Iceland East Iceland

Iceland’s Eastfjords feel noticeably wilder and quieter than many of the country’s better-known regions. Here, steep mountains drop almost directly into the North Atlantic, with black volcanic cliffs, crashing waves, and low clouds creating an incredibly dramatic landscape. It is exactly the kind of scenery that makes driving the entire Ring Road worthwhile – fewer people, empty roads and viewpoints that often feel completely untouched.

A drone is perfect for showing the scale of this coastline. Rather than flying too high, I like keeping relatively close to the cliffs so the layers of rock, ocean, and mountains remain prominent in the frame. Including your car is another great way to add scale to the landscape. Moody weather works especially well here, with low clouds wrapping around the mountain peaks and creating much more atmosphere than a clear blue sky would.

There are several small turn-offs from the main road along Iceland’s eastern coastline where you can stop and explore. At some locations, gravel tracks lead closer to the cliffs and provide access to more remote viewpoints. A 4x4 is highly recommended if you plan to leave the main road, particularly in winter or after bad weather. Just make sure to stay on tracks and don't do any off-road driving. Always check road conditions beforehand, avoid driving onto private land or closed tracks, and keep a generous distance from exposed cliff edges.