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The Highland Circle is a scenic travel route in East Iceland that forms a circular journey from Egilsstaðir, leading travelers through peaceful woodlands, fertile valleys and the remote Icelandic highlands. Along the route, visitors experience the remarkable diversity of East Iceland, where the landscape constantly changes from forests and rivers to mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking highland views.

Whether you are hiking to waterfalls, exploring basalt canyons, relaxing in geothermal baths, discovering historic sites or driving through some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery, the Highland Circle offers something for everyone. Each section of the route reveals a different side of the region, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage and unique experiences.

Along the way, travelers can visit some of East Iceland’s most iconic attractions, including the striking basalt columns of Stuðlagil Canyon, the impressive waterfall Hengifoss, the geothermal floating pools at Vök Baths, and Skriðuklaustur, a historic cultural site. The route also offers the opportunity to visit the Reindeer Park, the only place in Iceland where visitors can get up close and personal with reindeer.

The journey passes through Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest, providing access to beautiful hiking trails and the wild landscapes beyond. From powerful waterfalls and glacial rivers to remote highland scenery and hidden gems, every part of the Highland Circle offers a memorable experience.

For travelers seeking to venture beyond the usual routes and discover the beauty, diversity and authenticity of East Iceland, the Highland Circle promises an unforgettable adventure. The route can be explored independently as a self drive journey or enjoyed as part of a guided tour.

Places to Visit

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 sister town of Fellabær, and together the populatio…
Eyvindará river
One of the natural gems of the town of Egilsstaðir is the river Eyvindará.  A farm bearing the same name once stood on its banks, with roots believed to date back to before the year 1000. According to…
Selskógur
Selskógur is a popular outdoor recreation area located east of Egilsstaðir, across the Eyvindará. A network of trails winds through the forest, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the beautiful natura…
Vallanes
Vallanes is a farm and a vicarage, known for the habitation of many leading scholars and literates of centuries past. Today the farmers of Vallanes are renowned for organic farming and pioneer product…
Lagarfljót and Lögurinn
Lagarfljót is one of Iceland´s deepest lakes, covering about 140 km from its source in Eyjabakkafjökull glacier to Héraðsflói Bay. The innermost section forms the lake Lögurinn, with a surface of 53 s…
Hallormsstaður National Forest
The birchwood remnants at Hallormsstaður farm were protected in 1905, making it Iceland’s first national forest. Today, birch forest and woodland cover about 350 hectares within the original fenced ar…
Atlavík
The inlet of Atlavík camp site in Hallormsstaðaskógur woodland is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Lagarfljót. In the eighties Icelanders would flock to the legendary Atlavík Festival where …
Fljótsdalur and Hengifoss area
Fljótsdalur is a valley in Austurland, named after Lake Lagarfljót, which flows through it. The valley is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and captivating natural wonders. Its standout attrac…
Hengifoss Waterfall
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 …
Valþjófsstaður
Valþjófsstaður is an estate deep in Fljótsdalur. It is an ancient manor, and there has been a church since the thirteenth century. Valþjófsstaður was one of the mainstays of Svínfellingar, but several…
Stuðlagil
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 longes…
Rjúkandi
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 t…

Activities

Hús Handanna Icelandic Craft & Design Shop
Egilsstaðir sports center
Sláturhúsið
Snæfellsstofa Visitor Centre, Skriðuklaustur
Skriðuklaustur, Centre of culture & history
Turf Houses by Hjarðarhagi
Vök Baths

Restaurants

Vök Bistro
Vök Bistro, located at Vök Baths serves a tasty array of small courses, soups, small dishes, smoothies, and fresh salads. We partner with local suppliers and strive to purchase local and organic products whenever possible. We always want to include a taste of Iceland in our menu. At our Tea bar, we make the most of the naturally warm and certified…
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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 faithfully maintains its ethnic origins as the hotel was founded in 1903, providing its unique atmosphere. Guests can choose between residing in rooms de…
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Hérað | Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Enjoy the verdant and tranquil beauty of East Iceland as well as the peaceful and friendly town of Egilsstadir at Berjaya Herad Hotel. Infused with the character of this most unique part of Iceland, you'll enjoy thoughtful amenities, well-equipped and comfortable accommodations and attentive service. Stay in and rest, or enjoy the countless outdoor…
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Glóð restaurant
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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 cooking with robust earthy dishes and slow-cooked foods like cassoulet a bean stew are typical.
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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 our place!
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Teahouse
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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 stay, take a walk on the sandy beach of Lake Lagarfljót, where a glacier river meets a freshwater one, or take a look at the pretty waterfall on the ho…
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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

Skipalækur
Hótel Valaskjálf
Hérað | Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Teahouse
Camp Egilsstaðir
Hotel 1001 nott

Other (1)

Lyngás Guesthouse - Egilsstaðir Lyngás 5-7 700 Egilsstaðir 4711310