Egilsstaðir Camping site

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 spectacular gorge carves the landscape beside the fell. A paradise of fine bushes at the foot of the mount completes the icing on the cake. The tiny forest is adorned by planted trees, brooklets and extensive rocks fragments from the cliff, reminiscent of dwellings from the land of fairy tales. The area has been made easily accessible by marked hiking trails.

A great trail for hiking which involves crossing Vestdalsheiði mountain range, from Hérað to Seyðisfjörður. Vestdalsheiði heath used to be a frequently travelled road. People walked along Gilsá river, across the heath, and into Vestdalur valley. Walk from the sign in Fjarðarheiði (N65°15.577-W14°13.524) and head towards the western part of the mountain Bjólfur. You will see the Lake when you get near the mountain.

This is a nice walk in rolling hills. When you get to Vesdalsvatn you can choose between three routes if you don´t want to take the same route back. Down Vestdalur by a staked trail to Seyðisfjörður; down Gilsárdalur valley down towards Gilsárteigur farm (east of Eiðar in Fljótsdalshérað) or go west of Bjólfur mountain down to Stafdalur valley. The cylinder with the visitors' log book and stamp is where Gilsá river runs out from the lake. You will need to cross the river if you choose to walk from Fjarðarheiði.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°17.102-W14°17.887

Vallanes is a farm and a vicarge, 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 products, i.a. vegetables and barley. They also produce food and cosmetics under the brand name of "Móðir Jörð" - "Mother Earth".
In the last century, the locals of the surrounding district erected their community centre, Iðavellir, on the ouskirts of Vallanes, and there the East Iceland Equestrian Association has its main hub on the grounds for races and shows.

Sandfell is an impressive looking rhyolite mountain in the shape of a ridge and reminds one of a tent because of it's even slopes which are mostly free of cliffs and by it's two darker peaks. The path starts by the main road (no 1). A little distance from the Gilsá river you will find the sign where you start. Walk the trail towards a fence then turn and walk up along it, then upwards by the trail on the northern ridge straight to the top which reaches 1157 m.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°05.637-W14°30.298

Miðhús was among the first guesthouses in the Hérað region. Travellers passed Miðhús on their way to Seyðisfjörður and Eskifjörður. Today Miðhús houses an art gallery and a workshop (operative since 1975) where Icelandic material is used in many diffirent ways.

Eiðar (14 km. north of town Egilsstaðir) is a ranking presbitary with important cultural and educational background.This is the site of one of the very first agricultural schools in Iceland ( founded in 1883), later converted into a general educational centre for the the East region. Its function as a school were discontinued to a large extent in 1997 and since then many ideas have been launched as to its future role. In the meantime, Eidar has served as a summer hotel. The Eiðar surroundings are picturesque and inviting, with verdoyant grounds on the banks of beautiful Lagarfljót laying the ideal grounds for peaceful and poetical walks. Presently, efforts are afoot to develop a centre for arts and culture.

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 the peaceful surroundings. A football field and a playground are among other recreational options in the area.

Rauðshaugur is a rock or a hill protruding from the farm Höfði and can be seen widely from Hérað. According to legend it is the burial heap of farmer Rauður or Ásrauður in the sagas and from there two similar heaps can be located, the burial heap Bessahaugur in Fljótsdalur and the heap Ormarshaugur in Fell. Legends has it Rauður was buried with all his riches.

People are said to have tried digging into the pile of rocks but always had to give up because of a burning vision of the homestead in Ketilsstadir. Walk from the sign by Fagridalur road (N65°14.590 -W14°21.156) along the trail on Egilsstaðaháls towards Rauðshaugur.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°12.77-W14°23.01

Among the precious gems of the township Egilsstaðir is the river Eyvindará. Small waterfalls nourising it, as well as the stream´s deep green-blue colour, contribute to its exquisite beauty. The depths render Eyvindará an ideal swimsite during the summer-season, albeit the water is cold. The farm on the river banks traces its roots prior to A.D. 1000. This is the site of the burial mound of saga legend Helgi Droplaugarson, and ruins - commonly believed to be the ruins of his historic abode- is still to be seen. The area is highly popular among the local youths for all kinds of outdoor activities.

Gálgaás is an old execution place in Egilsstaðir.The cliff Gálgaás, just east of Egilsstaðir Church, may seem unimposing, yet it has been the location of many a lugubrious destiny in centuries past. The most renowned person to loose his life at Gálgaás was a farmer named Valtýr, living at Eyjólfsstaðir some 10 km. southwards. He was hanged in the wake of being tried for theft and murder; accusations which he steadfastly denied. Fourteen years later, the real murderer was unmasked by mere chance - also named Valtýr und suffered the same fate as his innocent namesake. Both skeletons were left lying below the cliff, which now bears a bronze plate commemorating these events.

The Nielsen House was the first private house erected in the village of Egilsstaðir , built in the year 1944 by the danish Oswald Nielsen. Today it houses a nice coffe house and a restaurant, th Café Nielsen.

The woodland Eyjólfsstaðaskógur, under the supervision of the East Iceland Forestry Society, offers beautiful scenery and natural diversity. There are two waterfalls adorning the site, one of which can be accessed from behind! In order to visit, the traveller would do well to continue past the cluster of vacation chalets, due N- E.

Höttur (Hátúnahöttur) is a beautiful mountain which lies in the mountain range between Vellir and Fagridalur and is favoured by many who live in Egilsstaðir.

Walk from the sign by road nr 1 east of Gilsá river (N65°08,172-W14°31.133), towards Grjótá river by Víðihjalli and up along the river. Onwards and up to Hattarhólar, turn inland and ascend to the top of Höttur (1106 m).

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region.

GPS : N65°07.63-W14°27.25

Drive the gravel road up to Fjallssel farm and to the highest spot south-west of Hafrafell. Walk from the sign by the road towards the antennas on Hrafnafell where you can find the cylinder with the visitors' log and stamp. Do walk on to Hafrafellsrétt livestock pen (N65°18.02-W14°29.23) which is man-made of rocks and stones, between cliffs slightly to the east of the trail.

It is also very nice to descend east of Hrafnafell and see Kvíahellir cave (N65°18,359-W14°29,063). If you take the circle the walk is 5.8 km long and a red trail.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°18,304-W14°29,098

The scenic Fardagafoss waterfall is situated close to the main road to Seyðisfjörður as it winds its way up the mountainside of Fjardarheiði, about 5 km from Egilsstaðir. The ascent from the parking area to the fall takes about half an hour. Under way you can enjoy the beautiful gorge and views over the whole valley. The last stage of the trail is not an easy walk, a chain is fastened in the cliff to get down to the water, but it´s worth it.

Lagarfljot is about 140 km. long flood or river, consisting mostly of glacial water. The innermost section forms a lake Lögurinn with a surfasce of 53 m2 . The depths of the lake descend to 112. m. with the bed of the lake as deep as 90 m. beneath sea level. The Lögurinn is home to the legendary monster serpent Lagarfljótsormurinn, first mentioned in 1345. It was considered a bad omen if the curved formes of the monster were spotted above the of the water. In recent years it has not revealed itself so often - yet the Lagafljót serpent is truely unpredictable! A river boat namesake has been riding the waves of the lake these last years, carriyng torists eager to spot the phenomenon.

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 casted 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 stamp is by the cave.

GPS : N65°06.410-W14°28.517