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Visit North Iceland is responsible for marketing and promotion of North Iceland which is a friendly and tranquil area with a population of 36 thousand, including Akureyri, the largest town outside Reykjavík, and a number of historic coastal towns. Most visited attractions are Vatnajökull National Park, where you find Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall and lake Mývatn geothermal region with hot springs, volcanic areas, craters, geothermal nature baths and amazing lava formations. We have magical winters with Iceland‘s most popular ski area, energising off-piste skiing and 13 Yule Lads (Santas) on top of unique locations for Northern Lights observation.

Welcome to Austurland

Communities

About 13,000 people live in Austurland, which is 22,721 km² and geographically diverse. Communities are scattered, and the towns are different even though most of them developed around the fishing industry. Today, tourism and industry are also prominent in Austurland and each community has its own characteristics. You are welcome to visit!

Practical Information

It is important to keep a few things in mind when travelling in Iceland. It is necessary to keep up with the weather forecast, even during summer, and road conditions. You must get familiar with the Icelandic Króna (currency) and pack appropriately for the season you are visiting, you can expect all kinds of weather all year round. And there is no need to buy water because the tap water is great!

Top Destinations

While travelling through Austurland you will without a doubt spot some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Towering mountains and powerful waterfalls are just a fraction of the amazing destinations the region has to offer. Below we have handpicked several destinations that no traveller should leave unseen.

Food and Drink

Austurland is renowned for its diverse food traditions where local ingredients are highly regarded. Austurland features a variety of restaurants and cafés where every traveller should find something to their liking.

Destination Guide

Summer

Winter

Top Destinations

TOP DESTINATION
Hafnarhólmi
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.
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TOP DESTINATION
Hengifoss
Apart from having recently been re-defined as Iceland's second-highest waterfall, the Hengifoss is particularly picturesque. The layers between numerous Tertiary lava strata yield a reddish color particularly salient in the cliffs around Hengifoss. Moreover, underway towards Hengifoss, the Litlanesfoss presents impressive stands of basalt columns on both sides of the gorge. Usually, the climb ends well below Hengifoss, at a point where it can easily be admired without crossing the river. However, if the flow is scarce - as is often the case in autumn - it is feasible to go closer and even enter a shallow cave behind the waterfall. There is an easy walking path from the highway to Hengifoss, it takes 40-60 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the waterfall. www.hengifoss.is
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TOP DESTINATION
Hólmanes
Between Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður you can visit the Nature reserve Hólmanes. This is an ideal place to enjoy a good walk either down to the sea or up the hills. Birds and remarkable rock formations can be enjoyed in Hólmanes. With luck, you could stumble upon a herd of reindeers.
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TOP DESTINATION
Rainbow Street
Painted by the locals, Rainbow Street in Seyðisfjörður is probably one of the most well-known landmarks in East Iceland. At the end of the rainbow, you can find the beautiful Blue Church.
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TOP DESTINATION
Stuðlagil Canyon
In the valley Jökuldalur (Glacier Valley) in Austurland - East Iceland there is a marvelous natural site that almost nobody knew about until recently. For a long time it was hidden underwater or until the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkavirkjun was built and the water flow in the glacier river Jökulsá á Dal, a.k.a. Jökla, was remarkably reduced.
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Vök Baths
Vök Baths
At Vök Baths you will find, floating geothermal pools with infinity view, two on shore hot pools, a sauna, cold water spray tunnel, tea bar, an in-water pool bar, and the on-site restaurant, Vök Bistro.
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Popular Travel Routes in Austurland

Coastal Experience
Drive from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður. Stop at the Wartime Museum to learn about the relations of soldiers and local residents during World War II. Opt whether to drive to Fáskrúðsfjörður through the tunnel or on the old, partly gravel road near Skrúður Island. Enjoy a meal at L’abri Restaurant in Fáskrúðsfjörður village, as well as the museum devoted to French fishermen and their heritage.
Fjord to Fjord
Start your day in Egilsstaðir and drive towards Seyðisfjörður. Where you start climbing the slopes onto Fjarðarheiði pass, you should stop and walk up to Fardagafoss waterfall. You can even clamber behind it and view Egilsstaðir from the trail.
Highland Circle
Start bright and early visiting Vallanes Organic Farm for breakfast. Then drive through Iceland’s biggest woods, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and hike up to Hengifoss, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall.
On the Edge
We recommend you take 2-3 days to enjoy this route to its fullest. You won't regret taking your time to become on with the Icelandic landscape and heritage.
The Ring of Riverdale
The Ring of Riverdale is one of the most popular travel routes in Austurland, as it is probably the most popular among locals. You will find historical connections everywhere and many hiking trails. Sustainability and food from the region are highly valued. One of Iceland's highest waterfalls, Hengifoss, is located in Fljótsdalur.

Upcoming events

Jun 17 - Oct 4
Arts

Exhibition: Kjarval in the East

Aug 30 - Sep 25
Arts

Tími til - Rósa Valtingojer

Aug 30 - Oct 31
Arts

Waiting For You to Come - Exhibition Opening

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Travel Stories

  • Photo: Creative center, Stöðvarfjörður

    Art and Craft Galleries in Austurland

    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.
  • Shark & Hardfiskur Photo: Randulff's sea house

    Local Cuisine in East Iceland

    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.
  • Seyðisfjörður. Photo: Þorsteinn Roy.

    A Guide to the Charming Villages of Austurland

    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.

  • Top 10 Hikes to Explore in Austurland in the Summer of 2025

    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.
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Practical Information

It is important to keep a few things in mind when travelling in Iceland. It is necessary to keep up with the weather forecast, even during summer, and road conditions. You must get familiar with the Icelandic Króna (currency) and pack appropriately for the season you are visiting, you can expect all kinds of weather all year round. And there is no need to buy water because the tap water is great!

Icelandic Water
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Icelandic króna and creditcard use
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Icelandic Weather
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Road Conditions in Iceland
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What to Pack for the Seasons
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How to get here
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