Welcome to Austurland

Communities

About 13,000 people live in Austurland, which is 22,721 km² and geographically diverse. Communities are scattered, and the towns are different even though most of them developed around the fishing industry. Today, tourism and industry are also prominent in Austurland and each community has its own characteristics. You are welcome to visit!

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!

Top Destinations

While travelling through Austurland you will without a doubt spot some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Towering mountains and powerful waterfalls are just a fraction of the amazing destinations the region has to offer. Below we have handpicked several destinations that no traveller should leave unseen.

Food and Drink

Austurland is renowned for its diverse food traditions where local ingredients are highly regarded. Austurland features a variety of restaurants and cafés where every traveller should find something to their liking.

Destination Guide

Top Destinations

TOP DESTINATION

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. Locals have taken care of Hafnarhólmi and its birds for decades and built it up to be easily accessible for visitors to enjoy the area in harmony with the wildlife there. At the newly built Hafnarhús - Harbour House you can enjoy art exhibitions and excellent view over the harbour and Hafnarhólmi while tasting some Icelandic delicacies.

TOP DESTINATION

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

TOP DESTINATION

Hólmanes

Between Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður you can visit the Nature reserve Hólmanes. This is an ideal place to enjoy a good walk either down to the sea or up the hills. Birds and remarkable rock formations can be enjoyed in Hólmanes. With luck, you could stumble upon a herd of reindeers.

TOP DESTINATION

Rainbow Street

Painted by the locals, Rainbow Street in Seyðisfjörður is probably one of the most well-known landmarks in East Iceland. At the end of the rainbow, you can find the beautiful Blue Church.

TOP DESTINATION

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.

Vök Baths

At Vök Baths you will find, floating geothermal pools with infinity view, two on shore hot pools, a sauna, cold water spray tunnel, tea bar, an in-water pool bar, and the on-site restaurant, Vök Bistro.

Popular Travel Routes in Austurland

Coastal Experience

Drive from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður. Stop at the Wartime Museum to learn about the relations of soldiers and local residents during World War II. Opt whether to drive to Fáskrúðsfjörður through the tunnel or on the old, partly gravel road near Skrúður Island. Enjoy a meal at L’abri Restaurant in Fáskrúðsfjörður village, as well as the museum devoted to French fishermen and their heritage.

Fjord to Fjord

Start your day in Egilsstaðir and drive towards Seyðisfjörður. Where you start climbing the slopes onto Fjarðarheiði pass, you should stop and walk up to Fardagafoss waterfall. You can even clamber behind it and view Egilsstaðir from the trail.

Highland Circle

Start bright and early visiting Vallanes Organic Farm for breakfast. Then drive through Iceland’s biggest woods, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and hike up to Hengifoss, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall.

On the Edge

We recommend you take 2-3 days to enjoy this route to its fullest. You won't regret taking your time to become on with the Icelandic landscape and heritage.

The Ring of Riverdale

The Ring of Riverdale is one of the most popular travel routes in Austurland, as it is probably the most popular among locals. You will find historical connections everywhere and many hiking trails. Sustainability and food from the region are highly valued. One of Iceland's highest waterfalls, Hengifoss, is located in Fljótsdalur.

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Travel Stories

The puffin capital of Iceland

Puffins are among the biggest crowd-pleasers in Iceland each spring and summer. In Austurland, the very best place to see them is in Borgarfjörður eystri.
Rock climbing in Austurland

It might not be an activity you associate with Iceland, but did you know that rock climbing is gaining in popularity and accessibility here, especially in Austurland?
Winter highlights in Austurland

If you harbor a dream to experience all the magic of an Icelandic winter, few places rival Austurland.
Fall highlights in Austurland

Time to show off our fall colors! September and October are great months to visit Austurland: temperatures are generally mild (for Iceland!), daylight hours are ‘normal’, and when conditions are right, the northern lights begin to appear.

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!