Hiking treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

Walk from the sign by the road no 917 towards Ker (before crossing the mountain road Hellisheiði) (N65°42.52- W14°24.41), and from there to Landsendahorn cliff. There one can enjoy a magnificent view of Móvíkur. Above them are 200–300 meters high cliffs and hanging rocky slopes called Móvíkurflug. The rock consists mostly of rhyolite of many colors but mostly yellowish, light brown or greenish grey. The cylinder with the visitors’ log and a stamp is on the banks above Ker. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65° 43.352-W14°23.300 Powered by Wikiloc

Hengifoss Waterfall is one of the most popular destinations in East Iceland, known for being one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland at 128 meters high. It is particularly picturesque. A good hiking trail leads you to the waterfall from a service center by the parking lot. Excellent accommodations, restaurants, and activities can be found in the surrounding area.The Hengifoss waterfall plunges from the plateau into a magnificent gorge. The layers between the numerous Tertiary lava strata yield a reddish color, particularly striking in the cliffs around Hengifoss. On the way to Hengifoss, you can also see Litlanesfoss, which features impressive basalt columns on both sides of the gorge.How to Get ThereFrom Egilsstaðir, the major town of East Iceland located by Highway 1, there are two routes to Hengifoss. You can drive on either the west side or the east side of Lake Lagarfljót. The distance is the same, around 35 km.West Side: You will find the junction with Highway 1 on the hill by the timber bridge close to Egilsstaðir airport. It is marked as Route 931 with signs pointing to Fljótsdalur and Skriðuklaustur.East Side: Follow Route 95 first and then Route 931 towards Hallormsstaður, continuing until you reach the end of Lake Lagarfljót. There you should see the waterfall and the parking lot by the main road.From the parking lot, it takes 40-60 minutes to walk to the waterfall on either side of the river. Start by going through a gate by the service center and climbing up a flight of stairs. Then follow a good gravel trail for the next 2 km, which is moderately steep but not very difficult. About halfway up, around 1.2 km from the parking lot, you will see Litlanesfoss with its beautiful basalt columns. There are trails down into the canyon below the waterfall, but they are steep and covered in loose gravel, so be cautious if you decide to enter the canyon. Keep in mind that getting very close to the canyon edge is risky due to the danger of falling. This is especially important if you are accompanied by children.There are two bridges for hikers to connect the trails on each side of the river: one at the upper end just before you enter the great gorge, and the other by the parking lot.By the parking lot is a new service center where you can get information from rangers about the area and the surroundings. We recommend taking your time to visit Hengifoss as there is much more to explore in the area than just the waterfall. You can learn more on this website and use it to help plan your trip.Hiking in SummerDuring the high season (July), Hengifoss can be crowded, mainly with cars at the parking lot. If you can't find a parking space, continue further into the valley and check the visitor's center for Vatnajökull National Park at Skriðuklaustur (5 km away), then return to see if a space has opened up.The waterfall and the gorge face southeast, so for the best lighting, visit in the morning. In June and July, there is usually plenty of water in the river, making Hengifoss magnificent. However, in August, if the summer is really dry, the falls may not be as broad, but they are still enormously high.Late May and early June can be risky due to melting snow in the highlands, causing high water levels in creeks and rivers. Expect muddy trails and slippery paths on your way to the waterfall, and the need to wade through some small streams. By autumn, rain can make the trails muddy as well, but you usually won’t have to wade through any streams unless you want to enter the gorge and get close to the base of the great waterfall.Hiking in WinterMore people are visiting Hengifoss in winter, but caution is necessary. The trails and paths can become icy and very slippery, so stay away from the edge of the canyon and be aware of the dangers. It is not safe to enter the gorge by the big falls in winter due to the risk of falling ice from the cliffs.  Powered by Wikiloc

