords, so the town works as a central base for the Eastfjords.
Road Conditions
Route 92 is paved and well-maintained year-round. The mountain pass can have snow in winter but is regularly cleared. Tunnels to Eskifjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður are modern and easy to drive. Check road.is in winter.
Best Time to Visit Reyðarfjörður
Summer (June-August)
Best time to visit. Midnight sun, all attractions open, good hiking weather. Wartime Museum at full operation. Weather mildest (8-15°C).
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Fewer tourists, museum still open. Northern lights in September. All roads accessible. Expect 4-10°C temperatures. Industrial activity continues year-round.
Winter (Oct-April)
Town functions year-round as a regional hub. Museum may have limited hours. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Great for northern lights. Roads maintained but check conditions.
Nearby Attractions
Icelandic Wartime Museum
Museum documenting the British and American military presence in East Iceland during WWII.
Eskifjörður
Neighboring fjord town connected by tunnel, with the Maritime Museum and Helgustaðir Iceland spar mine.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
French-heritage village through the tunnel to the east, with bilingual signs and the French Hospital Museum.
Hólmanes Nature Reserve
Peninsula near Eskifjörður with marked hiking trails along the coast and bird cliffs.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main town, 30 minutes away, with flights, shops, and the Lagarfljót lake monster legend.
The museum tells the local side of the occupation
The Wartime Museum listing places it at Heiðarvegur 37 and identifies its focus as the occupation’s impact on local residents. This is a useful reason to stop if you want to understand the town beyond its industrial waterfront.
Confirm opening with the museum before committing a travel day; the general destination listing is not a dated daily timetable. Allow time to explore the town separately from driving to the next fjord.
Planning help
Reyðarfjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do you pronounce Reyðarfjörður?
It's pronounced 'RAY-thar-fyur-thur.' The final element, fjörður, means fjord.
Where is Reyðarfjörður?
Reyðarfjörður is an Eastfjords town and fjord in Fjarðabyggð.
Is Reyðarfjörður worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you're interested in history. The WWII Wartime Museum is well done, and the town is a convenient hub for visiting several Eastfjords towns.
How long should I spend at Reyðarfjörður?
Half a day is enough for the museum and town. If using it as a base for the Eastfjords, plan 1-2 days to explore nearby fjords via the tunnel network.
Can you drive around Reyðarfjörður?
You can drive to the head of the fjord and back on Route 92. There's no loop road. Check the actual route to each neighbouring town; they do not all share the same tunnel approach.
What is Reyðarfjörður famous for?
It is the longest Eastfjords fjord and was an Allied base in WWII, a history covered by the Wartime Museum. It was also a filming location for TV's Fortitude and is the Fjarðabyggð regional hub.
What happened at Reyðarfjörður in WWII?
The fjord was a major Allied naval base with thousands of British and American troops. Original barracks, artifacts, and stories are preserved at the Icelandic Wartime Museum.
Was the TV show Fortitude filmed at Reyðarfjörður?
Yes, the British TV show Fortitude was filmed here; Reyðarfjörður stood in for a fictional Arctic research settlement. Fans recognize many locations.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.