What to see and do in Egilsstaðir
What to expect in Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir (or Egilsstadir) is the largest town in East Iceland. As soon as you step off your flight to Egilsstaðir, dramatic fjords, first-class hiking trails, and picturesque fishing villages are waiting for you.
Egilsstaðir is the capital of the eastern region of Iceland and is a gateway to the beautiful Eastfjords. Egilsstaðir's most unique characteristic is its location inland, beside the narrow Lagarfljót Lake, which begins its life as a glacial river in the Eastern Highlands.
The town is primarily a connection between the northern, eastern, and southern parts of the country.
From here you’ll find that Mývatn in the north, Seyðisfjörður in the Eastfjords, and Djúpivogur in the south can all be reached within just two hours of driving.
Best time to visit Egilsstaðir
A slower pace and easy access to the eastern region make Egilsstaðir the perfect destination for those looking for a memorable holiday escape.
The best time of the year to visit Egilsstaðir is between April and September. During this time, you’ll find there are more hours of daylight and the weather conditions are not as harsh.
November, December, and January offer very few hours of sunlight. For this reason, June, July, and August provide more favorable traveling conditions.
No matter what time of the year you book your flight to Egilsstaðir, we recommend booking your ticket in advance to secure the best deal.
Things to do in and around Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is the home of the largest forest in Iceland and the mysterious monster that inhabits the depths of the local Lagarfljót lake.
In the East, you can also find wonderfully photogenic examples of Iceland’s diverse nature.
Hike to the magnificent Hengifoss waterfall (a hike which takes roughyly 40-60 minutes), to enjoy views of one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. Then take a hike or drive through Hallormsstaðaskógur forest, the largest forest in Iceland.
After that you can visit the summer puffin colonies at Borgarfjörður Eystri, as well as the blue-green waters and striking basalt columns of Stuðlagil canyon.
It’s a beautiful area, bursting with natural spots to enjoy.
Take a trip to Vök Baths
With the opening of Vök Baths, not far outside Egilsstaðir, East Iceland has scored its very own spot on the list of the best geothermal bathing spots in Iceland.
The natural hot springs bubble away deep under Lake Urriðavatn and fill the two floating pools at Vök, set in the lake waters which are only reached by a short walkway from the main building.
The building’s prize location is celebrated inside with an infusion bar that allows visitors to make their own herbal tea with herbs that are grown at nearby Vallanes farm and brewed using the certified drinkable hot-spring water of the lake.
Take a visit and you’ll see for yourself why this geothermal bathing spot is getting a lot of attention - both locally and internationally.
Hiking in Egilsstaðir
Just outside the town itself, the Selskógur forest is a popular place to go hiking. Here visitors can enjoy views of the lush vegetation that flourishes in East Iceland and more ambitious travelers can even opt to camp at the Selskógur campsite.
For hikers, there are four hiking paths for hikers to choose from which depart from the car park at the bridge Eyvindarárbrú, with the longest hiking trail being 3.2km.
Maps of the area can be found at Egilsstaðastofa Visitor Center. We recommend all hikers submit their travel plans before setting off.
Transport in Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is a pretty remote part of Iceland, with connecting roads being long and scenic. That’s why many locals and visitors alike choose to fly from Reykjavík.
With the town’s remoteness in mind, renting a car in Egilsstaðir is a popular option. Having access to your own vehicle is also perfect for those looking to plan the ultimate Icelandic road trip.
Alternatively, you can utilize the town’s bus service. You’ll find services to transport you between popular hotspots within Egilsstaðir, as well as get you to other remote Icelandic villages.
Getting around the town on foot is also possible, as it is a fairly compact town.
