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Embrace Winter Magic in East Iceland

 

In East Iceland, winter isn't just a season; it's a celebration of nature's beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of authentic Icelandic culture, East Iceland welcomes you to embrace the enchanting winter magic that defines this extraordinary region. The region is renowned for its clear night skies, making it an ideal destination for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Bundle up and venture into the darkness, where the vibrant hues of the aurora borealis dance across the Arctic sky.

Boy watching the northern lights

Ski resorts

The Eastfjords boast excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Try your skills on the slopes of Stafdalur or Oddskarð, popular ski areas where both beginners and experts can enjoy the thrill of gliding down the mountainside while enjoying breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains.

Stafdalur
Stafdalur ski resort in Seyðisfjörður is located near road nr 93 between Egilsstaðir and Seyðisfjörður. In the area are 3 skilifts and hills for all kind of skiers. Beginner’s lift is a rope lift 100 meters long and only open on weekends and holidays. Lift nr 1 is a tow lift 900 meters long and has 190 meters vertical drop. Lift nr 2 is a tow lift …
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Oddsskarð
It was not until 1949 that Norðfjörður first came into road contact with the neighboring settlements. The route was through Oddsskarð, one of the highest mountain roads in the country, which was usually difficult to navigate due to heavy snow. A tunnel was built under Oddsskarð in the years 1974-1977. The tunnel is 626 m long at 632 m above sea lev…
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Ski touring

East Iceland offers pristine terrain for both cross-country enthusiasts, who can glide through snow-covered forests, over mountain heaths or scenic trails, and backcountry skiers and snowboarders, who can explore the untouched slopes of the majestic Eastfjords, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. In the beginning of March each year the annual skitouring festival Austurland Freeride is held in Austurland.

Group of backcountry skiers traversing from Oddskarð ski areaAusturland freeride. Photographer: Chris Burkard.

Hiking

Lace up your boots and embark on winter hikes that lead you through snow-draped forests, along frozen rivers, and to secluded viewpoints offering panoramic views of the fjords. Guided tours are available, ensuring you discover the hidden gems of East Iceland safely.

Stapavík by Héraðsflói
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 his…
Páskahellir Cave
Páskahellir is a small cave by the seaside of Neskaupstaður Nature Reserve, with pillow lava and rock tunnels. You can also find holes that were probably formed by prehistoric trees. A forest that use…
Einbúi
Jafnadalur is a valley in Stöðvarfjördur facing northward. At the core of the vale, there is Einbúinn - "The Hermit"- , a voluminous and solitary rock in otherwise flat surroundings. The Jafnadalur al…
Arboretum in Hallormsstaðar Forest
The Arboretum in Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest has about 80 species of trees and shrubs from all over the world, and the museum is unique in Iceland. It is best to enter the tree museum from the car park…
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Hallormsstaðaskógur National Forest is considered to be Iceland´s largest forest. The forest covers an area of 740 hectares, most of which is native birch. The birchwood remnants at Hallormsstaðaskógu…
Selskógur
Selskógur the small forest on the eastern outskirts of Egilsstaðir, mainly consists of birch but also numerous rowans. Inviting woodchip trails of various lengths lure the wanderer to stroll through t…
Fardagafoss Hiking Trail
Fardagafoss waterfall is close to Egilsstaðir, at the roots of Fjarðarheiði. It is one of three waterfalls in the Miðhúsaá river; the others are called Gufufoss and Folaldafoss. There is a marked hiki…
Bjargselsbotnar - hike
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…
Brimnesviti
Brimnesviti lighthouse is loated on Brimnes peninsula, which is situated on the north side of Seyðisfjörður´s coastline. A 10 km. drive from the town centre brings guests to Selsstaðir farm. A hiking …
Skjólfjörur black sand beach
Be sure to visit Skjólfjörur beach when driving through Vopnafjörður! The beach is only a short walk from the road and offers a magnificent view of the open Atlantic sea. If you’re lucky, you might ev…
Gufufoss
Gufufoss waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in Seyðisfjörður. The name is due to the steam emitted by the waterfall and envelops it in a certain mystery. The road over Fjarðaheiði lies next to the wat…
Fossastígur Hiking Trail
An easy and pleasant walk from the center of Seyðisfjörður town, by a walkway partly gravel, partly grassy through a forested area towards the vale Fjarðarsel where beautiful waterfalls and varied gre…
Vestdalur
A walk to Vestdalur Nature Reserve, Vestdalur lake and the Mountain Lady cave. The route was used to transport mail and trade in the old days between Seyðisfjörður and other towns in East Iceland. In …
Tvísöngur Sound Sculpure
Tvísöngur sculpture, by artist Lukas Kühne, mixes concrete, nature, and sound to create an interactive tribute to Iceland’s unique tradition of five-tone harmony.  The installation piece looks like a …
Grænafell
The haven of Mt. Grænafell by Reyðarfjörður has served as the prime location for local outdoor activities for a number of years. At the top of the mountain, a beautiful lake awaits the visitor and a s…

