Travel Blog

Northern Lights season in Iceland runs from about the end of August to the middle of April. If you’ve never been, you could be forgiven for thinking that there’s little difference between each month when it comes to your chances of seeing the aurora. Actually, that’s not the case. Visibility, daylight hours and weather conditions can all play their part in improving or worsening your odds of seeing the aurora.

It’s one thing to witness the spectacle of the Northern Lights but even better to take a beautiful image of these ethereal lights to hang on the wall. But unless you know your way around the camera’s settings, it can be tricky to achieve the perfect picture. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to set up your shot, which East Iceland landmarks make the best backdrop and how to stay safe while you’re out.

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.

Camping is a great way of connecting with nature and even as far north as Iceland, so long as you have warm and weatherproof gear, it’s a pleasant experience. Many of East Iceland’s top sites are located within sight of the region’s most extraordinary views, which only adds to the appeal. In this article, we’ll offer a few suggestions for anyone hoping to go camping in Austurland, from the best sites to our tried and tested tips.

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.

The peaceful inlets, secluded fjords and quiet beaches of East Iceland are the ideal destination for birdwatchers. Avian life flourishes here and there are numerous places where you can observe the behaviour of a range of species. Here’s what you might find, where and when.

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.