Activities in Hallormsstaður

The Hallormsstaður Arboretum is unique in Iceland, comprising a collection of around 80 tree species originating from various parts of the world. In addition to trees, there are also various species of shrubs. Begin your walk through the arboretum from the car park by the main road and follow the paths. Allow yourself plenty of time, about 2-3 hours, to explore the arboretum, enjoy the surroundings, and breathe in the fresh air. Walk down to Lake Lagarfljót, enjoy a picnic, and listen to the birds singing.Forestry in Hallormsstaður began in 1903 by fencing off 12 hectares for a tree nursery called Mörk. Half a hectare was prepared as nursery beds, marking the beginning of the nursery. In 1905, 50 Engelmann spruces were planted on the upper half of Mörk. Now, only five of these trees remain, and they are the oldest spruces in the forest, standing close to the parking lot.Over the years, single trees and groups of various species have been planted in Mörk. This arboretum is already the most impressive in the country, offering visitors a good opportunity to see both common and rare species. 

A 9 course track in Guttormslundur, close to the camping site in Atlavík. There are two tees at each basket which gives players at every experience level a run for their money. Here you can find a map of the course.

Kayaking along the forested coast from Fljótsbotn to Atlavík is a short but beautiful route. It is easy to bring boats to the Lagarfljót on the sandbanks at the estuary of Gilsár. Along the way there are many small coves where you can take land. But it's worth keeping in mind that the Lagarfljót is very cold and deep, and it's not advisable to row on it except in calm weather.

East Highlanders is a family business and run by a team of experienced drivers and guides who will help you create new memories in East Iceland. We at East Highlanders call ourselves memory creators; we offer day trips around the East for small groups and welcome larger and smaller groups in the Hallormsstadur forest. Our operation is built on a solid foundation and has welcomed guests since 2010. Our goal is to provide a memorable stay in the East. We strive to be socially and environmentally responsible, meeting the needs of our guests and exceeding their expectations. Please check out our website, and let's create new memories together. Day tripsExperience the East in peace and privacy. Day trips are perfect for smaller groups. We offer private jeep tours with guides who will take you and your group around the area and explore the main attractions of East Iceland. you can book a trip to Studlagil, Mjoifjordur and Borgarfjordur Eystri. We can also create a tailor-made tour if you want to see something else. Hallormstadur forestIn the forest, we welcome groups and offer axe throwing. Axe throwing has deep roots and was popular in the Viking age. Today axe throwing has been modernized into a competitive sport, and the aim of the sport is to hit the bullseye on a target. If you are competitive and want to get the adrenaline going, then this is an activity for you. Get in touch with your inner Viking and step back in time while you throw axes in the forest. We offer 1 hour of axe throwing. This activity takes place outdoors, so please dress according to the weather. This activity is relatively easy and effortless. The difficulty lever is similar to bowling and throwing darts. Therefore suitable for everybody. . This activity takes place outdoors and is great for those who want to have fun. Let's make good memories together and see you in a good mood - the East Highlanders team. ​ 

Stekkjarvík is an outdoor area for the family about 4 km away from the urban area of ​​Hallormsstaður, close to Hafursá. There are playground equipment made from local wood, charcoal grills and tables in beautiful clearings.

Skriðuklaustur is the former home of the famous author Gunnar Gunnarsson (1889-1975). Since 2000 it has been open as a centre of culture & history with various activities and exhibitions. It houses a museum about the author with personal guidance about his life and career as well as the adventure of building a mansion in Fljotsdalur valley in 1939. The house itself is one of Iceland’s most treasured buildings, donated to the Icelandic nation by the author in 1948. It was designed by the German architect Fritz Höger. At Skriðuklaustur, you can also have a look at the ruins of a medieval Augustinian monastery from the 16th century which was excavated at the beginning of the 21st century. The ruins are accessible all year round, close to the author's home. The exhibition about medieval life and the excavation can be found in the cultural centre which also houses the restaurant Klausturkaffi.  Opening hours April - May: Open daily 11am - 5pm June - August: Open daily 10am - 5pmSeptember - October 13th: Open daily 11am - 5pm    

