Hey Lykkers! Let's talk about the quiet side of Iceland. Most travelers race along the Ring Road and barely pause in the east, but that's a mistake.

The area around the Jökulsá á Dal bridge—where a striking turquoise river crosses the open landscape—is a gateway to some of the country's most underrated scenery. It's remote, it's peaceful, and it rewards people who slow down. Here are six places to build into your route.

1. The Jökulsá á Dal Bridge Itself

Start right here. This single-lane bridge on Route 1 crosses a glacial river that runs a startling shade of blue-green, framed by dark rock and bright green farmland.

It's free to stop, and there's space to pull over nearby for a proper look. The reason it matters for your plan is simple: this is your marker for East Iceland. Once you cross it heading south, you're entering the East Fjords region, and services start to thin out. Fuel up and stock snacks before you go further.

Estimated cost: Free

2. Egilsstaðir and Lagarfljót

About a 40-minute drive south, Egilsstaðir is the main service town in the east—your best bet for fuel, groceries, and a proper meal. It sits beside Lagarfljót, a long lake with its own local folklore. You can walk the lakeshore paths for free, and the town makes a sensible base if you're staying two nights in the region. The practical value here is real: the east has fewer shops and restaurants than the south, so this is where you resupply.

Estimated cost: Free to explore the town and lake.

3. Hengifoss Waterfall

Just north of Egilsstaðir, Hengifoss is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, dropping over a cliff banded with red clay layers that look painted on. The hike up takes roughly 40 to 60 minutes each way and is a steady climb, so wear proper shoes. There's a marked parking area and a small fee for the lot. The reward is the waterfall plus sweeping views over the valley—and far fewer people than you'll find at the famous southern falls.

Estimated cost: Small parking fee, roughly US$5–7 (cost may vary).

4. Seyðisfjörður

This is the postcard town of the east: a narrow fjord, colorful wooden houses, and a quiet harbor at the end of a mountain road. The drive in from Egilsstaðir over the pass is scenic and free. Wander the streets, walk to the water, and take your time—this is a place for slow strolling rather than ticking off sights. It's also a good spot for a coffee break before heading onward.

Estimated cost: Free to visit.

5. The East Fjords Coastal Route

Driving south from Egilsstaðir toward towns like Breiðdalsvík and Stöðvarfjörður, the Ring Road hugs the coast through a series of fjords. This stretch is the reason to slow down: sharp mountains on one side, open water on the other, and tiny settlements along the way. Plan extra driving time here because the road curves constantly. Stop at roadside pullouts for photos and stretch your legs—the views cost nothing.

Estimated cost: Free, apart from fuel.

6. Vatnajökull's Eastern Edge

Continue south and the landscape shifts toward the vast ice cap of Vatnajökull. The eastern approach brings you near glacier outlets and wide gravel plains, and the scale is genuinely hard to describe. You don't need a guided tour to appreciate it—roadside viewpoints along Route 1 give you the view for free. If you want to get closer on foot, stick to marked paths and never walk onto the ice without a guide.

Estimated cost: Free for roadside viewpoints (cost may vary); guided glacier walks start around US$120 (cost may vary).

Final Thoughts

East Iceland isn't a place to rush. The bridge over the Jökulsá á Dal is your starting point, and from there the region unfolds slowly—waterfalls, fjord towns, and glacier views with far fewer crowds than the famous south coast. Build in extra driving time, resupply in Egilsstaðir, and keep a card ready for the occasional parking fee. Most of what makes this area special is free; the cost is really just your time and fuel. Go slow, and the east will reward you.