Stuðlagil is a unique basalt canyon located in Efri-Jökuldalur in Fljótsdalshérað, which in recent years has established itself as one of the most exciting destinations in East Iceland. For the longest time, Stuðlagil canyon was mostly hidden by a powerful glacial river called Jökulsá á Dal (referred to as Jökla by locals). It wasn’t properly discovered until after the Káranhjúkar hydro-dam was put in use and the Hálslón reservoir started to fill, making Jökla’s water levels drop and revealing the stunning basalt columns of Stuðlagil canyon. Jökla is one of the longest glacial rivers in Iceland, spanning a total of 150 kms from Vatnajökull glacier to Héraðssandar beach. Entering Jökla, or other glacial rivers, is extremely dangerous and forbidden as they are very powerful, and their currents are not always visible on the surface. Stuðlagil canyon boasts one of the country’s largest and most beautiful basalt formations and is exceptionally graphic, especially when Jökla’s glacial water is clear. The bluish-green colour of the water, which contrasts beautifully with the colourful basalt columns, really is a sight to behold. As is with glacial rivers, its colour and water flow change depending on the season. Come spring and snow start to thaw, and the Hálslón reservoir is overflowing, the river takes on a grey-brown colour. Overflow is most common from the beginning of August until October – but can occur at other times too. You can monitor the water level of the reservoir at any time. Stuðlagil canyon is a fantastic destination no matter the season, and no one should leave Austurland without visiting, even if only for a short time! Stuðlagil canyon is located roughly 52 kilometres (about an hour’s drive) from Egilsstaðir. If you’re visiting from the North, it will take around an hour and a half to drive from lake Mývatn. When leaving Route one (the Ringroad) towards Stuðlagil canyon, you’ll be driving on a gravel road (923). Although gravel, the road is accessible to all cars and is open all year round. Keep in mind if visiting during wintertime that, weather and road conditions can change in a matter of minutes. You can access Stuðlagil canyon via two routes: Stuðlagil observation platforms  Driving north on Highway 1 from Egilsstaðir, leading you through Jökuldalur, take the exit down route 923, just beyond Skjöldólfsstaðir. From there, it is about a 19 km drive on a gravel road to the farm Grund which stands on the northern side of Stuðlagil canyon.   Upon arrival, you'll find convenient parking and restroom facilities. From there, you’ll have safe and well-marked access to a series of observation platforms thoughtfully positioned throughout the area. These platforms offer breathtaking views from the canyon rim as well as from various points along the trails that wind down to the canyon floor. Whether you choose to take in the sweeping panoramas from above or explore the scenic paths that descend through the rock formations, you'll be treated to a variety of unique perspectives that highlight the natural beauty and dramatic scale of the canyon. With safety rails and maintained trails, it's an experience designed to be both awe-inspiring and accessible, just a short walk from the parking lot.   Stuðlagil hike Driving north on Highway 1 from Egilsstaðir, leading you through Jökuldalur, take the exit down route 923, just beyond Skjöldólfsstaðir. Turn towards the Klaustursel farm after driving roughly 15 kms. By Klaustursel, you’ll find two parking lots, one by the bridge over Jökla (around 10 km hike to Stuðlagil canyon back and forth) and the other by Stuðlafoss waterfall (about 5 km hike to and from Stuðlagil canyon). Stuðlafoss is a majestic waterfall surrounded by towering basalt columns. It truly is a sight, and you won’t find many like it in the world. Standing at the bottom of Stuðlagil canyon is another unique experience to check off your bucket list. Keep in mind when entering the canyon that the rocks might be wet and very slippery.  The nature surrounding Stuðlagil canyon is stunning but delicate. Visitors are encouraged to show respect for the area, wildlife and nature and leave it as they found it. From May 1st to June 10th, numerous pink-footed geese nest in the area and, therefore, crucial that guests stay within the marked trails so as not to upset the birds. The area surrounding Stuðlagil canyon is agricultural, so it’s common to see farmers bringing their sheep down from the highlands right before winter hits, which can be an enjoyable experience. In summertime, you can continue your drive through route 923 into the East Iceland Highlands (F-roads are generally only open from around mid-June for a few months, see more here). T here you can get on to The Highland Circle travel route, which will lead you to exciting places such as Kárahnjúkar dam, Laugarfell and down into Fljótsdalur. Note that parts of the way are only accessible for well-prepared 4x4 vehicles. For further information, visit the official Stuðlagil website. 

Stórurð boulders is one of Icelands most spectacular sights and has gained more popularity amongst hikers in recent years. The expansive surroundings offer plenty to see and experience; blue-green ponds contrast with flat, vegetated meadows surrounded by sheer-sloped and jagged tuff Dyrfjöll mountain peaks. As the name suggests, the area is strewn with many enormous boulders, likely abandoned by retreating glaciers. Five marked trails lead to and from Stórurð. Two from Vatnsskarð pass, one from Njarðvík and two from Borgarfjörður Eystri. Since Stórurð is located over 400 m above sea level, snow often lingers far into summer so best time for exploring this magnificent area is from mid-July to first appreciable snows of autumn. The hike back and forth takes about 4-5 hours so consider this a day tour.  

