Attractions: 
Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland, with a population of 2464 people as of 2018. It is located on the banks of the river Lagarfljót in the wide valley of the fertile Fljótsdalshérað district.
Egilsstaðir is the main centre for service, transportation and administration in East Iceland. It is, therefore, an ideal place for those who are travelling around the Ring Road of the country to refresh and rest. It has excellent connections to remote and little-travelled East Fjords, and to Vatnajökull National Park.
Airport and Services in Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir provides all basic services for travellers, with a supermarket, souvenir shops, hotels, an information centre, restaurants and tour operators. It also boasts a quaint and popular Heritage Museum, which has several remodelled turf-houses, replicas of the homes Icelanders lived in for centuries.
The town also features an airport which is mostly used for domestic flights, although an increasing number of international airlines are beginning to fly there. The town also boasts a college and a health centre.
Egilsstaðir also has an annual electronic music festival, Hringrás; the Orsteiti Town Festival; and a jazz festival.
Nature Surrounding Egilsstaðir
Close to the town of Egilsstaðir are two of Iceland’s little-known gems: its largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and a mysterious lake, Lagarfjlót.
Hallormsstaðaskógur covers 740 hectares, and is composed of over eighty different species of tree from all over the world; the rate it has grown at is astonishing, considering that in 1910 it was simply a copse in a protected paddock.
It is a favourite destination for hikers and bikers, with over 40 kilometres (25 miles) of marked paths. It is also a favoured spot for birdwatchers, due to the dozens of species indigenous to the area.
Lagarfjlót, however, has more appeal to the superstitious. Since the 14th Century, there have been many reports of a great wyrm living in its depths, and sightings of this mythical beast continue to this day.
A little further afield from Egilsstaðir, you will reach the magnificent East Fjords. Like the Westfjords, this is one of the most remote places in the country, and as you wind around the giant mountains and look across the sparkling bays, there will often be no other soul in sight.
Those travelling the East Fjords should be sure to soak up the culture of the fishing villages, the magnificent views, and the extensive wildlife.
Looking towards the sea cliffs will provide plentiful opportunities to see many species of nesting bird; on the shores you may see colonies of seals; and out amongst the waves, perhaps even the breaking fin of a whale or dolphin.
This is also the only place in the country where reindeer can be found. Brought over initially to be farmed for meat, the industry was never as lucrative as sheep and horse farming, so the animals have roamed in their herds ever since.
Travelling north from Egilsstaðir on the Ring Road takes you into the Highlands of Vatnajökull National Park. In this region, you can find features such as Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, home to the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss.
If driving around the Ring Road of Iceland yourself in a clockwise direction, and you are planning to stay the night in Egilsstaðir, the most convenient and beautiful places to spend the night or two before that would be either in the towns of Akureyri or Húsavík, or the Lake Mývatn Area.
If travelling counter-clockwise, the best locations are at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park in the southeast.
The Fljotsdalsherad district in East Iceland, home to East Iceland's main town, Egilsstadir, is particularly attractive and features an abundance of sites of natural, historical and cultural interest, some of which are listed below.
Notable natural attractions in Fljotsdalsherad
Storurd
Storurd, in the valley Urdardalur is considered one of the greatest natural attractions of East Iceland and is highly popular with hikers. It features massive boulders, beautiful meadows and ponds, with the impressive Dyrfjoll mountains towering over the scene. During summer there can be thick snow patches and travelers should be vary of wandering from the marked path during fog.
Hallormsstadur
The site of Iceland's largest birchwood, Hallormsstadaskogur is a short drive from Egilsstadir, as well as the popular camping site Atlavik creek. Hallormsstadur also features a nice tree museum. Other interesting forrests in Fljotsdalur include Eyjolfsstadaskogur and Selskogur.
Lagarfljot & Hengifoss
Located near Hallormsstadur, this river is Iceland's third largest. By the river is the lake Logurinn where Iceland's equivelent of the Loch Ness, The Lagarfljot Worm is said to live. One of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, Hengifoss, is close by the river. It is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, at 118 meters. Another waterfall, Litlanesfoss, is slightly futher below.
Notable cultural and historical attractions in Fljotsdalsherad
Skriduklaustur
This is a culture and learning center and was the site of a monastery in the Middle Ages. Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson had the impressive current house built in the 20th century and lived there in his middle age. The house has an institute erected in his memory, Gunnarsstofnun, which hosts exhibitions about his life and works.