Snæfellsstofa is the information center for the eastern territory of Vatnajökull National Park. It is situated at Skriðuklaustur in an environmentally friendly building. The house itself is the first of its kind in the country. It is designed and built according to environmentally sound standards (BREEAM). In Snæfellsstofa you can find an exhibition about nature and wildlife in the area, multimedia and activities for children. Souvenir shop with focus on local products, coffee sale and internet on site. Free admission. Vatnajökull National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Europe. It was established in 2008 and covers an area of around 14000 square kilometers which is about 14% of the surface of Iceland. The glacier covers about half of the Park, offering a unique interplay between fire and ice, volcanic activity, glacial and geological formations and waterfalls. The Park contains many areas of historical interest and an extraordinary variety of landscapes which contain some of the nation´s greatest natural treasures. It occupies a very important place in the world of natural science, due to, among other things, the dynamic interaction between fire and ice, which is still very much at work today.  In 2019, Vatnajökull National Park was inscribed upon the UNESCO World Heritage List.  For opening hours, please visit: https://en.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en/areas/snaefell-lonsoraefi/plan-your-visit/snaefellsstofa-visitor-centre

Wilderness Center of Iceland - Center of Recreation The Wilderness Center is an authentic and peaceful hideaway, located right on the edge of Northern Europe´s most extensive wilderness. One can experience the spirit of the past through a variety of services, such as unique accommodation, local food, exhibitions, horse riding and hiking, stargazing/Aurora station, day tours, escorted tours, super jeep tours, and tailor-made tours. The center's tranquil and pleasant location, as well as the distinct choice of accommodation and unique setting both indoors and out, will draw guests into adventures of the past and offer a unique atmosphere. Delicious food from local ingredients is cooked from scratch in the open home-style kitchen. Cakes and bread are also home-made. The Center offers a variety of activity and services. One can go hiking along waterfalls, cross the river on a cable-bridge, go horseback riding, rent mountain bikes, go fishing, gaze at the stars in the stargazing hut or visit the creative museum about the history of the Icelandic wilderness, where one can walk into the adventures of the Icelandic wilderness and be touched by the dramatic struggle between the forces of nature and the Icelander´s fight to survive. Many different day tours can be made from the Wilderness Center either self-drive or escorted. For example to Hengifoss, Laugarfell hot springs, Snæfell area, Hafrahvammagljúfur canyons and many more. Multi-day, tailormade tours can also be arranged, all year around. MUSEUM - HIKING - RIDING - MOUNTAIN BIKING - FISHING - STARGAZING - ACCOMMODATION - LOCAL FOOD - GUIDED TOURS TEL: +354 440 8822 / info@wilderness.is / www.wilderness.is

Kelduá in Fljótsdal flows through Suðurdalur and then into Jökulsá. The river has both local trout and char. Fishing licenses are sold at Hengifoss guesthouse. Gilsá falls into the Lagarfljót, not far within Hallormsstaðarskógur. The Forest Service allows angling in the estuary free of charge. Jökulsá in Fljótsdalur is clear for a large part of the year after the power plant at Kárahnjúkar. It contains local char. Fishing licenses are sold at Óbyggðasetur and you can also rent rods there.

The province is in danger because the golden ring of the Lagarfljótsorm is missing, and the monster may break its chains if it is not found. This summer, families traveling through East Iceland can help the circle's entourage find the snake's gold by taking part in a fun treasure hunt around Fljótsdalshérað. The participants are joined by Hrafnkeli Freysgoði and Álfgerður in Ekkjufell, who lead the entourage with the help of the Turf Hunt app from Locatify. At selected locations you have to face challenges and solve puzzles to collect runes or create a puzzle that leads to the place where the gold is hidden. Maps with information about the game and suggestions for day trips around the Region can be found at most accommodation facilities and elsewhere, e.g. in Snæfellstofa and at Skriduklaustur. You can access the app here.

Adventure orienteering in Fljótsdal - *Only in Icelandic!* The search for the lost fire is a family orientation game for phones. Age 6+ is recommended due to the length of the game. A dragon that inhabits the East has lost the ability to breathe fire. In order for him to be able to protect the East from the evil forces that are attacking us, you need to help him regain his power. His friends are scattered around Fljótsdalur. They help you find clues. The game is only in Icelandic and accessible through the app turfhunt. You have to drive between stations and it takes about 3-5 hours to discover and complete the 10 stations in the game. The game was made with grants from Fljótsdalshreppur community fund. It is a good example of how simple game design can be used to communicate local history and culture as well as being a tool for better distribution of tourists. The game is illustrated by Aldís Anna Þorsteinsdóttir. Link to download the turfhunt app is here.

Adventure orienteering game in Hallormsstaðarskógur - *Only in Icelandic* This game takes place in the area between the campsites in Atlavík and Höfðavík. Þór, the forest ranger needs your help because there are monsters on the prowl in the forest who break trees and prey on people and animals. An old spell to put the creatures to sleep is lost. Give your team a name and see if your team does better than others in finding the mantra. It doesn't matter where you start, but you have to find all the places on the board to finish the game. The game is only in Icelandic and is played between stations. Link to download the turfhunt app is here.