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 sister town of Fellabær, and together the population for the twin towns nudges 3000 inhabitants.  

Transport connections are easy: Egilsstaðir airport has daily flights to and from Reykjavík, and buses connect to larger regional towns. Egilsstaðir makes a great hub for exploration – on its doorstep is Lagarfljót, a lake that may or may not be home to a monster, plus scenic hiking trails and roads to deliver you to neighboring fjords, forests, highland farms, waterfalls and wide open spaces. Just outside Fellabær is the newest addition to Iceland’s stellar collection of designer bathing spots, Vök Baths.  

Egilsstaðir’s food scene is full of local flavor – you can sample farm-fresh produce and locally produced beer, and satisfy all budgets in restaurants that range from quick, easy pit-stops for road-trippers to upmarket dining rooms showcasing unique ingredients that haven’t traveled far to reach your plate.  

There are places to tap into local culture, too, including the local museum with its focus on history and the introduction of reindeer to the region. Annual festivals celebrate an eclectic array of themes, including jazz music, winter darkness,
and lake-dwelling beasts. 

Highlights: 

Walk: to Fardagafoss, a waterfall at the foot of Fjarðaheiði heath.  

Taste: local reindeer, served in one of the fine restaurants. Vegetarians should look out for barley grown in the area. 

Soak: with local kids at the town’s outdoor swimming pool, or in pools floating atop a lake at Vök Baths. 

Road-trip: around the shores of Lagarfljót, to check out splendid Hengifoss waterfall, Skriðuklaustur monastery and
Snæfellsstofa, a visitor center for the eastern area of Vatnajökull National Park.