East Iceland

the best places not to miss while visiting

East Iceland

DUE TO ITS REMOTE LOCATION, THE EAST OF ICELAND HAS ALWAYS ATTRACTED MORE SKILLED HIKERS.

The eastfjords are technically the furthest away from Reykjavík you can travel in Iceland. It is said to be the oldest part of Iceland and therefore ideal for those interested in ancient glacial landscapes. Surely, no one who visits this part of the country will be disappointed because of its beauty.

The region is full of natural wonders. Iceland’s characteristic waterfalls, mountains, deserts, hot springs and fjords. The eastern part of Iceland has however inhabitants you will only encounter in the east: herds of beautiful wild reindeer. Though not native and originally from Norway they roam exclusively in the east. The mountains here are often steep and the fjords are very stately. Due to reforestation the east has many green regions with trees.

In addition to its varied and contrasting landscape, icelands east is characterised by a wealth of natural marinas, charming tiny fishing villages and a variety of bird species. In eastern Iceland there is also the largest forest in the country: Hallormsstaður.

Places I recommend to visit in east Iceland:

East Iceland

Djupivogur and Papey island

In this picturesque fishing village at the tip of the peninsula located on the east coast it is not unusual you can encounter wandering reindeers nearby. Also seals may pop up in the harbors. In the background of the village is one of icelands most stunning mountains the 1,069 m high Búlandstindur. Because of its pyramidal shape it was chosen as the symbol of the village of Djúpivogur. In the harbour Gleðivík a collection of large stone eggs are on permanent display. Each of these 34 eggs is a large scale copy of eggs of several bird species which can be found in the region.
From Djúpivogur it is possible to take a boat trip to the island of Papey. Papey, The Monk’s Island, was inhabited by monks from Ireland. In addition to the numerous artifacts discovered in the surrounding excavations various bird species call the island their home. According to legend the mighty rocks of Castal are inhabited by the mysterious Huldufólk (Hidden People). However they are so well hidden it is more joyful watching the birds.

Skrúður Island

Skrúður Island

Skrúður is a grassy island just Fáskrúðsfjörður fjord. The island is home to the largest Skrúðhellir caves in eastern Iceland, inhabited by a growing bird population and the mythical giant Skrúðsbondi. Caves are also a refuge for brave fishermen who rest here before another trip to the sea.

French town of Fáskrúðsfjörður

French town of Fáskrúðsfjörður

While this small fishing town (also called Búðir) is teeming with signs with inscriptions in Icelandic and French, don’t worry: you are still in Iceland! In the 17th century French fishermen appeared here because of the huge number of cod swimming here. Note, the current inhabitants of the town do not communicate in French, that is a misunderstanding. They do speak Icelandic and English.

Stuðlagil canyon

Stuðlagil canyon, the most beautiful basalt formations in Iceland

In the Jökuldalur Valley (Glacier Valley) in eastern Iceland you can discover a natural wonder that until recently was literally a hidden gem. For centuries the canyon was submersed by glacial water from the Vatnajökull. Until in 2009 the Kárahnjúvirkjun hydroelectric power plant was constructed and came into service. The water level in the Jökulsá á Dal (also known simply as Jökla) dropped significantly. The submersed basalt pillars became visible in the Stuðlagil Canyon and are now considered one of the largest and most beautiful basalt formations in the whole of Iceland.
Stuðlagil Canyon can be reached in two ways. To get there from the west side turn from road 1 onto road 923 and drive about 19 km to a farm called Grund. There you will find a parking lot from where you can walk 200m to a staircase which leads straight into the canyon. From a viewing platform you can get a wonderful view down into the canyon and of basalt pillars. When going down the stairs be careful because the staircase is quite steep. A visit to the canyon from the west does not require a long walk. However, from this side you will not go all the way to the water level in the canyon.

To get really close to the interior of Stuðlagil and the glacier river you need to get to the east side. While driving on road No. 923 from road 1 you drive 14km and then turn to left at the sign for Klaustursel (farm) and Stuðlagil. You can park on the west side of the canyon and then walk over the bridge to the east side of the canyon. A 5km trail along sheep sheds, a waterfall and meadows lead you to an area where you can climb and walk down to the canyon. At this point you have to be careful as the surface of rocks, stones and mud can be very slippery. Along the way, about 2 km from the parking lot, you will pass the magnificent waterfall Stuðlafoss. The entire route is a little over 10 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete including stops at the waterfall and stuðlagil canyon.
Regardless of the route you choose, it should be remembered that the nature in this area is very delicate. Stuðlagil Canyon has only recently become accessible to visitors. Because of the growing popularity and the heavy traffic the trail has become worn out. Work is in progress on making the canyon better accessible with a better trail. In general visitors are asked to show respect for the surrounding nature, don’t leave the trail and keep the surroundings clean. Especially between 1st of May and 10th of June visiting have to stay on the trail as flocks of short-beaked geese fly into the gorge to breed and lay eggs. Stuðlagil is definitely a place worth visiting when you plan to drive around Iceland.