Gunnar Gunnarsson was one of Iceland's major writers and author of such masterworks as the autobiographical novel cycle Fjallkirkjan ('The Church on the Mountain), Adventa (The Good Shepherd) and Svartfugl (The Black Cliffs). Gunnar was born near Skriduklaustur, at the farm Valthjofsstadur but lived in Denmark from 1907 to 1939 and wrote most of his works originally in Danish.
Saenautasel
A turfhouse that was inhabited from 1843-1943 and renovated in 1992-3. A visit to this farm inspired Nobel author Halldor Laxness in his writing of his classic novel Independent People. The caretakers of the house offer guideance throught the area and refreshments.
Modrudalur a Fjollum
Iceland's highest set farm (469 m above sea level), with one of the most extensive farmlands in the country. We recommend the beautiful church, built by farmer Jon Adalsteinn Stefansson in memory of his wife. The inner decorations and altarpiece were made by him as well.
Eidar
At Eidar you can see the longwave transmitter of the Icelandic Broadcasting Company, a mast of 220 meters.
Other
Further southwest, in the East Highlands are Karahnjukar, which now feature a Hydropower Plant which produces energy for Alcoa's alumnium smelter in Reydarfjordur. The construction of the dam has been the source of heated debates locally and internationally.
At Heradsfloi bay, where the estuaries of the rivers Jokulsa a Bru and Lagarfljot meet, we recommend the rich birdlife and many seals.
Eskifjordur is a fishing town of roughly 1100 people in East Iceland. Along with Neskaupsstadur and Reydarfjordur it forms the municipality of Fjardabyggd.
Eskifjordur has a good harbour and its main economy is the fishing industry. One of Iceland's largest fishing companies, Esja Hf is located there. A key police office for East Iceland is also located in Eskifjordur. The The town offers all basic services for travelers, i.e. guesthouses, a camping ground, an outdoor swimming pool, coffeehouses, health service, a pharmacy, shops and diners etc. A golfcourse is situated right outside of the town.
The 985 m high Holmatindur is a highly impressive mountain, towering over the town. Climbing it is demanding, but those that reach it will have an excellent view and can record their feat in a guestbook. Skiing is further popular in the area, particularly at the Gerpisssvaedi. The ness between Eskifjordur and Reydarfjordur, Holmanes is protected and features rich birdlife and interesting rock formations.
The seafaring museum is worth a visit, located in an old trade house, built in 1816. There you can see artefacts of seafaring and fishworking in the Eastern Fjords, bearing witness to the lives of the people in former times.
The spar mine at Eskifjordur is one of the best-known of its kind in the world. Spar was mined there from the 17th century up until the 20th and the mine has been designated as a natural heritage.
By the road of Holmahals, the volva, or seeress, is said to be buried. It is claimed that she watches over Reydarfjordur and Eskifjordur.
Vatnsdalur ('Lake Valley') is a valley in Hunavatnssysla in North Iceland. It is located just south of the Ring Road. As well as being well vegitated, the valley is notable for being the site of Iceland‘s last execution, for its countless hills, one of Iceland's best fishing rivers and as a saga site.
The valley takes its name from a small lake, Vatnsdalsvatn ('The Lake Valley's Lake) and vice versa. Some trout can be found in this lake. There is also a small pond in the valley called Kattarauga ('Cat's Eye'). This pond is unusual in featuring several floating islets and is a protected area.
The river Vatnsdalsa enters the valley as it plunges by way of many beautiful waterfalls into a magnificent river canyon. The highest of the falls is Skinandi, and a little lower are Kerarfoss and Rjukandi. Lower still are Dalfoss and Stekkjafoss.
Vatnsdalsa boasts some of the largest salmons to be found in Iceland. Good trout and char fishing can be made there as well. If you wish to fish there, you'll need to apply for a fishing permit. Fly is the only bait allowed and there is a firm catch and release policy. The fishing season is from June 20th to September 23d. Excellent facilities can be found near to the river, at the Flodvangur lodge.
At the mouth of the valley is a cluster of countless hills of all sizes, covering 4-5 km2. These are known as Vatnsdalsholar. The hills are said to be the debris of a tremendous landslide from the mountain Vatnsdalsfjall. The largest hills are over 84 meters above sea-level.
The last execution in Iceland took place westernmost of the hills, at Thristapar. A memorial stone marks this spot where in 1830 Fridrik Fridriksson and Agnes Magnusdottir were beheaded for murdering Natan Ketilsson and Petur Jonsson. The execution block and axe can be seen at the National Museum in Reykjavik.
