Visit North Iceland is responsible for marketing and promotion of North Iceland which is a friendly and tranquil area with a population of 36 thousand, including Akureyri, the largest town outside Reykjavík, and a number of historic coastal towns. Most visited attractions are Vatnajökull National Park, where you find Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall and lake Mývatn geothermal region with hot springs, volcanic areas, craters, geothermal nature baths and amazing lava formations. We have magical winters with Iceland‘s most popular ski area, energising off-piste skiing and 13 Yule Lads (Santas) on top of unique locations for Northern Lights observation.
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Why Austurland?
East Iceland offers adventure without the crowds. From hiking, outdoor activities and unforgettable nature experiences to local food, culture and wellness, there is plenty to discover throughout the region. Dramatic landscapes, small communities and wide open spaces create a more relaxed and personal way to experience Iceland, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture or a deeper connection with nature, East Iceland has it all.
Nature & Adventure
From towering mountains and powerful waterfalls to peaceful fjords, black beaches and vast wilderness, East Iceland is made for exploration. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging mountain routes, while outdoor activities, wildlife encounters and scenic journeys offer something for every kind of traveller. East Iceland is also home to Iceland’s only wild reindeer population, adding another unique dimension to exploring the region’s vast landscapes.
Local Food & Culture
Discover a region shaped by strong communities, local traditions and creativity. East Iceland has a rich food culture, with restaurants and cafés serving regional flavours and ingredients from the surrounding land and sea. Local products can also be found in shops throughout the region, while several local breweries add to the growing food and drink scene. Museums, art, music and cultural experiences offer another way to connect with the character and stories of East Iceland.
Wellness & Slow Travel
East Iceland is a place to breathe, unwind and reconnect. Peaceful surroundings, geothermal bathing and wellness experiences invite you to slow down, escape the crowds and experience the region at your own pace. It is a place to enjoy the little moments, reconnect with nature and leave room for the unexpected. Here, the journey is part of the experience, and every day has the chance to surprise you.
A Destination for Every Season
Every season brings a different side of East Iceland. Summer offers long days, green valleys and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, while autumn transforms the landscape with rich colours and quieter surroundings.
Winter is something truly special. Snow covered mountains, frozen landscapes, dark skies and the possibility of northern lights create an atmosphere unlike any other. It is a chance to experience a true East Iceland winter - peaceful, dramatic and wonderfully remote.
Nature
Adventure
Wellness
Northern Lights
Reindeer
Hiking
Geothermal Baths
Skiing
Local Food
Culture
Slow Travel
Wide Open Spaces
Away from the Crowds
Winter Adventures
Adventure
Wellness
Northern Lights
Reindeer
Hiking
Geothermal Baths
Skiing
Local Food
Culture
Slow Travel
Wide Open Spaces
Away from the Crowds
Winter Adventures
Top Destinations
Eggin í Gleðivík
Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs in Merry Bay) are outdoor works that show 34 replicas of eggs of nesting birds that nest in the vicinity of Djúpivogur. There is a rich birdlife in the area and the eggs reflect the strong connection that Djúpivogur has with nature.
Eggs in Gleðivík is a popular tourist destination and has become one of the landmarks of Djúpivogur.
Hafnarhólmi
Hafnarhólmi islet at the harbour in Borgarfjörður Eystri is perfect for birdwatching. Hafnarhólmi is easily the most accessible Atlantic Puffin colony in Iceland where they nest every year from middle of April to beginning of August. Kittiwakes, Fulmar and Common Eider also nest in Hafnarhólmi along with many other bird species.
Hengifoss
Apart from having recently been re-defined as Iceland's second-highest waterfall, the Hengifoss is particularly picturesque. The layers between numerous Tertiary lava strata yield a reddish color particularly salient in the cliffs around Hengifoss. Moreover, underway towards Hengifoss, the Litlanesfoss presents impressive stands of basalt columns on both sides of the gorge.
Usually, the climb ends well below Hengifoss, at a point where it can easily be admired without crossing the river. However, if the flow is scarce - as is often the case in autumn - it is feasible to go closer and even enter a shallow cave behind the waterfall.
There is an easy walking path from the highway to Hengifoss, it takes 40-60 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the waterfall.
www.hengifoss.is
Neskaupstaður Nature Reserve
The reserve, stretching from Stórilækur toward the ocean, became formally protected on November 29th, 1972, making Neskaupstaður Nature Reserve the first of its sort in Iceland. In fact, only a few towns in Iceland have access to such an ideal area for preservation at their very doorstep.
Reindeer Park
The Reindeer Park in Egilsstaðir is truly unique in Iceland – the only place where you can get up close and personal with reindeer.
Stapi in Stapavík
In Stapavík, south of Djúpivogur an close to Höfn, there is a majestic cliff rising about 20 meters out of the sea. It is landlocked and is a little way from the mainland cliff. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the cliff the beach south of Álftafjörður are considered unique natural gems and therefore essential stops when visiting the area.
Stuðlagil Canyon
In the valley Jökuldalur (Glacier Valley) in Austurland - East Iceland there is a marvelous natural site that almost nobody knew about until recently. For a long time it was hidden underwater or until the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkavirkjun was built and the water flow in the glacier river Jökulsá á Dal, a.k.a. Jökla, was remarkably reduced.
Travel Routes
The Fjord Way
The Fjord Way invites travelers on a journey through the peaceful fjords of East Iceland, where winding coastal roads connect dramatic landscapes, charming seaside villages, and some of the region’s most beautiful natural attractions. Away from the main routes, visitors can experience fresh ocean air, ever changing scenery, and a landscape shaped by both powerful geological forces and centuries of life closely connected to the sea.
The Highland Circle
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.
Travel Blog & Guides
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Beyond Keflavík: How to get to East Iceland
Fly, sail or drive your way to Austurland (East Iceland), and discover why getting here is only the beginning. -
Héraðssandur Travel Guide: Where Black Sand Meets the North Atlantic
For travellers following The Highland Circle from Egilsstaðir, the journey towards Héraðssandur offers a chance to discover one of the quieter corners of Austurland (East Iceland). As the road leaves the town behind, the landscape gradually changes from forests, farmland and valleys to wide-open coastal scenery, eventually reaching Héraðsflói Bay and the North Atlantic. -
Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon Travel Guide: Into the Wild Highlands of Austurland
From Fljótsdalur, the landscape opens into the wild East Iceland highlands, where waterfalls, hiking trails, hot springs, reindeer and vast wilderness await. This area is part of The Highland Circle travel route, explore the route for more inspiration and ideas for discovering this remarkable part of Austurland. -
Fall in East Iceland: A Season to Explore, Unwind & Reconnect
There is something special about East Iceland in autumn. As summer slowly gives way to fall, the landscape turns golden, the air becomes crisp and the pace begins to soften. The roads are quieter, the trails more peaceful, and there is a feeling that you have a little more of East Iceland to yourself. Autumn is the perfect season to slow down but that doesn’t mean there is less to do. Spend the day hiking through colourful landscapes, exploring waterfalls and forests, discovering small towns and local culture, then warm up in geothermal water and finish the evening over a memorable meal made with local ingredients. It’s a season for adventure, comfort and connection with nature, with local life, and perhaps with yourself.
East Iceland Winter
Practical Information
It is important to keep a few things in mind when travelling in Iceland. It is necessary to keep up with the weather forecast, even during summer, and road conditions. You must get familiar with the Icelandic Króna (currency) and pack appropriately for the season you are visiting, you can expect all kinds of weather all year round. And there is no need to buy water because the tap water is great!
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