EAST ICELAND
Breiðdalur
Broad mountain valley behind Breiðdalsvík filled with waterfalls, forests, colourful geology and the winding Breiðdalsá river.
Hidden gemNatureSceneryHiking
About Breiðdalur
Breiðdalur is the longest and widest valley in East Iceland. Mountains exceeding 1,000 metres rise along both sides while Breiðdalsá winds across the broad valley floor. Waterfalls, forests, rhyolite peaks and remnants of ancient volcanic systems make the valley particularly rewarding to explore slowly.
Our practical tips
✓Allow several hours if combining Beljandi, Flögufoss and Jórvíkurskógur.
✓Route 95 through the valley is particularly scenic.
✓The landscape contains evidence of an ancient central volcano.
Getting there and visiting
Access
Routes 95, 96 and smaller local roads provide access to different areas of the valley. Conditions on higher roads vary seasonally.