Activities in Múlaþing

Vök Baths is a geothermal destination on the beautiful Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland. Located in only a 5-minute drive from Egilsstaðir, the largest settlement in the East, Vök Baths is an essential stop on any visit to this part of the country.

The Hús Handanna Shop is to find at the most trafficked crossroads in Eastern Iceland and in the heart of Egilsstadir town.The shop was established in 2010 and from the first day the main focus has been on representing Icelandic / East-Icelandic goods founded on our culture and our lifestyle.The Hús Handanna Shop is environmentally friendly and an artistic life-style-shop, offering a wide variety of Icelandic product design, art crafts, clothing design, art creative writing etc.Our special emphasis is on offering goods that benefit our environment and ourselves. We even have some gourmet specialities from the local community.At Hús Handanna Shop among other items, you will find shampoo in a travel kit, waxed napkins for the sandwiches, warm stockings - or even a good book. And of course your own personal souvenir from your travel.  You are always Welcome!  

Our business is a family one; we prefer having just a small operation. All we rent out is two rooms in our home and only to one party at a time, so you are sure to be our sole guests. However, your party can include up to five people, since we offer two rooms, one with a double bed or two singles, the other with a single and a double bed or two singles. These rooms share a bathroom. Our goal is to ensure personal attention, as well as service of the highest standard. Included in our price is a traditional Icelandic breakfast. The location is convenient: near Ring Road No. 1 and only about 4 kilometers from the nearest village, Djúpivogur. Not least, our house stands just a few meters from the pristine waters of Hamarsfjörður fjord and offers fantastic views of the ocean. Just watching from our porch, you can observe seabirds and even occasional seals and harbor porpoises. We offer customized, informative tours with a guide to help you get the most out of local birds, reindeer, and culture. Such trips will usually provide you with excellent chances for photographs.

Hálsaskógur is in Búlandsnes, a short distance west of Djúpivogur. The forest area is very nice and there are signs providing information about the forest, such as the tree species, as well as tables and benches. There are footpaths going through the planted forest which makes it particularly suitable for those who prefer light walks.

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. 

The area on Búlandsnes, just outside Djúpivogur, is ideal for hiking, experiencing beauty and adventure, playing, learning, and enjoying a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the spirit of the slow movement, Cittaslow. It features exceptionally beautiful and diverse landscapes, with the colours of black sand, vegetated islets, and mirror-like ponds, rich birdlife, and abundant history. There is also a very scenic view of the mountains and the sea.    You can start the hike by walking east from Djúpivogur, stopping at Bóndavarða (Farmers’ Cairn). From there, you have a fantastic view in all directions, with a viewing disc showing the main place names. Inland, there are many prominent peaks and mountains, with Búlandstindur being one of the most beautiful and famous—a tall and steep pyramid on thesouthern side of Berufjörður. Towards the sea, you see islands and skerries like pearls on a string, with Papey being the largest and most well-known. The surroundings of Djúpivogur are marked by distinctive ridges or high, thin rock formations, standing parallel and giving an enchanting look to the area. These are dikes, ancient solidified lava that filled cracks during volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Because the rock in these dikes is hard, the Ice Age glacier couldn't level these ridges to the ground.   From Bóndavarða, you can continue northeast along Langatangi cape or head directly east down to the shore and then south to Grunnasund and across it to the sand. Grunnasund may need to be waded or you can take a detour along its end. You can also walk straight out to the sand southward on the road that leads to the airstrip, a route also suitable for driving. The environment on Búlandsnes has changed significantly from earlier times when the islets on the sand were real islands with boat-accessible channels between them.     South of Grunnasund, the route continues into Úlfsey. In the past, when there was a channel between it and the mainland, boats rowed through it. Gradually, the channel shallowed, and sources say it was full of sand over 100 years ago, sometime after 1880. On Úlfsey, there is said to be an ancient burial mound, probably named after a person named Úlfur. "No man shall set foot on land there without singing a verse by the mound, making a prayer, or placing a stone on the mound," according to the folk tales of Jón Árnason. The mound believed to be Úlfshaugur is a half-grown pile of stones in the northeast of Úlfsey.   From Úlfsey, you can walk southeast to Hvaley where you can see, in the southernmost cliffs, a cave, considered a natural formation but filled with sand. It was partially excavated a few years ago but has since filled with sand again. It is believed that people who used the island for egg collecting or as a sheepfold, stayed in the cave.   Continue the hike with a stop at Kálki, where there are ruins of houses, and then out to Sandey. It is possible to scramble down to the shore in Sandey if the tide is low and explore a cave there. To close the loop, you can walk along the airfield to the ponds Fýluvogur and Breiðavogur, but first, you might take a detour west across the sand to Hrísey and Kiðhólmi. According to sources, there were settlements in Hrísey in earlier times, and ruins are visible there. According to records, there was a trading harbor in Fýluvogur, then a navigable cove in the 1500s. German merchants from Bremen traded at Fýluvogur, while Hamburg merchants traded at Djúpivogur. With the establishment of the Danish trade monopoly in 1602, German trade ceased.    At Fýluvogur, there are now birdwatching houses to make it easier for people to observe the diverse and bustling birdlife there. Wetlands, ponds, and shores are ideal for birdwatching, especially in spring when migratory birds arrive and during the breeding season, but there is also a passage of migratory birds through the area in autumn. There are many waders and very diverse duck breeding, such as the gadwall and shoveler. The great crested grebe has also nested by the ponds. Besides the many breeding birds, many waders and ducks pass through the area in spring and autumn, including interesting vagrant birds. In addition to the wetland birds, which are prominent on Búlandsnes, you can see seabirds along the coast, moorland birds on the hills and heaths, and if you go up into Hálsaskógur, a forested area near Djúpivogur, you might encounter the goldcrest, the smallest bird in Europe, and other woodland birds. Hálsar is also an ideal area for hiking and nature observation, featuring diverse and unusual landscapes with distinctive dikes.   