Vatnsdalur is the site of the family saga Vatnsdaela Saga which tells the story of the people of Hof in Vatnsdalur. It begins with Ingimundur the Old settling the valley around 900 and ends in the first half of the 11th century. A grove in the valley is dedicated to Ingimundur‘s daughter Thordis, the first native of the Hunathing district.
Lagarfjlót is a narrow lake in the east of Iceland, also known as Lögurinn.
This feature is best known for its natural beauty, its fishing, and its folklore.
Folklore at Lagarfjlót
No doubt the most fascinating thing about Lake Lagarfjlót is its folklore, and the feature has long attracted the superstitious to East Iceland.
According to legend, the deep lake is said to hold a beast called the Lagarfljót Wyrm, a cousin of the Loch Ness Monster with a lot more history. While the earliest significant records of Nessie go back to the 1870s, the Lagarfjlót Wyrm has been spoken about since 1345.
Even today, videos and photos emerge of disruption at the surface of the lake, said to be the venom spitting beast. While most are attributed to logs, currents, ice and wind, there are a few that have experts puzzled, with no concrete answer as to what they could be.
As such a little culture has arisen around the lake, and you can see figurines and sculptures depicting different interpretations of this elusive serpent.
Of course, however, there has been no concrete evidence to suggest anything lives in the lake other than trout and other fish. If you are interested in fishing for these, you will need a license.
Sites near Lagarfljót
Any visitor to East Iceland will no doubt see Lagarfljót, as it is located right next to the Capital of the East, Egilsstaðir. This is the region’s largest town and its commerce centre. Many of its accommodation options are set against the lake edge.
Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, also sits on its shores. This is an amazing place for birdwatching, and where the forest and lake meet, one can find a wealth of ducks, geese and other water birds.
Lake Lagarfljót is also near to the beautiful falls Hengifoss. This is Iceland’s third tallest waterfall, with a height of 128 metres (420 feet).
Photo by Tristan Ferne. Wikimedia, Creative Commons.
Reyðarfjörður is a town of 1,102 people in the East Fjords of Iceland.
Despite the omnipresent climate of rain and fog in East Iceland, Reyðarfjörður will often have the highest temperatures in the country on a clear summers day. As with most towns in the region, Reyðarfjörður is surrounded by dramatic mountainscapes and beautiful coastlines.
Reyðarfjörður also served as the second-largest Allied military base in Iceland during the Second World War due to its location and natural harbour. After the Second World War, the town's activity quietened down and most inhabitants went back to fishing. There is a World War II museum now housed at the old base where guests can learn more about Iceland's role during the war.
Since 2008, Reyðarfjörður has been home to the Fjardaál aluminium smelter. Employing 450 locals and producing over 900 tonnes of aluminium a day, the townsfolk have championed the smelter for bringing further development to the town. This is in contrast to many Icelanders who are concerned with the environmental impact of such smelters.
Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit: Cristophe L Hess
Hallormsstaðaskógur is Iceland's largest national forest, found in East Iceland near Egilsstaðir. The area is a famous for its pleasant hiking trails, wildlife and collection of tree species.
Development and Nature
For a largely treeless landscape, a forest in Iceland is something of an enigma. The nation was once covered in woodland, but the overuse of wood saunas by the early settlers, followed by several great volcanic eruptions, meant that for centuries, the land has been quite barren.
However, the reforestation service of Iceland has sought to change this. It cares for 53 patches of public access land, most of which are easily accessible for travellers on the Ring Road. Hallormsstaðaskógur is their largest success story, with trees covering 740 square kilometres (286 square miles).
Initial experiments in planting trees began as early as 1903, though large scale cultivation truly began in 1950. In 1905, Hallormsstaðaskógur was labelled a protected forest. Ever since then, the forest has been greatly venerated by the local population as an area of respite from the often barren, volcanic terrain of the island.
Common tree species include native dwarf birch and mountain birch, as well as over 80 different species of tree brought from 177 locations overseas.
Birds such as redpolls, goldcrests and ravens all use the forest as a sanctuary from predators, with red wings, snipes and meadow pipits joining the fray in the summer months. The area also presents opportunities for botany, as well as berry and mushroom picking. Streams running through the forest are perfectly drinkable spring water.