Vök Baths – relax in the hot pools floating on a cold lake.

Vök Baths – relax in the hot pools floating on a cold lake.

Vök Baths is a geothermal spa located on the beautiful Urriðavatn Lake in eastern Iceland. Vök Baths is located just 5 kilometres northwest of Egilsstaðir, a city known as the capital of eastern Iceland.

Vök Baths are unique hot springs where you can spend time relaxing in floating pools with amazing views over the lake and the surrounding area. Completely “immerse yourself” in iceland’s unique and untouched landscape and become one with nature. A phrase that perfectly describes this wonderful place.

Vök Baths is also the only place in Iceland where the hot geothermal water is so clean you can drink it from the source. Compared to the rest of the country, there are relatively few hot springs in eastern Iceland making Vök an attraction not to be missed!

Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir

Although Egilsstaðir is a relatively young city it is considered the capital of eastern Iceland (Austurland). The city was founded in 1947 to serve as commercial centre and regional education with a boarding school for residents of coastal villages in the Eastfjords. Nowadays the city thrives with many companies, including branches of the largest companies in the country and a bustling international airport. Egilsstadir is an excellent point for a longer stopover. Especially in the summer the weather here is considered the best in the country. Higher temperatures with a lot of sun and beautiful views make many Icelanders feel like they are on a holiday here. Egilsstadir is also a great base for exploring the northern and southern parts of Iceland.

Hengifoss

Hengifoss

This impressive waterfall has a height of 118 m and is the third largest in Iceland. Basalt walls with strips of red clay make it remarkable beautiful, and different. When the waterfall has less flow and force it is possible to get closer and sometimes it is possible to climb the stones behind the waterfall and discover what lies in the small cave behind it.
An additional attraction – about halfway – to Hengifoss Waterfall is the smaller 30-meter high Litlanesfoss. This waterfall is surrounded by magnificent high basalt columns. Some of the highest in Iceland.

Hengifoss
The Fljótsdalur Valley

The Fljótsdalur Valley

The Fljótsdalur Valley is full of lush green forests on the legendary lake and many other stately places with extraordinary aesthetic values. To the southwest, the valley is over looked by the fljótsdalsheiði highlands. In these highlands many wild reindeer wander around and Iceland’s fourth highest mountainpeak, mount Snæfell with a height of 1,833 m with a snow-covered peak, is located in this region.

Lagarfljót lake and the monster legend

Lake Lagarfljot and the ancient Lagarfljotsormurinn snake

The waters of the Jökulsá í Fljótsdal River flow into this deep wingshaped lake. The lake was formed by melting water of the glacier. The lake stretches from the south-west of the valley to the bridge between Egilsstaðir and Fellabær and then transforms into a long river flowing further northeast to the sea. Local legend has it that, as in The Scottish lake Loch Ness, a monster is living in the lake. A giant snake called Lagarfljótsormurinn. In 2012 a farmer living close to the lake recorded a video showing a monster. All visitors who see and are able to immortalise the ancient creature in a photo or video are asked to send evidence of their encounter by e-mail to: monster@egillstadir.is

Legend of the Lagarfljót
The legend of the monster first appeared in the chronicles in 1345. Its appearance was to herald great events such as natural disasters. The snake reportedly lives in Lagarfljót, a freshwater lake formed below sea level by water flowing from glaciers. The water in the lake is very opaque due to the mussels. According to the descriptions the monster is to be longer than a bus, about 12 meters long. It was often seen outside the lake curled on the shore or crawling among the trees.
It is a monster with several humps. Not an ordinary snake, like the Loch Ness monster for example.
According to a folk tradition written by Jón Árnason the monster grew out of a small worm. Legend has it that a little girl living near the lake received a gold ring from her mother. She asked what she should do with the ring. Her mother instructed her to put it in a crate and put a worm on it so that the ring would grow with him. After a few days however it turned out that the worm had grown to such a size that it lifted the lid of the crate. The terrified girl threw him along with the ring into the lake, where the snake continued to grow and terrorise the surrounding area spitting venom and killing people and animals.

 

Lake Lagarfljot and the ancient Lagarfljotsormurinn snake
Skriðuklaustur – home and museum of the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson

Skriðuklaustur – home and museum of the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson

Skriðuklaustur is a beautiful house with a turf roof. This is where the famous Icelandic writer Gunnar Gunnarsson grew up. The two-storey building was designed by German architect Fritz Höger and built in 1939. It is one of the most recognisable and most visited buildings in the area. Today, the house has a museum dedicated to Gunnarsson’s life and work. IWith a small cafe-restaurant it is also a good place for a short break.

