Top Day Tours in East Iceland: Top Adventures from Egilsstaðir
Top Day Tours in East Iceland: Top Adventures from Egilsstaðir
East Iceland offers travelers something rare: the chance to slow down and explore Iceland at an easier pace. Surrounded by lakes, forests, fjords, and Highlands, it’s a region filled with nature, wildlife, and authentic local culture – yet far less crowded than other parts of the country.
Basing yourself in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, means you can enjoy comfortable access to a wide variety of day tours in East Iceland, from scenic hikes and hot springs to cultural visits and fjord drives.
Discover the Best Day Tours in East Iceland
With quieter roads and a wide variety of attractions within easy reach of Egilsstaðir, exploring here feels relaxed and stress-free. Add the convenience of the town’s airport hub, and it’s simple to connect your eastern journey with the rest of Iceland.
Now, let’s look at the top day tours starting from Egilsstaðir.
1. Cruise Along the Lake Lagarfljót
Just west of Egilsstaðir stretches Lake Lagarfljót, a long, glacial-fed lake steeped in mystery. Locals whisper about the Lagarfljót Wyrm, a legendary serpent said to dwell beneath its waters (similar to Scotland’s Loch Ness).
Visitors can take scenic drives along the lake, soaking in views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is also home to Hallormsstaður National Forest, Iceland’s largest woodland, where you can hike shaded trails, picnic in clearings, and enjoy birdwatching.
A popular add-on is the hike to Hengifoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s tallest cascades, framed by striking basalt and red clay layers. Pairing the lake and waterfall makes for a full and adventurous day trip.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
2. Explore the East Iceland Heritage Museum and Local Culture
For those who enjoy cultural immersion, the East Iceland Heritage Museum (Minjasafn Austurlands) in Egilsstaðir offers fascinating exhibits on rural life, traditional crafts, and the history of reindeer herding in Iceland.
Cultural tours in the region often include visits to local farms, churches, or art centers in nearby towns like Seyðisfjörður. These tours provide a window into East Iceland’s heritage, blending folklore with modern-day rural traditions.
If you want a deeper dive, guided storytelling experiences at the Wilderness Center (Óbyggðasetur) transport visitors back to the frontier days with immersive exhibitions, horseback riding, and Icelandic farm meals. And you can even stay overnight in its rustic guesthouse for a true step back in time.
3. Relax in Natural Hot Pools Like Vök Baths
No trip to Iceland feels complete without soaking in geothermal waters, and East Iceland has its own gem: Vök Baths. Located on the shores of Lake Urriðavatn, just outside Egilsstaðir, these modern pools are built into floating platforms, making you feel as if you’re bathing in the middle of the lake.
The water here is uniquely pure – so clean that it is certified for drinking. After a long day of hiking or sightseeing, Vök is the ultimate relaxation spot.
4. Chase the Northern Lights on a Guided Evening Tour
In the winter months, East Iceland becomes a spectacular location for Northern Lights tours. Thanks to the region’s low light pollution and wide-open skies, your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis are excellent.
Guided evening tours depart from Egilsstaðir, where experts monitor conditions and bring travelers to the best viewing spots. Some tours add extra touches like folklore storytelling, warm Icelandic treats, or photography tips to help you capture the moment.
Even if you’ve seen the lights elsewhere, the serenity of East Iceland makes the experience especially magical.
Photographer: Dusky Merack
5. Marvel at the Basalt Columns and Canyons of Stuðlagil
One of Iceland’s most photogenic sites, Stuðlagil Canyon, is just over an hour from Egilsstaðir. Towering basalt columns flank the turquoise waters of the Jökla River, creating a dramatic natural masterpiece.
Visitors can choose between two viewpoints: the west side (easy access, great for quick visits) or the east side (longer hike with rewarding close-up views). Tours often combine Stuðlagil with nearby waterfalls and scenic drives through the Jökuldalur Valley.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
6. Wander Quaint Towns in East Iceland on Cultural Tours
The fjords of the Eastern Region are dotted with charming fishing villages, each with its own personality. A cultural day tour can take you through several of these settlements, where you can stroll harborfronts, visit museums, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Highlights include:
- Seyðisfjörður – An artsy town famous for its colorful wooden houses, Seyðisfjarðarkirkja (Blue Church), Rainbow Street, and thriving creative scene.
- Borgarfjörður Eystri – Known for puffin watching at Hafnarhólmi and hiking trails through mystical elf-filled landscapes.