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. 

Puffin Adventures is a family-owned and operated RIB safari tour company in Borgarfjörður eystri. Driven by love for nature and wildlife, Puffin Adventures specializes in delivering tours that enable visitors to immerse themselves in beautiful landscapes, towering cliffs, and captivating wildlife of this magical area.  Puffin Adventures primary objective is to create unforgettable experiences and forge memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. We are dedicated to ensuring that each visitor enjoys a truly remarkable and memorable adventure.  You can look us up on Instagram and visit our website puffin.is.  

The farm Þvottá is the southernmost farm in Álftafjörður. Around the year 1000 the renowned Saga personality Hallur Þorsteinsson, or Síðu-Hallur, lived there. He received the priest and missionary Þangbrandur, who spent the winter with him. Síðu-Hallur and his whole household were baptized in the river by the farm and since then it was named River Þvottá (The Wash River). The farm gets its freshwater supplies from the so-called Þangbrandur Well, where the missionary probably held services at St. Michael’s Mass with the people of Þvottá attending the day before they were baptized. A ruin by the well was declared inviolate. Þvottá was a church site until 1754 and a parsonage for a long time. The old cemetery is still visible. Mt Mælifell (487m) is closer to the sea and north of it are Sellönd (Summer Pastures). The whole area is rather colourful because of the rhyolite intrusions and quite a few basaltic dykes decorate the landscape. These formations were created by the ancient and extinct central volcano, which has now mostly disappeared under the Álftafjörður Bay. Traces of several minerals were discovered in the area, gold, platinum etc. By Þvottaá, there is a monument to the adoption of Christianity and the area is vell suited for outdoor activities. 

Æðarsteinn lighthouse - a pretty structure, a little way inland from the Gleðivík Eggs. Walking distance from the Tankur. It´s a nice place worth visiting during the walk.

Stafdalur is by highway no. 93 between Seyðisfjörður and Egilsstaðir. The ski area is in approx. 21 km. distance from Egilsstaðir and 8 km. from the center of Seyðisfjörður. There are three ski lifts in the area and facilities for all kinds of skiers. The beginner lift is a rope lift, about 100 meters long, and is only open on weekends and holidays. The lower lift is about 900 meters long and has a height difference of 190 meters. The upper lift is about 700 meters long and has a height difference of 160 meters. Ski and snowboard rentals are available in the area, and a lodge is open to guests. There is a 5 km. cross-country ski trail in Stafdalur, which is always trodden when time allows.

