East Iceland

East Iceland

The eastern region of Iceland stretches over 22 721 km2 and has a population of about 12 500 inhabitants. It is an area full of varied landscape, from the rugged plains of the interior to the mountainous, fecund fjords of the coast.

The area is made up of farmers and fishermen, artists and foreign connections, all contributing to the diversity of the region. Authentic design using local raw materials is the hallmark of East Iceland as local designers and artists create a great number of innovative products ranging from reindeer leather skirts to pure woollen mattresses. This region is the only area in the country where you will find Iceland‘s largest mammal, the shy reindeer, roaming the hills of the coastal areas up to Egilsstaðir.

The main routes are tarred, but there are a number of gravel roads down to the fjords. These can be treacherous, especially in winter. Most of them are steep and narrow with blind rises so please drive extra carefully on them. The high mountains, deep valleys and glistening waterfalls create wonderfully scenic views which can easily disturb concentration when driving. Please park in designated areas to capture the view and do not stop in the middle of the road to take photos. It is vital to check weather and road conditions before setting off. Some places are closed over the winter but it is possible to get information from the Information centres or on the website www.east.is.

The main pearls of East Iceland are listed here, but more detail will be given to the hidden pearls of the region. Hengifoss A is Iceland‘s third highest waterfall, 128 m only 34km from Egilsstaðir. Hallormstaðarskógur B , covers 740 hectares and is the largest forest in Iceland. It is found along the shores of the longest lake, Lagarfljót C , also said to contain the infamous Lagarfljóts worm.

Mt. Snæfell D , Iceland‘s highest freestanding mountain at 1883m above sea level dominates the view of Fljótsdalshreppur.

Vopnafjörður is tucked away off the main Road 1 but is well worth the visit over the Hauksstaðaheiði pass on Road 85. The valleys and canyons in the surrounding mountains host well-known salmon rivers where princes and presidents have tried their luck in catching a salmon or two. The Selárdalslaug gives you a chance to see all the wonders of this area.

The eastern region of Iceland stretches over 22 721 km2 and has a population of about 12 497 inhabitants. It is an area full of varied landscape, from the rugged plains of the interior to the mountainous, fecund fjords of the coast.

The area is made up of farmers and fishermen, artists and foreign connections, all contributing to the diversity of the region. Authentic design using local raw materials is the hallmark of East Iceland as local designers and artists create a great number of innovative products ranging from reindeer leather skirts to pure woollen mattresses. This region is the only area in the country where you will find Iceland‘s largest mammal, the shy reindeer, roaming the hills of the coastal areas up to Egilsstaðir.

The main routes are tarred, but there are a number of gravel roads down to the fjords. These can be treacherous, especially in winter. Most of them are steep and narrow with blind rises so please drive extra carefully on them. The high mountains, deep valleys and glistening waterfalls create wonderfully scenic views which can easily disturb concentration when driving. Please park in designated areas to capture the view and do not stop in the middle of the road to take photos. It is vital to check weather and road conditions before setting off. Some places are closed over the winter but it is possible to get information from the Information centres or on the website www.east.is.

Green Iceland. Photo by Olga

The main pearls of East Iceland are listed here, but more detail will be given to the hidden pearls of the region. Hengifoss A is Iceland‘s third highest waterfall, 128 m only 34km from Egilsstaðir. Hallormstaðarskógur B , covers 740 hectares and is the largest forest in Iceland. It is found along the shores of the longest lake, Lagarfljót C , also said to contain the infamous Lagarfljóts worm.

Mt. Snæfell D , Iceland‘s highest freestanding mountain at 1883m above sea level dominates the view of Fljótsdalshreppur.

This region soaks in a geothermal pool in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by beautiful landscape on the banks of the famous salmon-rich river, Selá. This lovely swimming pool has no electricity and is illuminated with candles. It is also wheelchair-friendly.

Bustarfell on Road 85 is a farm and folk museum with well-preserved turf houses dating back to 1770. Take a step back in time to this beautiful ancient manor which makes history come alive showing the farming and lifestyle of the 19th century until the mid-20th century. Most of the relics and artefacts have been donated by a member of the family of the manor.

Café Croft is a cosy coffee shop where traditional cakes and pies are offered, along with special handcrafts from the area.

Moving away from the coast and into the interior on Road 901, stands Möðrudalur, the highest farm in Iceland (469m above sea level) where you can enjoy Icelandic delicacies from the restaurant as you admire the stunning panoramic views. It has a camping ground, guesthouse and an information centre. This remote turf farm serves as an oasis in the desolate plains north of Vatnajökull for those heading into the highlands.

Sænautasel on the Jökulsheiði heath is another turf farm-turned-museum. It was evacuated during the Askja eruption in 1875. This reconstructed farm has a restaurant in the old sheep cote, open from mid-June to mid-September and serves traditional pancakes and coffee by candlelight. It was the source of inspiration for Halldór Laxness‘ famous novel Independent People, with the turf Selárdalslaug Burstarfell.

Laugarfell is located in the eastern part of the Icelandic Highlands, a bit north from Mount Snæfell. There are many interesting tracking paths around Laugarfell and a number of beautiful waterfalls. Laugarfell is open from the 1st of June to 30 of september. Laugarfell offers accommodation for 28 people. Two natural pools are located in Laugarfell and according to old folk tales the water is known for its healing powers. Laugarfell 701, Laugarfell – Tel: +354 773 3323 – info@laugarfell.is – www.laugarfell.is.

