Top Destinations
TOP DESTINATION
Hólmanes
Between Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður you can visit the Nature reserve Hólmanes. This is an ideal place to enjoy a good walk either down to the sea or up the hills. Birds and remarkable rock formations can be enjoyed in Hólmanes. With luck, you could stumble upon a herd of reindeers.
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Rainbow Street
Painted by the locals, Rainbow Street in Seyðisfjörður is probably one of the most well-known landmarks in East Iceland. At the end of the rainbow, you can find the beautiful Blue Church.
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Hengifoss
Apart from having recently been re-defined as Iceland's second-highest waterfall, the Hengifoss is particularly picturesque. The layers between numerous Tertiary lava strata yield a reddish color particularly salient in the cliffs around Hengifoss. Moreover, underway towards Hengifoss, the Litlanesfoss presents impressive stands of basalt columns on both sides of the gorge.
Usually, the climb ends well below Hengifoss, at a point where it can easily be admired without crossing the river. However, if the flow is scarce - as is often the case in autumn - it is feasible to go closer and even enter a shallow cave behind the waterfall.
There is an easy walking path from the highway to Hengifoss, it takes 40-60 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the waterfall.
www.hengifoss.is
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Hafnarhólmi
Hafnarhólmi islet at the harbour in Borgarfjörður Eystri is perfect for birdwatching. Hafnarhólmi is easily the most accessible Atlantic Puffin colony in Iceland where they nest every year from middle of April to beginning of August. Kittiwakes, Fulmar and Common Eider also nest in Hafnarhólmi along with many other bird species.
Locals have taken care of Hafnarhólmi and its birds for decades and built it up to be easily accessible for visitors to enjoy the area in harmony with the wildlife there. At the newly built Hafnarhús - Harbour House you can enjoy art exhibitions and excellent view over the harbour and Hafnarhólmi while tasting some Icelandic delicacies.
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Vök Baths
Vök Baths
At Vök Baths you will find, floating geothermal pools with infinity view, two on shore hot pools, a sauna, cold water spray tunnel, tea bar, an in-water pool bar, and the on-site restaurant, Vök Bistro.
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TOP DESTINATION
Stuðlagil Canyon
In the valley Jökuldalur (Glacier Valley) in Austurland - East Iceland there is a marvelous natural site that almost nobody knew about until recently. For a long time it was hidden underwater or until the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkavirkjun was built and the water flow in the glacier river Jökulsá á Dal, a.k.a. Jökla, was remarkably reduced.
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Travel Blog
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Austurland’s cozy Christmas customs
From reindeer to seasonal beer, and greedy trolls to sweet traditional tales, East Iceland has a wealth of Christmas cheer. Read on to discover the unique ways we mark the season, and keep in mind that this is the darkest time of the year in Iceland. Here in Austurland, we have only about 3.5 hours of daylight over the Christmas period – which explains the abundance of twinkling lights strung up everywhere! -
Múlaþing:The magic of Austurland’s Múlaþing
Our previous blog covered the seven fabulous fjord communities that make up the Austurland municipality of Fjarðabyggð. This blog covers the communities of the neighboring municipality known as Múlaþing. On a map, it stretches over a wide ‘n’ shape that’s overflowing with notable and next-level natural treats. Múlaþing includes the four communities of Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður, Borgarfjörður eystri, and Djúpivogur, plus the Fljótsdalur countryside that encompasses lakeshore, waterfalls and forest, and the highland area up to the edge of Vatnajökull glacier. -
Fjarðabyggð: A week of wonders across seven fjords
In the mid-Eastfjords of Iceland you’ll find seven waterfront towns, generally named after the fjord or bay on which they’re located (but not always!). They’re renowned for their closeknit communities, fishing folklore, and stunning scenery. They offer plenty to discover – walking trails and magnificent viewpoints, of course, and fresh local seafood, naturally. But there are some surprises, too, if you have the time to dig deeper. Is it a coincidence that there are seven fjords? Could this be the making of a magnificent week-long adventure, checking off our list of highlights? We’re sure that if you ask the locals, they’ll add plenty more highlights to fill your days. Maybe you need to spend even more time here…? -
Vopnafjörður: Off the beaten track in Austurland
Some people keep their favorite destinations a well-guarded secret. They fear a place might lose its magic if word gets out, and if too many people start to visit. Not us! And not when it comes to sharing one of Austurland’s gems: Vopnafjörður. In the beautiful, near-empty northeast of our region, there’s plenty of nature to go around.
