We checked out of our cozy farm stay at 9 AM, shoes on and spirits high. Bucky waved goodbye to the ducks and sheep, promising to return soon. Today’s journey took us through Eastern Iceland – a land of cinematic mountains, hidden waterfalls, and one very questionable road.
🌄 Stokksnes Beach & Vestrahorn: Moody Mountains
Our first stop was Stokksnes Peninsula, just 25 minutes from Höfn. Entry was 1000 ISK per person, which grants access to the beach and the Viking Village film set.
This dramatic coastline is home to Vestrahorn Mountain, a jagged, brooding peak made of gabbro rock. It’s a favorite among photographers – especially when the weather is clear. Sadly, our skies were sulky and gray, so the view wasn’t quite postcard-perfect. Bucky squinted at the mist and said, “I think I see Batman.” (He meant Brunnhorn, the nearby “Batman Mountain.”)
We skipped the 40-minute walk to the Viking Village, but it’s a life-sized film set built in 2009, now open to the public. It’s been featured in The Witcher: Blood Origin and Dilwale, and offers a rustic peek into Iceland’s Viking past.
Honestly, unless you are the fan of the films and are going on an amazing weather day, I’d skip.
🛣️ Highway 939: The Road Less Advised
From Stokksnes, we drove 3 hours to lunch – and took Highway 939, which Bucky now calls “The Bumpiest Road in Iceland.” It was rough, rocky, and not recommended unless you enjoy rattling like a popcorn kernel. We survived, barely. 4-wheeled drive essential.
🍽️ Klausturkaffi Buffet: A Feast in the Fjords
Lunch was at Klausturkaffi, a delightful buffet tucked beside a museum and archaeological site. The full buffet changes daily, but ours included:
- Vegetable & mushroom soups
- Fresh breads, pesto, hummus
- Reindeer meatballs (!)
- Curry chicken, baked fish
- Salads, cakes, pies
You can also opt for a soup or cake buffet. Everything was delicious, beautifully presented, and served in a cozy setting. Highly recommend!
The museum honors a famous Icelandic writer and includes a dig site of an old monastery – perfect for history buffs and curious beavers.
🌈 Seyðisfjörður: Rainbow Road & Cruise Ship Calm
Next, we drove 1 hour to Seyðisfjörður, a fjord town known for its colorful buildings and Rainbow Road leading to the blue church, Seyðisfjarðarkirkja.
Historically, it was settled by Norwegian fishermen in 1848 and played a role in WWII — the British oil tanker El Grillo was bombed here and now rests at the bottom of the fjord, a popular dive site.
The town has a vibrant art scene, including the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, the Technical Museum, and the Tvisongur Sound Sculpture, which sings when the wind blows through its concrete domes.
Despite its charm, we found it a bit underwhelming – felt like it was only of note due to it being a cruise ship port. It was also cold and snowing/raining, so wasn’t the most pleasant experience.
🐑 Egilsstaðir: Reindeer Dreams & Fjord Views
We ended the day with a 30-minute drive to Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland. It’s a gateway to the remote East Fjords, where reindeer roam and seals nap on rocky shores. Bucky kept his eyes peeled for antlers. No luck.
🛏️ Eyjólfsstaðir Guesthouse: Soup & Slippers
We checked into Eyjólfsstaðir Guesthouse between 3–9 PM:
- Two twin rooms
- Self-serve breakfast (7:30–9:30 AM)
- Communal fridge and café area
Very clean, with a shoes-off policy. Locals came for the soup dinner, which smelled amazing. We used their plates and cutlery, though staff had to clean them – we felt a bit sheepish (pun intended).
Breakfast was lovely:
- Multiple breads, cheese, ham, fruit
- Pesto, hummus, and coffee
Tomorrow, we head into the wild East Fjords. Bucky’s fluff is rested, his belly is full, and his Viking spirit is strong.
Note: We’re not affiliated with any of the places or services mentioned. No króna, cookies, or cuddles were exchanged for these reviews — just our honest, slightly bumpy thoughts. 🛣️🦫