Bathing

After a day of adventure, unwind in one of our bathing spots. Imagine soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while gazing at the snowflakes gently falling around you. It's a serene and soothing experience that contrasts the chilly outdoor temperatures perfectly.

Vök Baths
Egilsstaðir Swimming pool
Seyðisfjörður Swimming Pool
Eskifjörður Swimming pool
Neskaupstaður Swimming Pool
Djúpivogur Swimming pool
Selárlaug Swimming pool in Vopnafjörður
Fáskrúðsfjörður Swimming Pool

Restaurants

Warm up your taste buds with traditional Icelandic cuisine served in cozy restaurants. Enjoy hearty dishes like lamb stew and freshly caught seafood, indulging in the flavors of the region while sheltered from the winter chill.

Skaftfell Bistro
Skaftfell Bistró is located on the first floor of the Skaftfell Art Center, at Austurvegur 42, in Seyðisfjörður. The restaurant offers an innovative menu that reinterprets traditional Icelandic fare w…
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…
Glóð restaurant
Teahouse
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…
Hildibrand Hotel
Hildibrand Hotel is our apartment hotel, offering spacious self-catering apartments all with their own private balcony overlooking the fjord. The Hotel is situated on the water's edge in the town cen…
Hotel Breiðdalsvík
Tucked between breathtaking coastal mountains and black sand beaches, Hotel Breiðdalsvík is a tranquil oasis of rustic charm amid the rugged beauty of Breiðdalsvík in East Iceland. In a comfortable at…
Blábjörg Resort
Blábjörg Resort is located in the idyllic fishing village of Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður eystri. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and unique nature, various hiking trails and outdoor activities can b…
Hotel Framtíð
With its new wing of guest rooms and panoramic sea and mountain views, Hotel Framtid in Djupavogir offers a comfortable stay in beautiful natural surroundings. Our new wing has 18 well-designed 17 m2 …
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…
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…
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…

Accommodation

During the winter months, finding a cozy retreat in East Iceland is as delightful as the snowy landscapes that surround it. Charming guesthouses, snug cabins, and hotels nestled amidst the fjords offer warm hospitality and breathtaking views. Imagine waking up to the soft glow of dawn illuminating the snow-clad peaks, or relaxing after a day of winter adventures. Many accommodations boast geothermal hot tubs, inviting you to soak under the starlit Arctic sky, embracing the tranquil ambiance of the region. With friendly locals, comfortable lodgings, and a welcoming atmosphere, your stay in East Iceland during winter promises not just a place to rest, but an experience to cherish the serene beauty of the season.

the interior of a hotel room

Arts & Culture

East Iceland Heritage Museum
The East Iceland Heritage Museum was founded in 1943 and since then its aims has been to preserve the history of East Iceland by collecting and preserving things that reflect the society, culture and …
Skaftfell Center for Visual Art
Skaftfell Center for Visual Art was founded in the year 1998 by a group of art enthusiasts, the Skaftfell Group. The Skaftfell Group was formed by friends of the artist Dieter Roth (1930-1998) who had…
Sláturhúsið
The Center for Art and Culture in Fljotsdalsherad (MMF) is located in Slaturhusid, Egilsstadir. As a Center for Performing Arts we are inspired every day to create, share, teach, excite and perform f…
Randulffs-sjóhús
Randulff´s Sea House is located by the sea in Eskifjördur. It is during the summer months 2011 and Randulff´s restaurant serves dinner according to a traditional local menu in a unique atmosphere. Ran…
Technical Museum of East Iceland
The Technical Museum of East Iceland has opened again and with the exhibition Búðareyri: A story of transformations The exhibition explores the history of Búðareyri from 1880 to the present day and th…