Travel Blog

Living in a landscape as dramatic and beautiful as East Iceland inspires many local artists to unleash their creativity. They paint, sculpt and create handicrafts that represent local scenes and values. You’ll find evidence of their work all over Austurland, from roadside art installations to pieces on show or sale in local boutiques and galleries. We’ve put together a roundup of just some of them to get you started, but the more you explore, the more you’ll encounter.

Iceland’s small population means that regional cuisine isn’t really a thing as it is elsewhere. However, traditional foods are eaten across this part of the country and trying them is a way of connecting with this aspect of Icelandic culture. Let’s take a look at some of the food that you should try during your visit.

Outside Reykjavik, there are few places of a significant size anywhere in Iceland. In Austurland, the largest place is Egilsstaðir, which has a population of less than 3000 inhabitants. Scattered across the region are a plethora of small and ever so charming villages; whether you stumble upon them accidentally or make firm plans to visit, here are some of those you’ll be glad to have experienced first-hand.

Austurland is a hiker’s paradise, home to some of Iceland’s most breathtaking and diverse landscapes. From dramatic coastlines and deep valleys to towering peaks and tranquil trails, the region invites you to explore nature at its most raw and beautiful. With over 600 km of marked trails, there’s something for everyone, whether you're looking for a short scenic walk or a challenging multi-day adventure.

You might already know this: in Iceland, we get pretty excited about summer!

Austurland is far from the crowds. Here, remote trails, secret spots and a deep connection to the land, culture, and history await. This summer, uncover some of Austurland’s lesser known places. There are countless hidden gems waiting just off the beaten path.

The chance to witness the Midnight Sun in summer and the Northern Lights during the other seasons is a popular reason for tourists to visit Austurland. These natural phenomena are both bucket list worthy, so let’s take a brief look at the basics of achieving a sighting one or other of them when you find yourself in East Iceland.

Many people believe that there are no trees in Iceland, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Tucked away in the heart of Austurland lies Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest forest in the country and a thriving symbol of reforestation, biodiversity, and the deep bond between Icelanders and their natural environment. Located along the eastern shore of Lake Lagarfljót, near Egilsstaðir, Hallormsstaðaskógur is a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike. With its rich mix of native and foreign tree species, peaceful walking trails, and vibrant wildlife, the forest is a living example of how restoration and conservation can bring new life to the land.

Austurland Freeride Festival is a unique ski and snowboard event in East Iceland, blending adventure, culture, and community. As the festival kicks off tomorrow, March 7, we spoke with Steve Wall, an Australian freerider who found both adventure—and love—in Iceland.

If you harbor a dream to experience all the magic of an Icelandic winter, few places rival Austurland.

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!