PTI – CAR rental

East Iceland · Private Travel Iceland

Luxury East Iceland: Exclusive Stays & Adventures

East Iceland’s fjords, fishing villages and wide-open valleys offer a softer, slower side of the country. Here, luxury feels like space, silence and time – wrapped in tailored stays and privately guided days designed by PTI.

East Iceland is often described as Iceland’s “hidden gem”: quiet mountain roads, untouched valleys and harbour towns with colourful houses and deep local pride. For our private guests, it’s where thoughtful design stays meet wilderness on the doorstep – perfect for a few unhurried days on a longer PTI journey.
East Iceland mountain road and coastline Sunset over East Iceland fjord and peaks

Signature stays in East Iceland

Hotel 1001 Nótt

Overlooking the fjord near Egilsstaðir, this favourite PTI hideaway blends warm Icelandic hospitality with modern Nordic design. Soak in the outdoor hot tubs, watch the weather roll across the water and enjoy honest, seasonal cooking with ingredients from nearby farms.

Remote lodges & private cabins

For guests wanting maximum privacy, we tap into a network of design-forward cabins and small lodges tucked into the valleys and fjord-sides. Think wood-fired hot tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows and star-bright skies with almost no light pollution.

Must-visit corners of East Iceland

Seyðisfjörður

A colourful harbour town at the end of a dramatic mountain pass, known for its creative community, galleries and wooden houses. Stroll the waterfront, visit local studios or join a private guide for a walk into the surrounding valleys.

Hengifoss waterfall

One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, framed by striking red strata in the cliff face. We like to time this hike for quieter periods of the day, with a PTI guide to set the pace and share stories along the trail.

Stuðlagil canyon

A newer discovery on many itineraries, this basalt-column canyon glows in shades of turquoise and green when the light is right. A carefully planned visit keeps you ahead of the crowds and makes the most of the view.

Private fjord cruise

Board a small vessel in one of the Eastfjords for seal-spotting, birdlife and the chance of whales feeding in the deep water. On private charters we can add local seafood, storytelling skippers and time to simply drift.

Heli-drop on Vatnajökull

For guests wanting something truly rare, we can arrange a helicopter flight over Vatnajökull glacier with a landing on the ice itself – a spectacular contrast to the green fjords below.

Icelandic horses in East Iceland meadow
Quiet fields, grazing horses and fjord views – the softer side of East Iceland.
Whale tail in a calm Eastfjords bay
Summer whale sightings in calm Eastfjords waters.

Flavours & seasons

Local cuisine & culture

East Iceland’s kitchens lean on local lamb, foraged herbs and pristine seafood. We arrange intimate tasting menus, visits to small producers and, for those who wish, one-off dinners cooked by a private chef in your villa or cabin.

When to visit

  • Summer: Long days, green valleys and excellent conditions for hiking, boating and whale-watching.
  • Autumn: Quieter roads, rich colours and cosy evenings by the fire.
  • Winter: Snow-dusted peaks, Northern Lights potential and slow-paced days focused on comfort and warmth.

Weaving East Iceland into your journey

Whether you stay two nights or a full week, East Iceland adds a calm, contemplative chapter to any PTI itinerary. Tell us which scenes speak to you – quiet fjords, design hotels, horses in wide meadows – and we’ll craft a route that links them seamlessly with the rest of your time in Iceland.