- Fáskrúðsfjörður – Celebrated for its French heritage, with restored French hospital buildings and a fascinating local museum.
- Djúpivogur – A certified “Cittaslow” town, perfect for slow travel, with the unique outdoor sculpture trail Eggin í Gleðivík.
- Stöðvarfjörður – Home to Petra’s Stone Collection (Steinasafn Petru), an impressive private mineral and crystal museum.
- Vopnafjörður – A remote coastal village tied to Icelandic sagas, where you can also visit preserved turf houses that showcase Iceland’s traditional way of life.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
Scenic Day Trips Starting from Egilsstaðir Airport Hub
With its own airport and a prime spot on the Ring Road, Egilsstaðir is the gateway to East Iceland and the perfect base for scenic day trips. Direct flights from Reykjavík make it easy to reach, while the town itself offers hotels, restaurants, shops, and car rentals – everything you need to set out on adventures with ease.
From the airport hub, you can head west to Hengifoss and Lagarfljót Lake, east to Seyðisfjörður, north into the reindeer-filled Highlands, or south along fjords dotted with colorful fishing villages. No matter which direction you choose, stunning landscapes and authentic local culture are only a short drive away.
Combine Day Tours With a Ring Road Adventure
Egilsstaðir’s position on the Ring Road (Route 1) makes it easy to combine local day tours with a full journey around Iceland. Many travelers choose to spend two or three nights here, using the town as a base to explore waterfalls, hot springs, fjords, and reindeer safaris before continuing on their circuit.
From Egilsstaðir, the Ring Road naturally branches out in both directions: north toward Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, and the volcanic landscapes of North Iceland, or south toward the famous South Coast, with its glaciers, black-sand beaches, and iconic waterfalls.
By anchoring part of your trip here, you can enjoy the slower pace of day tours in East Iceland, while still staying perfectly on track for the bigger adventure of circling the island.
Practical Tips for Day Tours in East Iceland
Day tours from Egilsstaðir are unforgettable, but the region’s remoteness means a little preparation goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind to make your trip smoother and more rewarding.
- Plan for Weather Changes – East Iceland’s climate can shift quickly – sunshine one moment, mist or wind the next. Always bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and sturdy walking shoes, even in summer.
- Book Ahead in Peak Season – Summer tours, especially puffin watching, Vök Baths, and cultural excursions, can fill up fast. Secure your spot early if traveling between June and August. In winter, Northern Lights tours are the ones that sell out quickly.
- Time Your Visit – In summer, take advantage of long daylight hours to fit multiple stops into one day. In winter, shorter daylight means planning fewer activities, but evenings are perfect for chasing auroras.
- Pack Snacks and Water – Services in the East Fjords and Highlands can be sparse. A thermos of coffee, water, and Icelandic snacks (like kleinur or skyr) makes your journey smoother.
- Respect Nature and Wildlife – Stick to marked paths at places like Stuðlagil, and keep a respectful distance from reindeer and bird colonies. Preserving East Iceland’s fragile ecosystems ensures they remain unspoiled for future visitors.
- Stay Flexible – Organized tours from Egilsstaðir are often weather-dependent. Strong winds, snow, or heavy rain can cause last-minute cancellations or changes. Keep backup plans in mind and allow extra time in your itinerary.
Conclusion: Unforgettable Journeys Begin in Egilsstaðir
East Iceland may be quieter than other regions, but that’s exactly its charm. From legend-filled lakes and reindeer safaris to Northern Lights tours and relaxing geothermal baths, the adventures here are diverse and unforgettable.
Starting from Egilsstaðir, travelers can discover the true heart of the East where nature, culture, and history blend seamlessly. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or weaving the region into a Ring Road trip, these day tours in East Iceland will ensure your journey through Iceland is nothing short of extraordinary.
FAQs About Day Tours in East Iceland
What is the best time of year for day tours in East Iceland?
Summer (June–August) is best for hiking, wildlife, and puffin tours. Winter (September–April) is ideal for Northern Lights trips.
How long do day tours from Egilsstaðir usually last?
Most last between 4–8 hours, though some Northern Lights tours run in the evening.
Can I join tours without a rental car?
Yes. Guided tours from Egilsstaðir cover many major attractions, and transfers are often included.
Are East Iceland tours family-friendly?
Absolutely! Many attractions, like Vök Baths, the Heritage Museum, and scenic drives, are suitable for children.
Do I need to book day tours in advance?
It’s recommended, especially in summer and during peak Northern Lights season, as group sizes are often small.