How do you pronounce Reyðarfjörður?

It's pronounced 'RAY-thar-fyur-thur.' The name breaks down as Reyðar (trout or red char) + fjörður (fjord).

What does Reyðarfjörður mean in English?

Reyðarfjörður translates to 'Trout Fjord' or 'Red Char Fjord' in English. The name refers to the Arctic char fish found in the waters and rivers.

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. Tunnels connect Reyðarfjörður to the neighboring fjords Eskifjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður.

What is Reyðarfjörður famous for?

It is the longest Eastfjords fjord and was a secret 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.

East Iceland

Reyðarfjörður: the Longest of the Eastfjords

The longest fjord in the Eastfjords at 30km, and a secret Allied base during WWII. Home to the Icelandic Wartime Museum and filming locations from the TV show Fortitude.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Main Town

Reyðarfjörður

Regional center for Fjarðabyggð municipality.

Reyðarfjörður is the widest of the eastern fjords. Its depth made it a secret Allied base in WWII, and today it is a regional center of the East. The mountains here dwarf the towns below.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

The main road (Route 92) connecting to Egilsstaðir is paved and good, but check for winter conditions.

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Official sources to check

History

WWII Museum

Exhibits on the British and American occupation.

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.

Planning help

Reyðarfjörður FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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