To Do
In June, Hallormsstaðaskógur hosts Skógardagurinn, or “Forest Day”, a weekend of accordion music, active festivities and competitions amongst the birch trees. Here, festival-goers can enjoy logging competitions, grilled lamb served by local farmers, art exhibitions and even mini-marathons (one 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long, the other 14 kilometres (nine miles).
The Skógardagurinn celebrations are a fantastic treat for all the family and provide great insight into the culture of Iceland’s less visited regions.
There are two camping areas in Hallormsstaðaskógur: Atlavík, located in the picturesque tree cover of the inner-forest, and Höfðavík, a site providing a more luxurious standard of service for visitors.
Hallormsstaðaskógur is located near to the town of Egilsstaðir, the capital of East Iceland, and the perfect point from which to explore the region.
The Eastfjords of Iceland is a 120 kilometre (75 miles) stretch of coastline from Berufjörður, in the south, to the small fishing village of Borgarfjörður Eystri in the north.
Out of the country's total population of 335,000 people, only an estimated 3.2% live in East Iceland. Locally referred to as "Austurland" or "Austfirðir", the whole area covers 22,721 square kilometres (8,773 square miles).
Nature in East Iceland
East Iceland has many narrow fjords, surrounded by steep cliffs. Fishing villages sit in most of them.
Often overlooked by visitors, the East Fjords represent the very best of what Iceland has to offer. Including fantastic scenery, remote fishing villages, sparkling lakes, dense forests and traditional farms.
The region boasts the sunniest weather in the country, as well as some of Iceland’s most well-known and loved wildlife.
This region is especially famous for its herds of wild reindeer. It is the only place in the country that reindeer live. Initially brought over for farming, the industry was never lucrative, and they have roamed free ever since.
Migratory birds live both inland and in the cliffs in summer, including the elusive puffin.
Many rivers run through the district and by their estuaries, colonies of seals reside. The fertile waters also provide food to whales and dolphins, making them visible even from the side of the shore.
The impressive mountain Snӕfell (not to be confused with Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the West of Iceland) is Iceland's highest free-standing peak and sits in the East. Near here is the highland oasis of Eyjabakkar, one of the world's most significant nesting places for the pink-footed goose.
Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, stretches to the borders of Eastern Iceland and is so large it is visible from many places throughout the region.
Breathtaking coastlines and the promise of tranquil solitude also bring visitors to East Iceland. It would make an ideal stop on your ring road adventure.
There are plenty of things to do in Iceland’s East Fjords. If you enjoy pleasant walks through nature, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a hiker’s paradise. Local folklore tells that this area is home to elves and Iceland’s ‘hidden folk’.
There are also incredible basalt rock formations in Studlagil Canyon. Though the canyon requires a hike to reach it, it’s a genuinely astonishing place for geologists and nature lovers alike.
The East of Iceland is also home to some beautiful waterfalls, such as Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland has only a few towns with vital services. The main one of these, considered to be the capital of the region, is Egilsstaðir.
Egilsstaðir has restaurants, museums, shops, petrol stations and an array of accommodation options to suit all budgets. It is also home to an airport, meaning those with limited time or without a driving licence can easily reach it from Reykjavík.
This small, idyllic town in the East of Iceland is famous for many reasons. The most popular things to do near Egilsstadir include hiking, visiting a swimming pool or Spa (Vok Baths is particularly special), visiting waterfalls, and exploring the quaint town. It also boasts a famous Heritage Museum. This gives visitors an insight into the lives of East Icelanders in days gone by.
The area is packed with fantastic cultural landmarks, such as Hallormsstaðarskógur, the country’s largest forest. This can be found just on the eastern shore of Lake Lagarfljót. Look closely enough at the lake, and you may spot a worm monster in the water.
Hallormsstaðaskógur covers 740 hectares. It is made up of over eighty different species of trees from all over the world. The rate it has grown at is astonishing, considering that in 1910 it was merely a small group of trees within a protected paddock.
Egilsstaðir also has an annual electronic music festival, Hringrás; the Orsteiti Town Festival; and a jazz festival.
For something a touch more relaxing, one could also take a soothing dip in the swimming pool at Selárlaug, near Bakkafjörður. The pool is surrounded by mountains and beautiful views over the fjord and is considered one of the most authentic experiences available in the region.
In the East Fjords in winter, you’ll have an excellent chance to see the Northern Lights from such remote areas as Egilsstaðir, weather permitting of course.