Travel Routes
TRAVEL ROUTE
Coastal Experience
Drive from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður. Stop at the Wartime Museum to learn about the relations of soldiers and local residents during World War II. Opt whether to drive to Fáskrúðsfjörður through the tunnel or on the old, partly gravel road near Skrúður Island. Enjoy a meal at L’abri Restaurant in Fáskrúðsfjörður village, as well as the museum devoted to French fishermen and their heritage.
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TRAVEL ROUTE
Fjord to Fjord
Start your day in Egilsstaðir and drive towards Seyðisfjörður. Where you start climbing the slopes onto Fjarðarheiði pass, you should stop and walk up to Fardagafoss waterfall. You can even clamber behind it and view Egilsstaðir from the trail.
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TRAVEL ROUTE
Highland Circle
Start bright and early visiting Vallanes Organic Farm for breakfast. Then drive through Iceland’s biggest woods, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and hike up to Hengifoss, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall.
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TRAVEL ROUTE
On the Edge
We recommend you take 2-3 days to enjoy this route to its fullest. You won't regret taking your time to become on with the Icelandic landscape and heritage.
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TRAVEL ROUTE
The Ring of Riverdale
The Ring of Riverdale is one of the most popular travel routes in Austurland, as it is probably the most popular among locals. You will find historical connections everywhere and many hiking trails. Sustainability and food from the region are highly valued. One of Iceland's highest waterfalls, Hengifoss, is located in Fljótsdalur.
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Events
Towns of Austurland
Borgarfjörður eystri
You’re in good company in this beautiful region: around 100 friendly locals populate the village, tourists pass through to enjoy the surrounds (includ
Breiðdalsvík
Tiny Breiðdalsvík is a relatively young fishing village with some surprises and plenty of small-town hospitality. It lies on the coast with great seas
Djúpivogur
In the southern pocket of East Iceland, life moves at an unhurried pace. The scenic town of Djúpivogur is part of Cittaslow, ‘an international network
Egilsstaðir
The hub of the east, Egilsstaðir is the largest town in the region and it’s home to all the services a traveler might need. Across the bridge is the s
Eskifjörður
Eskifjörður and its surrounds are a fabulous microcosm of the east, with attractions that neatly sum up the region’s appeal. History and nature work t
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Fáskrúðsfjörður dishes up a Gallic surprise in the middle of the Eastfjords: a strong historical connection to France that today is showcased and cele
Fljótsdalur and Hengifoss area
Fljótsdalur is a valley in Austurland, named after Lake Lagarfljót, which flows through it. The valley is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes an
Mjóifjörður
In a country that specializes in unspoiled and out-of-the-way places, Mjóifjörður might just take the title of ‘most remote’.
Its name translates as
Neskaupstaður
Neskaupstaður is about as far east as you can go in Iceland, and soaring mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the town (which is sometimes called No
Reyðarfjörður
At over 30km long, Reyðarfjörður is the longest and widest of Iceland's Eastfjords. Norwegians once operated whaling stations along the fjord, and fis
Seyðisfjörður
Color and creativity abound in Seyðisfjörður, a village filled with bright cottages and artist studios. Recently it has become famous for its photogen
Stöðvarfjörður
Stöðvarfjördur is the only Eastfjords town that the Ring Road travels directly through, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the un
Vopnafjörður
There’s good reason to turn off the Ring Road (Hwy 1) at Route 85: the secluded town of Vopnafjörður sits pretty on a scenic stretch of coastline, sur
When are you Travelling?
Practical Information
It is important to keep a few things in mind when travelling in Iceland. It is necessary to keep up with the weather forecast, even during summer, and road conditions. You must get familiar with the Icelandic Króna (currency) and pack appropriately for the season you are visiting, you can expect all kinds of weather all year round. And there is no need to buy water because the tap water is great!
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