The Fenris wolf A giant hound, son of the Half-God Loki and a giantess; destined tohome being a model for the main protagonist‘s abode.

Egilsstaðir is the centre of the East. It is the stop-over point for many visitors to the area whether they come by boat, car or plane. Egilsstaðir has a domestic airport and is the shopping choice for passengers off the Norræna ferry in Seyðisfjörður. There is also a hospital and a college. Being centrally-located in the region, Egilsstaðir is only a short distance from all the main attractions and fjords. Together with Fellabær and the surrounding Fljótsdalshérað, there are about 3500 inhabitants in the area. The mild climate is reflected in the congenial spirit of the locals who are energetic, friendly and innovative. There are numerous museums in Egilsstaðir as well as handcraft galleries and cultural events held in the old slaughterhouse. The local swimming pool is family-friendly with wading pools, hot tubs, a main pool and a waterslide. Tjarnagarðurinn is a lovely park in the heart of the town where Frisbee golf can be played. Walking along the woodchip trails beside the Eyvindará river in the Selskógur forest is a nature lover‘s delight. Vallanes is the pioneer farm for organically – grown produce 10km from Egilsstaður in the Fljótsdalur valley. Egilsstaðir 1-2 / 700 Egilsstaðir www.lakehotel.is / hotel@lakehotel.is +354 – 471 – 1114. The “Field-to-Table” visit is a unique experience offered from May to September and the farm also provides accommodation all year. A definite stop for those interested in healthy living.

Skriðuklaustur was originally the home of Gunnar Gunnarsson, renowned author, but now this unique building houses the Centre of Culture and History in Fljótsdalur dedicated to his works. A lovely coffee shop is situated in the dining room. Archaeological findings in the area are gaining a lot of attention.

The Wilderness Centre, in Fljótsdalshérað on road 9340, is a museum and guest house, offering a variety of activities like, riding, fishing, mountain biking, cable bridge adventure and hiking trails.The amazingly creative depiction of past times on the farm when life was a constant struggle for survival against the forces of nature, is a wonderful surprise in this remote location. An old barn is transformed into a world of informative illusion using cinematic knowledge, light and sound, blended with inherited relics of forefathers. A wonderful mixture of sustainability and adventure. Local food is cooked in front of the guest in the old farmhouse.

Laugarfellslaug is a natural hot spring in the highlands, which is said to have healing properties. It is wonderful to soak in the hot tub, admiring the view, on top of the world at the Laugarfell hostel which accommodates 28 people and is open all year.

Up in the highlands is the controversial Kárahnjúkar hydro-electric dam, the biggest in Europe. It is 97km from Egilsstaðir with a tarred road all the way. The undisturbed view of the highlands and its peaks is breath-taking. Mt. Snæfell can easily be seen from Kárahnjúkar.

Seyðisfjörður can be seen as the artist capital of the East. This beautiful enclosed village is the host to the LungA Art Festival, Art in Light Festival and the Artist’s Residency. It is also the port for the Norræna Ferry to Denmark and the Faroe Islands.

Borgafjörður Eystri is a magnificent fjord tucked away in the mountains of the East. A challenging road down to the village, Bakkagerði is duly rewarded by the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the place. The rugged landscape has lovely walking trails throughits many contours and the bird life is rich and varied, with the puffin being the main attraction in summer. Its claims to fame are the blue flag marina, Lindarkaffi and the well-known annual music festival, Bræðslan.

Skorrahestar is on a fifth-generation run farm, Skorrastaðir, which offers accommodation for 22 people and unforgettable horse riding tours through the amazing landscape of Norðfjörður.

Hildibrand Hotel in Neskaupstaður was once the town‘s original co-op. Besides accommodation, it also offers various activities in the area with a wonderful boat trip into the fjord where the possibility of seeing humpback whales and hearing ghost stories is not unlikely.

The Icelandic Wartime Museum in Reyðarfjörður is a must for anyone interested in war history. The perspective is from soldiers and inhabitants alike and is one of a kind in Iceland.

The French history of Fáskrúðsfjörður is reflected in the FrenchMuseum housed in the beautiful restored historical buildings, the Doctor‘s House and the French Hospital, which are now both part of the Foss Hotel. The museum is an avant-garde exhibition in a tunnel under the main road and well worth a visit. Fáskrúðsfjörður is twinned with Gravelines in France, confirming the shared heritage between the two towns. If you missed out on seeing the northern lights while in Iceland, don‘t despair. Auroras Iceland is a delightful photographic exhibition of the northern lights in Fáskrúðsfjörður created by photographers, Jónína and Jóhanna. Open from 15 May to 30 September.

Stöðvarfjörður is a tiny town with a garden full of beautiful rocks and minerals. Petra’s Stone Collection is said to be the largest private stone collection in the world and well worth a visit.

Havarí Farm is known for its organic vegetarian produce, especially the vegan sausages, Bulsur. The owners, Berglind and Svavar Pétur offer accommodation in the old farmhouse, an artist‘s residency and a very good coffee shop.

The last town in the East is Djúpivogur, a quaint fishing village with an interesting display of 34 huge egg sculptures lining the road along the harbour, called Eggin í Gleðivík. Theseeggs each represent the 34 bird species found in the area. Langabúð at the harbour, is a coffee shop and museum in Djúpivogur‘s oldest building. The Papey Island Tour is an exciting 4-hour boat trip to the island to see Iceland‘s oldest and smallest wooden church. The amazing bird cliffs of the island as well as the nearby skerries provide wonderful bird and seal watching opportunities.