The Iceland We Love

A Slow Travel Guide from East Iceland

The Iceland we love is not only the Iceland of famous photographs. It is also the Iceland of quiet valleys, local swimming pools, small villages, unexpected conversations, changing weather, empty roads, hidden waterfalls and evenings spent looking back over the photographs of the day.

It is the Iceland you discover when you allow yourself time.

Travel at the Pace of the Landscape

Iceland is powerful, but it is not always loud. Some of its best moments are subtle: evening light on a mountain, the sound of a small waterfall, fog lifting over a fjord, reindeer crossing in the distance, a local recommendation that changes your route.

That is why we recommend staying longer when possible. At least 14 days gives travellers more space to experience the country. Three weeks is even better.

Stay Longer in Each Region

When travellers stay multiple nights in one place, something changes. The destination becomes more than a stop. You learn the direction of the light, the shape of the mountains, the sound of the village, the places locals mention and the walks that feel good at the end of the day.

At Hotel Breiddalsvik, we often see guests arrive for one night and wish they had planned more time. East Iceland has that effect on people.

Ask Locals

Some of the best places in Iceland are not always the most famous. Ask about a local walk, a valley, a viewpoint, a quiet road or a waterfall nearby. In Breiðdalsvík, places like Meleyri, Breiðdalur, Streitishvarf, Flögufoss, Beljandi and Blágil often become part of a guest’s story.

Let the Weather Shape the Day

Weather is part of travelling in Iceland. A flexible itinerary allows you to choose a short walk, a longer hike, a geothermal bath, a scenic drive or a quiet afternoon by the fireplace depending on the day. Flexibility is not a compromise. It is part of the experience.

East Iceland in the Iceland We Love

East Iceland represents much of what we love about the country: mountains in every direction, many waterfalls rather than one famous one, valleys to explore, wild reindeer, puffins in season, small villages, a large forest, fjords and space.

It is a region that rewards curiosity.

Hotel Breiddalsvik and the Art of Returning

After a day outside, returning matters. A good base gives the journey shape. At Hotel Breiddalsvik, guests can return to the lounge, fireplace, sauna, hot tub, cold tub and restaurant. They can plan the next day, review photographs or simply sit quietly for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions