Njarðvík Landslides

Njarðvík Landslides

Njarðvík Landslides are among the most dramatic mountain road sections in East Iceland. They lie along the route between Egilsstaðir and Borgarfjörður eystri, cut into steep slopes above the bay of Njarðvík.

The area takes its name from the extensive landslides that have fallen from the surrounding mountains over centuries. Loose soil layers, unstable rock formations, heavy rainfall and deep winter snow have made landslides a recurring natural force in this region.

For many decades, the road across Njarðvík Landslides was considered one of the most challenging mountain passes in Iceland. The route was often closed during winter and required careful navigation. Although major improvements have been made in recent years, the road remains known for its steep gradients, tight bends and exposed terrain.

As the road descends toward the coast, wide views open across Borgarfjörður eystri, revealing the surrounding mountains and the open Atlantic beyond. In clear weather, the drive is regarded as one of the most scenic approaches to the Eastfjords.

Njarðvík Landslides also serve as a powerful reminder of the natural forces that shape Iceland. Here, erosion, gravity and weather work continuously together, illustrating the ongoing interaction between land and climate.

Today, the Njarðvík Landslides are not only a transport route but an experience in themselves — a place where travellers encounter raw landscapes, dramatic viewpoints and the sense that the journey is just as memorable as the destination.