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Usually, the Highland Circle route is open and accessible for most of September, possibly into early October. However, F-roads and other highland roads without winter service close as the snow arrives. For this reason, fall travel on the Highland Circle needs some planning and research – primarily to see up-to-date weather and road conditions.

Never fear! In fall, the route can be adapted and combined with the excellent, year-round Ring of Riverdale route to guide you to some traveler favorites.

Traveling Austurland in fall might mean viewing the first northern lights of the season, and maybe experiencing the first snowfall. On certain days in September you have the opportunity to see the rural Icelandic tradition of the réttir, when local farmers round up their sheep after the summer spent roaming in the hillsides.

Lowland exploration around Lagarfljót’s shores is idyllic in fall, with beautiful autumnal colors in Iceland’s largest forest. Fall is harvest time, so the flavors of Austurland take center stage at places like Vallanes organic farm and Klausturkaffi café at Skriðuklaustur. You might like to go foraging for wild berries or mushrooms while you’re out exploring local landscapes.

Hengifoss waterfall has a color palette that matches autumn’s tones, and you can delve into local history in a number of places, from literature with a side-serve of 16th-century monastery ruins at the Skriðuklaustur complex, or tales of highland legends at the Wilderness Centre. Snæfellstofa Visitor Center will give context to all that natural wonder that surrounds you. When you’re done with exploring and make your way back to the route’s starting point, stop to unwind in the geothermal waters of the stunning Vök Baths.

To visit Stuðlagil canyon in fall, your best plan is to take Rte 923 from Hwy 1. The turn-off to Rte 923 is 52km (32 miles) west of Egilsstaðir. Rte 923 can usually be traveled in a regular car (no 4x4 required), but it’s worth checking up-to-date conditions for the route on road.is.

You may not have time to see everything we include on this travel route. We recommend you plan your trip using the 'Add to favorites' tool on our page. By bookmarking your favorite attractions and experiences in this way, you can tailor a route through Austurland that's perfect for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Places to Visit

Activities

Hús Handanna Icelandic Art & Design Shop
Egilsstaðir Swimming pool
Sláturhúsið
East Highlanders
Arboretum in Hallormsstaðar Forest
Snæfellsstofa Visitor Centre, Skriðuklaustur
Skriðuklaustur, Centre of culture & history
Wilderness center
Waterfall Circle
Laugarfell
Turf Houses by Hjarðarhagi
Vök Baths

Other (1)

Sænautasel Jökuldalsheiði 701 Egilsstaðir 853-6491

Restaurants

Vök Bistro
Vök Bistro, located at Vök Baths serves a tasty array of small courses, soups and salads, accompanied by a variety of freshly baked bread. We partner with local suppliers to ensure a consistent and h…
Gistihúsið - Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir
Gistihúsið – Lake Hotel Egilsstadir is an established, family-run hotel in a farming district. It meets all modern standards of services and amenities, quality, sophistication, and comfort. Yet it fai…
Hérað | Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Hérað | Berjaya Iceland Hotels is located in the town of Egilsstadir - the heart of east Iceland. The hotel atmosphere is warm and inviting and a great on-site Lyng restaurant, serves fresh local prod…
Glóð restaurant
Salt Café & Bistro
A bistro is in its original Parisian incarnation a small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting. Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. French homestyle coo…
Nielsen Restaurant
Nielsen is a newly renovated restaurant in the heart of Egilsstaðir, East Iceland. The house, which is the oldest house in town, was built in 1944 by a danish man named Oswald Nielsen hence the name o…
Askur Pizzeria
Welcome to our new local brewery located in East Iceland, Egilsstaðir. We offer a variety of local pizza but you can also make your own! What a deal! We now offer takeaways and you can eat directly at…
Teahouse
Hotel 1001 nott
Hotel 1001 nott is a family-owned luxury hotel, beautifully situated in a quiet area by Lake Lagarfljót, approximately 5km from Egilsstaðir. Guests can explore the spacious hotel garden during their s…
Móðir jörð
The Móðir Jörð products originate from the organic farm of Vallanes, in East Iceland.  Móðir Jörð is recognised for organic Icelandic products made from ingredients which have been grown under natural…
Lauf
Lauf Restaurant invites you to have a taste of Icelandic cuisine in the form of an exquisite evening buffet. With a great selection of delicious courses, it is guaranteed that nobody goes to sleep hun…
Klausturkaffi Café
Klausturkaffi is located in the cultural centre at Skriðuklaustur in Fljotsdalur valley, 39 km from Egilsstaðir. The restaurant offers lunch and cake buffet every day when it is open along with the sm…
Wilderness center
Wilderness Center of Iceland - Center of Recreation The Wilderness Center is an authentic and peaceful hideaway, located right on the edge of Northern Europe´s most extensive wilderness. One can exper…

Other (3)

Bókakaffi Hlöðum - By Lagarfljót Bridge Hlaðir 700 Egilsstaðir 471-2255
N1 - Service Station Egilsstaðir Kaupvangur 4 700 Egilsstaðir 440-1450
Olis - Service Station Búðareyri 33 730 Reyðarfjörður 474-1147

Accommodation

Guesthouse Vínland
Skipalækur
Hótel Valaskjálf
Hérað | Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Teahouse
Gistihúsið - Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir Campsite
Hotel 1001 nott
Hotel Hallormsstadur
Wilderness center

Other (1)

Lyngás Guesthouse - Egilsstaðir Lyngás 5-7 700 Egilsstaðir 4711310