Top Destinations

TOP DESTINATION
Ljósastapi
Be sure to visit Skjólfjörur beach when driving through Vopnafjordur! The beach is only a short walk from the road and offers a magnificent view of the open Atlantic sea. If you’re lucky you might even see a whale. The beach has a rocky shore, with colorful stones that capture the eye. Driftwood which the waves have brought to land is a testament to the incredible force the sea possesses. Please respect that it is forbidden to remove stones from the beach.
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Streitishvarf
From Streiti lighthouse, south of Breiðdalur valley, there is a beautiful view over the ocean. A marked hiking trail leads around the peninsula Streitishvarf and the area is well suited for outdoor activities for the whole family.
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Saxa
Just off the coast of farm Lönd in Stöðvarfjörður, there´s a singular rock formation called Saxa ("The Grinder). This is an impressive perforated cliff, penetrated ceaselessly by the swelling waves of the Atlantic, resulting in spectacular eruptive splashes which fling seaweed and algae, minced by the force of the ocean, high into the air.
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Hallormsstaðaskógur
Hallormsstaður National Forest is considered to be Iceland‘s largest forest. The forest covers an area of 740 hectares, most of which is native birch. Since 1905, the forest has been the site of large scale trials of exotic species.
The forest is a popular outdoor area in a diverse landscape. There are 11 marked trails. A hiking map is in a box at the start of all the hiking trails, as well as the map at Hotel Hallormsstadur. Hallormsstadur host arboretum, a tree collection with over 80 tree species.
There are two camping areas in the forest: Atlavík, which is located in a picturesque cove surrounded by birch woods, and Höfðavík that provides a higher level of services for campers.
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Bustarfell
In Hofsárdalur you will find the old family farm Bustarfell, a quaint, centuries old Icelandic turf house with red gables and a grass-grown roof which is now a museum. Bustarfell is one of the oldest and best preserved turf houses in Iceland. In
1532, the farm was bought by Árni Brandsson and his wife Úlfheiður, the farm has been owned by their descendants ever since.
A visit to the museum at Bustarfell is a journey through the history of farming and changes in lifestyle from the beginning of the 18th century to the mid-20th century. When walking through the museum you feel the inhabitants have only just left the house. Three kitchens from different eras are showcased, as well as other artifacts from around the farm which show how technology developed.
Hjáleigan Café is located next to the museum and a hiking path leads to the rock Álfkonusteinn, source of a local
folktale.
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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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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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Stuðlagil
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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Eggin í Gleðivík
Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs in Merry Bay) are outdoor works that show 34 replicas of eggs of nesting birds that nest in the vicinity of Djúpivogur. There is a rich birdlife in the area and the eggs reflect the strong connection that Djúpivogur has with nature.
Eggs in Gleðivík is a popular tourist destination and has become one of the landmarks of Djúpivogur.
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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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Stórurð
One of East Iceland's most illustrious spots is the Stórurð ("The Giant Boulders"), located to the east of the road leading to Borgarfjörður Eystri. Stórurð lies below the small glacier west of Dyrfjöll mountains. It consists of gigantic tuff boulders, charming meadows, and attractive ponds. This wonderful scene can be reached in 2.5 hours on foot from Vatnsskarð pass. To enjoy Dyrfjöll and Stórurð a whole day plan is highly recommended.
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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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Travel Blog
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The puffin capital of Iceland
Puffins are among the biggest crowd-pleasers in Iceland each spring and summer. In Austurland, the very best place to see them is in Borgarfjörður eystri. -
Austurland Freeride Festival 2022
The Austurland Freeride Festival is an annual mountain skiing and snowboarding event headquartered in Eskifjörður and using the Oddskarð ski area as its base. It was created by local enthusiasts: mountain guides and skiing pros who know these mountains well and could see the potential of a winter festival with a difference. -
Seyðisfjördur’s celebration of light
One of Austurland’s highlights is Seyðisfjörður, the pretty fjord town that offers year-round art and creativity with lots of color and flair. Its rainbow-painted main street is a traveler favorite, and the unspoiled nature in its surrounding mountains and valleys is a joy to explore. -
Christmas in East Iceland
Every year, in the lead-up to Christmas, many children around the world become fixated on reindeer. Not in Iceland, however - even though reindeer roam wild here in Austurland. Santa Claus and his reindeer-pulled sleigh play relatively no part in Icelandic Christmas traditions. Instead, children are visited by 13 Yule Lads in the days preceding Christmas. -
Seyðisfjörður and Breiðdalsvík on Travel and Leisure's list of best small towns
Travel e-zine Travel and Leisure recently named East-Iceland's villages Seyðisfjörður and Breiðdalsvík as two of Best Small Towns in Iceland for Stunning Landscapes, Hearty Fare, and Northern Lights Views. Tiny Breiðdalsvík is a relatively young f… -
AUSTURLAND: The perfect destination for a family trip
Thrainn Kolbeinsson is an Icelandic adventure and travel photographer. Recently he went on a vacation with his family in East Iceland. With his wife and two children (8 months and 3 years old) he recently visited some of their favourite locations in the Eastfjords. Here he shares why he thinks the Eastfjords might be the perfect destination for a family trip and shares a few tips for people traveling with children in Iceland.
Travel Routes

TRAVEL ROUTE
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.
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TRAVEL ROUTE
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.
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TRAVEL ROUTE
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.
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TRAVEL ROUTE
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.
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TRAVEL ROUTE
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.
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Events
Towns of Austurland
Borgarfjörður eystri
You’re in good company in this beautiful region: around 100 friendly locals populate the village, tourists pass through to enjoy the surrounds (includ
Breiðdalsvík
Tiny Breiðdalsvík is a relatively young fishing village with some surprises and plenty of small-town hospitality. It lies on the coast with great seas
Djúpivogur
In the southern pocket of East Iceland, life moves at an unhurried pace. The scenic town of Djúpivogur is part of Cittaslow, ‘an international network
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 s
Eskifjörður
Eskifjörður and its surrounds are a fabulous microcosm of the east, with attractions that neatly sum up the region’s appeal. History and nature work t
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Fáskrúðsfjörður dishes up a Gallic surprise in the middle of the Eastfjords: a strong historical connection to France that today is showcased and cele
Fljótsdalur
Fljótsdalur is a valley in Austurland, named after Lagarfljót lake, which flows through it. The valley is deep and wide, has calm weather and beautifu
Mjóifjörður
In a country that specializes in unspoiled and out-of-the-way places, Mjóifjörður might just take the title of ‘most remote’.
Its name translates as
Neskaupstaður
Neskaupstaður is about as far east as you can go in Iceland, and soaring mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the town (which is sometimes called No
Reyðarfjörður
At over 30km long, Reyðarfjörður is the longest and widest of Iceland's Eastfjords. Norwegians once operated whaling stations along the fjord, and fis
Seyðisfjörður
Color and creativity abound in Seyðisfjörður, a village filled with bright cottages and artist studios. Recently it has become famous for its photogen
Stöðvarfjörður
Stöðvarfjördur is the only Eastfjords town that the Ring Road travels directly through, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the un
Vopnafjörður
There’s good reason to turn off the Ring Road (Hwy 1) at Route 85: the secluded town of Vopnafjörður sits pretty on a scenic stretch of coastline, sur