East Iceland

The East of Iceland - often referred to as the Eastfjords - is one of the less travelled areas of the country. Small villages, dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, mountains and narrow fields characterise its landscape. The largest town is Egilstaðir, with a population of 2,300 and an airport with multiple daily flights from/to Reykjavik. In the nearby village of Seyðisfjörður, the passenger and car ferry from Denmark and the Faroes Islands arrives during the summer months.

Borgarfjörður Eystri, north of Egilsstaðir, is one of the hidden gems of the East. Visit the small settlement of Bakkagerði, population 100, and take a look at the Álfaborg (Elf Rock). Perhaps you get a glimpse of one of the elves here. The area is also popular because of its many hiking routes.

Drive south, along the Lagarfljót lake near Egilsstaðir. Maybe you can spot the lake monster? Icelandic folklore says that an Icelandic lake monster called the Lagarfljót Worm is living in the lake. Sightings have been logged since 1345 and continue well into the 21st century.

The forest of Hallormsstaðaskógur around the lake is the largest in Iceland, with the highest trees found on the island. Over 85 different kinds of tree species can be found here. There are numerous beautiful walking paths in the area.

While driving along the Eastfjords, nature is always close, and the scenery is breath-taking. The region is rich in smaller fishing villages and compelling sights along the winding roads.  Take a break in Fáskrúðsfjörður, also called the French town of Iceland, because it used to be a hub for French sailors in the past. There is a French sailor museum that tells you more about their history.

At Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður, you can see many rare and peculiar types of stones and minerals that can be found in the surrounding mountains. It was Petra Sveinsdóttir that started the collection. She spent all her life to collecting stones during her hikes in the area. The variety of colours and shapes of rock may amaze you.

In the southern part, you will come across the town of Djúpivogur, one of the oldest municipalities of Iceland. In the harbour, you can see the art installation of Sigurðar Guðmundsson called “Egg­in í Gleðivík” (The Eggs in Gleðivík). And it is precisely that, a series of large stone eggs, lined up in a row along the seashore.

The main towns in East Iceland are Egilsstaðir, the capital of the East, with the main airport in the area. Other Significant towns are Seyðisfjörður, where the Norröna Ferry, Smyril Line, arrives.