Drive the main road up Hellisheiði mountain and when you’ve reached where you are about the highest part, take an off-road trail to the right from there until you’ve reached Kattárdalsdrög. The trail leads to Kattárdal valley. There is a sign where you can park your car and start walking. The trail is staked to the edge of the cliffs above Múlahöfn harbor. From there (65°45.144 - W14°21.964) lies a trail below the edge, down a rocky slope down to Múlahöfn, one of the natures’ masterpieces surrounded by cliffs and huge pillars of rock on two sides. This harbor was declared an official trading harbor in 1890 but was only used once as such because of the complications when bringing the shipment further on land. From the harbor, walk north to the outer point. From there one can see Þerribjarg cliffs and Langisandur shore. The cylinder with the visitors’ log and a stamp is by the trail leading down to the beach. Hikers are encouraged to go down and walk along the sand under Þerribjarg before turning back. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region Powered by Wikiloc

Stapavík is an inlet that lies in a magnificent setting of steep cliffs and the open sea. From 1930-1945 Stapavík was a used as an unloading port for ships and is closely related to the commercial history of Borgarfjörður Eystri and Hérað. Remains of the facilities are very picturesque and the view from the inlet is beautiful on a sunny day.  A marked trail leads from the farmstead Unaós, following Selfljót river downstream to the rivermouth. Héraðssandur black sand beach opens to the North of the river with a view over Hellisheiði Eystri rhyolite mountain ridge. This is a about a two hour long (back and forth) family friendly hike. Travellers could also challenge themselves to a longer hike by crossing Gönguskarð mountain pass over to Njarðvík which adds a about two hours to the hike. Powered by Wikiloc

Fardagafoss waterfall is located near Egilsstaðir, at the base of Fjarðarheiði. It is one of three waterfalls on the Miðhúsaá; the others are called Gufufoss and Folaldafoss. A marked hiking trail leads to the waterfall. The walk is generally easy, except for the final section, which can be a bit challenging to cross. The trail begins at a parking area along Road 93, near the rock known as Áningarsteinn. Behind the waterfall there is a cave. According to local legend, a fearsome giantess once lived there. It is said that a tunnel runs beneath Fjarðarheiði to Gufufoss in the Fjarðará in Seyðisfjörður. The giantess of Fardagafoss was said to possess a cauldron filled with gold. When she grew so old that she knew her death was near, she slid the cauldron down into a deep pothole in the middle of Gufufoss, further downstream along the Miðhúsaá River. Legend says that when the water level in the river is low, the handle of the cauldron can sometimes still be seen.  Powered by Wikiloc

Start at the sign near Sturluflöt, the innermost farm in Suðurdalur, located east of the Kelduá. From there, walk along the banks of the Fellsá on the eastern side of Villingadalur. The waterfall cannot be seen until you are quite far into the valley. Once there, you can continue along Strútsgil. Near the creek you will find a cylinder containing a visitors’ logbook and a stamp. Reaching the waterfall itself requires walking into the creek and crossing the river several times, which can be difficult and potentially dangerous. Strútsfoss is listed as a protected natural site. This location is part of Hiking Treasures in the Egilsstaðir Region.  GPS : N64°54.194-W15°02.314 GPX file of the track  

Rjúkandi waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that gracefully descends a few cliffs, from the mountains and almost down to highway 1. Access to the waterfall is very good; it is only a short walk from the car park by the main road.

Hike starts by að sign on the bank of river Þverá south of Eiríksstaðir farm and continues on to Fremri Hnefill – mountain top (947 m). From there one can cross over to the top of Ytri Hnefill (922m) and down to Eiríksstaðir farm again. Travellers could challenge themselves to a longer hike by walking over to the ruins of the abandoned Hneflasel farm and then traverse back between the two mountains to Jökuldalur valley. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65°08.617-W15°28.195

A walk of about two and a half hours, fairly short but quite steep. Park your cars at the crossroads to Hnefilsdalur. Walk from the sign, located by the main road (no 1), a marked path up along the river Sauðá up to the edge of the slope to the stone wall or fence. Follow the fence until you’ve reached the cylinder with the visitors’ log and stamp. Keep on towards Teigará to the cairn and then walk back for a bit down a staked horse riding trail through Hestagil creek. The purpose of the stone wall is unknown but thought to have been a fence for farm animals. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65°21.391-W15°00.061 Powered by Wikiloc

Hnjúksvatn is a lake on the heath across from Merki farm. Walk from the sign by road no. 923 along Hnjúksá river to Binnubúð hut by Hnjúksvatn. By the hut, you will find the cylinder with the visitors’ log and stamp. An old lady and midwife, Brynhildur Stefánsdóttir built this hut for those who wished to visit and enjoy the highlands. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65°14.333-W15°15.887   Powered by Wikiloc

