Vök Baths

The old farm of Galtastaðir Fram is a well-preserved farmhouse from the 19th century. Inhabited until 1967 the building exemplifies the sort of housing common in Iceland in previous centuries, heated to some extent by keeping cows under the communal living room or "baðstofa", which was also used for sleeping and handcraft.

Both the interior and exterior of this small but remarkable showcase of former living conditions can be visited by the consent of the proprietor . Galtastaðir Fram has ranked on the preservation list of the National Museum since 1976.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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 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.

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.

Take the driveway up to and above Heiðarsel farm and turn to the left before you come to the farm Nátthagi. Walk from a sign by the old road above Nátthagi. Walk up to the top and further on to the right where you get to the cylinder with the visitors' log and stamp. It is pleasant to walk on from Heiðarendi descend and walk back by the old gravel road.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°23.085-W14°33.819

Eiðar (14 km. north of town Egilsstaðir) is a ranking presbytery 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 center for the East region. Its function as a school was 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 verdant grounds on the banks of beautiful Lagarfljót laying the ideal grounds for peaceful and poetical walks. Presently, efforts are afoot to develop a center for arts and culture.

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

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.

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

Walk from the sign by the gate to Fjallasel farm, where you take an old road up above the farm. When you arrive up to turn off the road to the right and walk onto Rangárhnúkur where you will find the cylinder with the visitors' log and stamp. On the way back it is a good idea to walk down to Egilssel farm and walk on towards Fjallssel farm. Then you will pass Dansgjá which is a peculiar creek or ravine through tall cliffs west of Staffellsbjörg cliffs right off the road and marks the borders of the farms.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°19.410-W14°35.498

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