Travel Blog

In Iceland’s remote eastern wilderness, a few thousand reindeer roam free, navigating the island’s harsh terrain with surprising resilience. As the country’s largest wild land mammal, reindeer in Iceland are king of the eastern highlands. In this guide, we’ll explore their unexpected origins, track the best viewing spots, and share how to witness their seasonal migrations.

Discover the Iceland of your dreams in the East. The staggeringly beautiful Eastfjords is blessed with rugged mountains, shimmering fjords, idyllic fishing villages, and trails that wind through unspoiled wilderness. As winter arrives, the landscape unfolds like an enchanting, snow-blanketed Icelandic saga. Even in the deepest season, a wide range of things to do in East Iceland keeps its magic alive all winter long. From chasing wild reindeer to gliding over fresh powder, here are the unforgettable winter highlights of East Iceland.

Heading to East Iceland on a road trip? Here are our picks for the top 10 must see natural wonders across the region.

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.

Deep in Iceland’s Eastfjords, the fishing village of Seyðisfjörður creates a pretty picture between a peaceful fjord and tall peaks. It shares many hallmarks of Iceland’s wild scenery: glacial valleys, cascading waterfalls, and rugged ridgelines. On closer look, the town reveals an even stronger draw: colorful wooden houses, bursts of unique street art, and a creative spirit. This unique blend of raw nature and thriving culture makes Seyðisfjörður a truly unforgettable stop. Slow down and explore this artistic oasis with our guide on the best things to do in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland.

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.