Drive north of Kárahnjúkastífla reservoir along a road (fit for SUV) on Lambafell to crossroads by Laugavellir. Drive down to a parking area by Dimmugljúfur canyons. There you will find a sign containing information and the trail running through Hafrahvammar canyon and Magnahellir cave where you will find the cylinder with the visitors’ log and stamp. The farmers in Eiríksstaðir used to keep their sheep in the slopes by Jökulsá river close to the cave called Magna cave which derives its name from the farmer named Magni who was the first one to keep his sheep there in winter. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N64°99.252-W15°71.683   Powered by Wikiloc

Húsey farm is renowned for its picturesque nature, abundant wildlife and hiking opportunities. A marked hiking route will take you towards river Jökulsá where seals and seal pups hang out in the river mouth and out to Héraðssandur black sand beach. Húsey is a bird watchers' paradise and with nesting grounds of red-throated divers, parasitic jaegers and great skuas, to name a few. The walk takes you across the open plains around Húsey farm, on the coast of Héraðsflói Bay. You can choose between a 6 km route (approx. 2 hours) or a longer 14 km circular route. The area is rich in birdlife, and seals can often be seen in the rivers and along the shore. The walk starts at the information sign just inside the gate at Húsey. Follow the trail towards the Jökulsá River and then along the riverbanks until you reach a small box containing a guestbook and stamp. The box is located by a table near the sea, approximately 3 km from the farm. Continue towards Húsey farm and follow the road back to complete the circle. Distance: 6 km GPS coordinates: N65°38.775 – W14°14.670 Húsey is the easternmost farm in Hróarstunga, situated on a 30 km² island between the Jökulsá á Dal (Jökla) and Lagarfljót rivers. The highest point is Sandhóll, at 13 m above sea level. The landscape has been shaped by the two rivers and the powerful waves of Héraðsflói Bay. The area consists of sandy shores, dunes, heathland and wetlands. Strong northerly winds can carry sand inland, making it difficult for vegetation to establish. Land reclamation efforts include planting marram grass and strengthening the vegetation cover. Húsey is a remarkable natural area and is listed as a protected site. Around 30 species of birds breed in the area, and reindeer, arctic foxes and mink can occasionally be spotted. Seals are particularly common, often gathering in large numbers in the rivers or resting on the sandbanks. Trout and salmon are also caught in the rivers. Húsey is well known for its unusual and abundant wildlife. The farmer, Örn Þorleifsson, has become something of a local legend for raising orphaned seal pups in a pond near the farm. He has also attracted greylag geese, which roam freely around the farm. For further information, please contact the Húsey hostel.   GPS : N65°38.775-W14°14.670   Powered by Wikiloc

Mt Snæfell towering to 1,833 m, is the highest mountain in Iceland, outside the glacier regions. Even so, and despite the omnipresent snow, (Snæfell = "The Snow Mountain), it is fairly accessible from Snæfellsskáli hut. While Snæfell boasts a splendor of its own, it offers a fabulous view, partly overlooking the oasis of Eyjabakkar. Eyjabakkar is the choice habitat for geese.  Reindeer can frequently be spotted west of Snæfell, towards Hálsalón reservoir, in addition to other territories in the East Iceland highlands. GPX file of the hike is accessible here

Walk from the sign by road no 1 road east of Gilsá river (N65°08,172-W14°31.133), pass the ruins of Hátún which used to be a large farm in the early ages. It is said to have had 18 doors on iron hinges and latches. Remains of old rock fences are visible. In the 19th century, an ancient sword was discovered there but it was promptly melted down and the metal cast for horseshoes and other necessities. Walk on further and along a flat grassy pasture named Kálfavellir. Valtýshellir is a small cavity further on behind some rubble north of Hjálpleysuvatn lake. The walk is about 8,4 km. The visitors’ log and a stamp are by the cave. GPS : N65°06.410-W14°28.517 Powered by Wikiloc

Hiking trail starts by a sign near Hallormsstaðarskóli schoolhouse in Hallormsstaður woodland following a light green marked trail that passes through an area where half the mountain slid forward some 10.000 years ago. You’ll ascend up to Bjargselsbotnar, onwards to Bjarg and Þverbjarg to Illaskriða landslide. From there you follow the trail to the Leirtjarnarhryggur ridge.  Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65°05.465-W14°43.031  GPX file of the track Powered by Wikiloc