Blábjörg Resort is located in the idyllic fishing village of Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður eystri. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and unique nature, various hiking trails and outdoor activities can be found here both during the summer and winter seasons. Rising out of the village is the mystical Elf City, Álfaborg, where the elves watch over the town and its visitors. Hafnarhólmi, the puffin colony, is buzzing with birdlife from early April to the middle of August and is unique to experience.  At Blábjörg, we have a variety of options available for your stay. Blábjörg features a guesthouse with shared facilities, hotel rooms with private facilities, luxury apartments, a restaurant, and a spa. Frystiklefinn, our restaurant, puts great effort into our menu and includes fresh local ingredients in all our dishes. Musteri Spa offers a variety of treatments, both for your body and spirit. Our guesthouse offers 11 small, but cozy rooms with three shared bathrooms, together with the new hotel building with nine deluxe double rooms, all with private bathrooms, balconies, and picturesque views.  In addition, we offer four self-contained apartments - two studio apartments with an ocean view, a 2-bedroom apartment, and a 3-bedroom apartment.

Borgarfjörður eystri (in east Iceland) is one of those places where you can always look into the distance and see something incredible that you would love to experience up close. Mountain Biking allows you to get personal with nature, yet also lets you experience the thrill and speed of zooming through the landscape. Combine this with the striking natural landscape of the area surrounding Borgarfjörður eystri and you are in for an unforgettable ride.  We at Fjord Bikes invite you to experience with us the amazing birdlife, the natural wilderness area and historic fishing village of Borgarfjörður eystri. Close to the town you can find the Puffin Marina, which is by far the best place to see the fabled Atlantic Puffin up close. In the surrounding areas you can get into the wilderness. This is an area in the surrounding viks and fjords, where decades ago there was a vibrant agrarian society, now deserted and reclaimed by nature. There you can find beautiful waterfalls, expansive vistas, valleys, and gulches made of the colourful rock called Rhyolite. Ride the long way around to the black sand beach in Breiðavík, where rhyolite rocks polished by crashing waves give the sand a splash of colour. Brave up the challenging old trading route Sandaskörð to witness the beauty of the highlands surrounding Mt. Dyrfjöll and the unrivalled natural splendour of Stórurð. When biking in Borgarfjörður, you’ll always find something new to do.  

The horse rental/The travel service at Stóra-Sandfell is located 17 km. south of Egilsstaðir, by highway 95. When driving over the road called Öxi (which is the shortest route) or Breiðdalsheiði, the roads lie between Höfn and Egilsstaðir. We offer horseriding, 1-2 hours tours, through Sandfell's forest and nearby. All of the horseriding tours are monitored by a guide. We always try to make sure we find a horse that suits each and every rider well. Before each trip we go over all safety rules and do some practice rounds inside a fence. There is no fixed time for the riding tours, so all tours are planned individually. The minimum number of riders is 2 for each trip and the maximum is 10 riders. The accommodation is open from May 15th – September 15th.The horse rental is open from June 1th – September 15th.The campsite is open from June 1th – August 31th.  For further information and reservations, please go to our website or contact us through phone or e-mail.

Finnsstaðir is a family-run business located about four minutes away from the town Egilsstaðir.  Finnsstaðir offers a few things, open all year round. Guesthouse to rent, horse rental, and the horse stable is always open between 10:00 – 17:00 for a short guided tour through the stable to see the horses, take pictures and meet the locals, but we recommend booking the tour with a bit of notice. From 15. may until 15. September, the petting zoo is open.  Finnsstaðir horse rental offers horses with great temperament and clean beated tölt. The tölt is a natural, fluid gait of the Icelandic horse. Its extraordinarily smooth four-beat gait, which allows the rider an almost bounce-free ride. In Finnsstaðir, you ride out in a small private group with a local guide. Most of the riding tours are about one hour, and the owner‘s goal is to keep everyone safe, give all the guests a good experience and memories to keep as long as you live. Longer trips with experienced riders could be available, but just contact Finnsstaðir and ask for availability. On the farm is a big house to rent with three bedrooms and beds for six people. There are two bathrooms and a hot tub on the platform with a great view. The house is spacious and equipped with all standard modern comfort. Washing machine and dryer, the wifi in the house is very strong, and there is a kitchen to cook in. Finnsstaðir petting zoo is open from 10:00-17:00 every day from 15. may until 15.September. All year round, there are chickens and ducks on the farm and, of course, horses, but during the summertime, it is possible to visit and get to know lambs, calves, pigs, ducklings, rabbits, and guinea pigs.  The animals at Finnsstaðir love people, especially children from all parts of the world.

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. ​