Winters can be long in Iceland, so when spring rolls in, it breathes new life into the nature. It’s a lovely time to tour Austurland, to enjoy the slow transformation from winter wonderland to green summertime landscapes. You’ll no doubt experience weather conditions from all seasons, so it’s best to be prepared and to pay close attention to weather and road conditions.
This travel route takes you through mountain passes, scenic valleys and along fjord shores, and you can see the plants begin to bud and the wildflowers bloom as the weather warms up and the days lengthen. Widespread lupines begin to flower, giving a purple hue to many scenes. The lambing season begins in May, and the birdlife gets active!
After a winter hiatus, many of the route’s tourist attractions reopen for the season, together with seasonal restaurants. Sometime in April or May, the mountain pass over Hellisheiði (Rte 917) opens again, giving you a super-charged short cut between the two main towns on this route. Even when it’s closed, you can still access the towns: Rte 85 from Hwy 1 to Vopnafjörður, and Rte 94 from Egilsstaðir to Borgarfjörður eystri. Check road openings and conditions online at road.is.
You’ll no doubt want to explore the nature, but be aware that walking and hiking paths can be muddy thanks to snow melting, so be prepared. Take coastal walks to watch the bluffs of Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður eystri and Fuglabjarganes in Vopnafjörður throw off their winter coats and welcome migratory birds. Warm up afterwards in the geothermally heated Selárdalslaug swimming pool or enjoy a hot tub with a view at the spa in Borgarfjörður eystri.
If you finish traveling the On the Edge route at Borgarfjörður esytri, head back to Egilsstaðir and the Ring Road to select your next travel route – more Austurland fjords, perhaps, or inland explorations of lakes and highlands? Check out our other travel routes to assess your options.
You may not have time to see everything we include on this travel route. We recommend you plan your trip using the 'Add to favorites' tool on our page. By bookmarking your favorite attractions and experiences in this way, you can tailor a route through Austurland that's perfect for you!
For great information on the areas covered, check out the Borgarfjörður eystri website and Visit Vopnafjörður.