Skriðuklaustur – home and museum of the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson

Hallormsstadaskogur State Forest

The areas managed by the Icelandic Forest Service are the so-called State Forests. They are located in all parts of the country and are open to everyone, all year round. Many of them are easily accessible and equipped with a variety of facilities for lovers of leisure time in nature. There are also those that can only be reached by climbing quite steep slopes or which can only be reached by off-road car.

You can learn more about Icelandic forests at:

skogur.is/english

 

The tasks of the Icelandic Forest Service are research and development, forestry and agriculture education, conservation and management of the State Forests in Iceland. The agency’s headquarters are located in Egilsstaðir, with a research station in Mógilsá near Reykjavík and several regional agencies throughout the country.
Hallormsstaður State Forest is one of the largest forests in Iceland. It covers an area of 740 hectares. In the middle of the forest area is iceland’s only village fully surrounded by forest. Due to its diverse landscape Hallormsstaður is a popular place for recreation. In the forest there are over 40 km of marked trails and paths, an arboretum, two campsites, picnic areas and a hotel. You can also book a 4×4 ATV hour or longer ride with an English-speaking guide. For more information, visit the https://www.easthighlanders.com/

Hallormsstadaskogur State Forest
Skriðuklaustur – home and museum of the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson

Bustarfell, old farm and museum

Bustarfell is a well-preserved 19th century country house with an eye-catching red façade and turf-covered roofs. Nowadays it houses a museum, a café and occasionally it is used as a concert hall. Visitors to the museum take a journey through the history of agriculture and the way of life from the beginning of the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Most of the exhibits here are very distinctive and allow you to imagine what life in the countryside must have looked like at the time.

Borgarfjörður Eystri

Borgarfjörður Eystri

Close to the deserted bays at the foot of the Borgafjörður Eystri fjord, there are many hiking trails. The most famous one is the mysterious mountain trail through Stórurð which is rich in colours and breathtaking views. Another hiking trail leads to the scenic Brúnavík Bay trail with its charming Riolit beaches. Presumably Borgarfjörður Eystri is also one of the best places to observe and watch puffins from close by. Almost literally they are everywhere on their mountain in the harbour and willingly pose for photos.

Saenautasel - Amazing old farm in highlands

Saenautasel – Amazing old farm in highlands

Saenautasel is a remarkable restored turf farm set in the moors of the remote Jokuldalsheidi. There is a lake and lots of beautiful greenery in the vicinity of the farm. The whole place seems to come from a different time. The farm was established in 1843 and operated until 1943, with the exception of the years 1875-1880, when it was not suitable for living after the eruption of the Askja volcano.

Vopnafjörður

Vopnafjörður

Founded in the 19th century, the picturesque town of Vopnafjörður, on iceland’s north-east coast, boasts beautiful waterfalls, cliffs and black beaches. The city has become an important commercial centre and its creation and development are inseparable from fishing and processing of fish. The main points of the landscape are the three lush valleys: Selárdalur, Hosárdalur and Vesturárdalur. It is intersected by the Hofsá and Selá rivers which are among the most salmon-rich rivers in Iceland. About 2,500 salmon are caught here every year! It is an ideal place for avid fishing.

Gerpir

Gerpir

The easternmost point of Iceland. The rock protruding here from the water to a level of more than 661 meters appeared about 12 million years ago and is considered one of the oldest rock formations in Iceland.

Seyðisfjörður and the rainbow street

Seyðisfjörður and the rainbow street

Seyðisfjörður is a beautiful little town located in the east of Iceland. Because of its seclusion it is a place where one could say “time stood still”. Seyðisfjörður is located in a wonderful fjord with lots of waterfalls around. The town is accessed via a steep mountain road with spectacular views. The old church in the city center is adjacent to the “rainbow street”. Probably the most photographed place in this part of Iceland.

Seyðisfjörður and the rainbow street

Hike to an abandoned farm from Wilderness Center

While in the east, you can enjoy a pleasant hike to the abandoned farm “Kleif”farm and admire the beautiful wild nature. The brave can try their hand at towing themselves (or their travelpartner) over the Jökulsá River by a traditional cable car. The relatively easy 3-4-hour hike that starts in the Wilderness Center and ends in Kleif. It is a great idea to spend some time here during a longer stay in the eastern part of Iceland.

Wilderness Center

Pearls of the Egilsstaðir region (the most beautiful hiking trails at East Iceland)

The pearls of the Egilsstaðir region is a collection of 28 carefully planned hiking trails. Hikes to several more remote tourist attractions located in the municipalities of Fljótsdalshérað and Fljótsdalshreppur in the eastern part of Iceland. While exploring the attractions you will encounter beautiful, often lesser-known waterfalls, lakes, streams, canyons, small caves and marine coves. Most of the trails, but not all, are mountain trails leading through the peaks from which you can enjoy a wonderful view.
For more information about hiking trails please check The Pearls of Egilsstaðir Area – Visitegilsstadir