Seyðisfjörður
Those visiting Iceland by ferry from mainland Europe or the Faroe Islands will make port at Seyðisfjörður. The town has a small population of 700 people. It is famous for its ornate wooden architecture, Scandinavian influence and historical herring-fishing industry. Much of the timber used to develop Seyðisfjörður was shipped over by Norway ready-made in the 18th century.
In the town centre lies a rainbow-painted street, which leads to a famous blue church.
Seyðisfjörður is surrounded by pounding waterfalls, flat-top mountains and serene hiking trails, complemented by gorgeous panoramas over the adjacent fjord.
Other activities available from or near Seyðisfjörður include scuba diving, skiing, sea angling, paragliding and horseback riding. There are also several cultural exhibits to visit. These include the Fjarðarsel Power Plant Museum and Skaftfell Centre for Visual Arts.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Fáskrúðsfjörður is a village with a population of just 700. It is nestled in the heart of the East Fjords and has a very distinct culture all of its own.
Its first settlers were French fisherman, and their legacy lives on in this small town. They first arrived in the mid-1800s. The Frenchmen built houses, a hospital and a harbour, which they considered to be all they would need for their time in Iceland.
They were quite settled here in this small coastal village. However, in the First World War, many Frenchmen were called into duty in defence of France. The town soon emptied of men. However, their heritage lives on.
It’s possible to visit the french hospital, where the full story of these French settlers can be learned. It has recently been renovated and stands as a hotel and a museum.
As a nod to the village’s founding fathers, the town continues to display signs in both Icelandic and French. It is also linked to a town in France called Gravelines.
Here they hold two parties every year to celebrate their connection to Iceland. The first is in spring when fisherman would set off to fish in Iceland. The second in autumn, as these men were returning to French shores.
In Fáskrúðsfjörður, the town celebrates its Frenchified connection in the height of summer. July is peaking fishing season, and so the celebrations tended to coincide with this.
For anglers visiting the area, fishing is readily accessible in the nearby Dalsá river.
Visitors are also advised to hike the path along Gilsá river towards the waterfall Gilsárfoss, where they can walk behind the cascading water.
Breiðdalsvík
Breiddalsvik is located south of Fáskrúðsfjörður. It is a small village with a population of just 140 people. This is an excellent location for people who enjoy hiking, and it’s a great spot to look out for wild reindeer, who are often spotted roaming the nearby area.
Visitors can also enjoy the black sand beach of the charming fishing village of Breiddalsvik. It’s possible to take a road trip to the longest and widest valley in Iceland, Breiðdalur.
Papey Island
Papey (“Friar’s Island”) is an uninhabited island located off the east coast of Iceland. The island is approximately 2 square kilometres (0.8 square miles). Its highest point measures 58 metres (190 feet) above sea level. Boat trips to Papey depart every summer from Djúpivogur.
The island is named after Gaelic monks (“The Papar”). These monks are thought to have inhabited the island long before the Norse settlement. Papey was lived on from the 10th century until the year 1966 when the island’s residents finally moved to the mainland.
For centuries, Papey’s residents had supported themselves on fishing for shark, hunting seals and puffins, and tending to their farmsteads. In later years, the residents would also harvest down from Eider Ducks living on the island.
Today, visitors to Papey can enjoy the large puffin colonies that still live on the island. It’s also interesting to see the remnants of the former settlement including a lighthouse, church and weather station. These all still exist much as they did in 1966.
Culture of East Iceland
One of the central points of culture in the East is the cultural and historical centre, Skriðuklaustur, in the Fljótsdalshérað district. In the Middle Ages, a monastery stood on this site. From then on it became the region’s religious centre. In the 20th century, the Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson made it his home.
Gunnar wrote many masterpieces, such as Aðventa (The Good Shepherd), Svartfugl (The Black Cliffs) and Saga Borgaraettarinnar (The Saga of the One-Eyed Guest). He also wrote the autobiographical novel, Fjallkirkjan, which has been given a variety of different titles once translated, including The Church on the Mountain, Ships in the Sky and The Night and the Dream.
Festivals play a significant role in the culture of the East today. Seyðisfjörður hosts the annual music festival LungA. The settlement of Neskaupsstaður also hosts two highly popular annual festivals, Neistaflug and Eistnaflug.
East Iceland is also home to the Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric power station, which provides many of the towns with energy. The construction of this has led to a hot debate on Iceland’s ecological footprint. The debate continues today.
