Stóra-Sandfell Travel Service

Iceland's largest forest surrounds Hallormsstaðaskógur. Experiments with imported tree species were initiated here in 1903; in 1938, the first larch grove was planted, demonstrating that wood cultivation was feasible in Iceland. In fact, the woods are an extensive and congenial area, and in late summer large quantities of berries and mushrooms are yours for the taking. A home economics´ school with dormitories, which initially only accepted women, now educates both sexes. It is placed in a stately building dating from 1930. The Hallormsstaður arboretum is unique in Iceland, comprising a collection of around 70 tree species. Many enjoy strolling through the arboretum, and there are well-marked trails throughout much of the surrounding woodland, clearly indicated on a map published by the Forest Services.

Lagarfljot is about 140 km. long flood or river, consisting mostly of glacial water. The innermost section forms a lake Lögurinn with a surface 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 forms 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 truly unpredictable!

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 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 outskirts 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 its 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

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.

Höttur (Hátúnahöttur) is a beautiful mountain which lies in the mountain range between Vellir and Fagridalur and is favored 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

Hallormsstaður is a former parsonage. A small village has formed in this area through the years in connection with the school, travel industry and the work at the forest. The forest of Hallormsstaður is the largest forest in Iceland. In 1903 the Forest Department was founded in Hallormsstaður. Remarkable tree museum has formed in the forest of hallormsstaður through the years. At the tree museum, there are walking paths making it easy to go through the history of tree planting in Iceland. There are art exhibitions in the area and many other events. atlavík, which is located deep in the forest is a beloved attraction for tourists.

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

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 traveler would do well to continue past the cluster of vacation chalets, due N- E.

Among the precious gems of the township, Egilsstaðir is the river Eyvindará. Small waterfalls nourishing it, as well as the stream´s deep green-blue color, contribute to its exquisite beauty. The depths render Eyvindará an ideal swim site 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.

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 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 inlet of Atlavík is beautifully situated on the shores of Lagarfljót (Lögurinn). Like other areas in the Hallormsstaður woodland, the inlet provides the shelter of trees, as well as a comparatively continental climate at the south end of the lake, far away from oceanic conditions. In addition to a two full-scale camping site, rental services for small boats, Hallormsstaður also offers the possibility of horse renting.

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.

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. Underway 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.

Skúmhöttur the second tallest mountain in the range between Fljótsdalshérað and Reyðarfjörður. It consists mostly of rhyolite but the peak itself is of a darker rock formation. Drive the main road (no 1) until you pass Litla Sandfell farm. Make a left turn and go through the gate and continue until you come to an old bridge by Þórisá river. There is a parking area. Walk from the sign by Þórisá river and along the ridge until you are on the top, 1229 m.

A good walk and an interesting mountain.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°05.637-W14°30.298

Walk from the sign by road nr. 1 close by Haugaá river. Go through a gate and then walk by the fence approx 600 m. Keep on walking the staked trail. Stuttidalur lies east between Hallbjarnarstaðatindur and Haugafjall. The cylinder with visitors' log and a stamp is by the pond a short distance by Sjónarhraun. If you prefer a different route back the one way is crossing the river and passing through Haugahólar hills on the way to your starting point.

Haugahólar hills were formed by a huge landslide, one of the largest ever from Haugafjall, and lie between Stuttidalur and Vatnsdalur.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region.

GPS : N64°59.173-W14°35.217

Walk from the sign near Hússtjórnarskóli schoolhouse in the woodlands of Hallormsstaður and follow 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, inwards to Bjarg and Þverbjarg to Illaskriða or The Cruel Landslide. From there you follow the trail to the Leirtjarnarhryggur ridge. There you can find a cylinder with visitors' log and a stamp.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°05.465-W14°43.031

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. Legend 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

The gigantic serpentine sea monster, or worm, of Lagarfljót (Lögurinn) lake, is Fljótsdalshérað's most famous creature. As it was already mentioned in chronicles of 1345, it has reached ripe old age. Initially, the wyrm was merely a little slug that was placed on a golden ring - at that time suggested as a method of multiplying gold. However, when the girl who owned the ring opened the shrine containing the ring and the slug, she was dismayed by the rapid growth of the worm - swelling with pride over its treasure, while the ring remained the same. Panicking, the girl hurled the shrine and its contents into the lake. As time passed, the slug grew into a wyrm frightening the locals and belching poison over the farmlands. Some say that two Finnish magicians were eventually engaged to tackle the monster and that they managed to restrain the beast by shaking its extremities to the lakebed. Others claim it was the popular bishop of North Iceland, Guðmundur - nicknamed "the Benevolent"- who tied the wyrm down in this way, so tightly that it only manages to arch its back up above the surface. Legend declares that if the wyrm ever disengages itself, not only will it raise a ruckus, but it will bring about the end of the world...

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.