Matkaopas: Höfðavík

Höfðavík is a popular camping ground in east Iceland.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Christoph L. Hess. No edits made.

Höfðavík Camping Ground

Höfðavík is located in the largest forest in Iceland, Hallormsstaðaskógur, south of the Capital of the East, Egillstaðir. Of one of two campsites in the woodland, the other being named Atlavík, it has more services. It boasts hot showers, three buildings with bathrooms, accessible toilets, barbecues, electrical outlets, waste disposal and a playpark.

Höfðavík is also larger than Atlavík; it is divided into four sections, one of borders on the edge of Lake Lagarfljót. This beautiful body of water is renowned for its fishing and its folklore; it is said that Lagarfjlót is home to a wyrm somewhat like the Loch Ness Monster, sightings of which have been recorded for centuries.

The campsite is also close to many of the eleven marked trails through Hallormsstaðskógur, which are very popular amongst hikers and cyclists. Several of these paths lead to birdwatching areas, where visitors can see a wealth of native species, and to the forest’s Arboretum, which has eighty species of different tree.

Like the vast majority of other campsites across Iceland, Höfðavík is only open in summer, from May 5th to October 1st.

To stay at Höfðavík cost 1,900 ISK per adult, 1,100 ISK for senior citizens and those with disabilities, and is free for those under 15. It costs an additional 300 ISK per camping unit, 1,000 ISK for electricity, and 500 ISK for the showers, washing machines and dryers.

Getting to Höfðavík Camping Ground

The Höfðavík Camping Ground is less than half an hour’s drive from Egilsstaðir. Simply drive south on Route 95, continue right onto Route 931, and you will find the free parking area to the right.

Egilsstaðir is the main commercial area of east Iceland, although one of the furthest towns in the country from Reykjavík; it takes about eight hours driving Route 1 North. There are, however, regular flights from the domestic airport.

Those staying at Höfðavík will find all the amenities they need at Egilsstaðir, such as groceries, petrol and tourist information. Egilsstaðir is also the tourist centre of the east, and the departure point for many of the region’s tours.