Egilsstaðir

Day Trips

Arrive in Egilsstaðir and check into your accommodation. Stroll along the shores of Lake Lagarfljót to admire reflections of the surrounding mountains. Drop by the local tourist information center to pick up maps and guides.

Explore the town’s museums including the East Iceland Heritage Museum. Enjoy a light lunch at a cozy café downtown. Walk through the Sculpture and Culture House to see local art exhibitions.

Dine at a riverside restaurant serving fresh Icelandic trout. Take an evening walk to the suspension bridge over the Lagarfljót River. Relax in your accommodation or catch the Northern Lights if conditions are favorable.

Drive to Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest, for a morning stroll among towering pines. Follow one of the marked trails to discover hidden streams and glacial woodlands. Listen for birdcalls and breathe in the fresh forest air.

Picnic by the Lagarfljót riverbank with sandwiches and local treats. Rent a bike and cycle through scenic woodland paths. Stop at a viewpoint for panoramic views of forest and lake.

Head back to Egilsstaðir and freshen up at your lodging. Sample local beer at a microbrewery or cozy pub. End your day with a serene lakeside sunset.

Set out early to Hengifoss waterfall, Iceland’s third highest cascade. Hike the well-marked trail that ascends through basaltic cliffs. Marvel at the striking red layers of clay sandwiched between lava flows.

Continue to neighboring Litlanesfoss, renowned for its hexagonal basalt columns. Capture photos from a wooden viewing platform near the falls. Enjoy a light packed lunch amidst the mossy landscape.

Return to Egilsstaðir and enjoy a warm bowl of traditional beef soup at a local restaurant. Unwind by a crackling fireplace while sipping hot chocolate. Watch for the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead if the sky is clear.

Rent a car and embark on a scenic east fjords driving route. Stop at picturesque villages like Breiðdalsvík and Fáskrúðsfjörður. Observe the dramatic coastline carved by ancient glaciers.

Explore small fishing harbors and artisanal workshops along the route. Sample fresh seafood at a seaside bistro. Pause for photos of pastel-colored houses set against steep mountain backdrops.

Return to Egilsstaðir via a different coastal road for sunset vistas. Enjoy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant featuring local lamb. Reflect on the day’s views from your hotel terrace.

Drive to Seyðisfjörður through a winding mountain pass. Wander along the vibrant main street lined with colorful wooden buildings. Browse art studios and quaint gift shops.

Visit the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art to see contemporary Icelandic works. Have lunch at a café decorated with local artwork and live music. Walk down to the Blue Church for its iconic charm and photo opportunities.

Enjoy an early seafood dinner overlooking the fjord. Attend a live concert or cultural event if available. Drive back to Egilsstaðir under the evening sky.

Prepare for a full day hike to Stórurð, the massive boulder field in the highlands. Start early and follow the marked trail from Borgarfjörður eystri. Pause at crystal-clear ponds dotting the rocky landscape.

Continue ascending to views of lush green valleys and huge quartzite rocks. Rest and enjoy a packed lunch among the scenic boulders. Photograph the surreal landscape bathed in afternoon light.

Return to Egilsstaðir fatigued but satisfied by the epic hike. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a traditional Icelandic restaurant. Relax in your room and recount the day’s natural wonders.

Head to Stöðvarfjörður to visit Petra’s Stone Museum, a unique collection of local minerals. Wander through displays of colorful gemstones and learn about their origins. Admire the manicured gardens surrounding the exhibits.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby farm café serving homemade specialties. Explore the coastal paths of Stöðvarfjörður for scenic views of rocky beaches. Visit local pottery workshops showcasing East Iceland craftsmanship.

Return to Egilsstaðir for a relaxing evening stroll along the Lagarfljót riverbank. Dine at a gastropub offering creative twists on Icelandic classics. Unwind with a craft beer or herbal tea before bed.

Drive to Vök Baths for a rejuvenating soak in geothermal floating pools by Lake Urriðavatn. Swim in water heated by natural hot springs while enjoying panoramic mountain views. Relax with a spa treatment or yoga session.

Enjoy lunch at the on-site café overlooking the lake. Try the local rye bread ice cream famously baked in geothermal ground. Spend extra time soaking in different temperature pools.

Visit Hamarinn visitor center to watch a cultural film about the region. Dine at the attached restaurant featuring local produce and fish dishes. Return to Egilsstaðir to stargaze in the crisp night air.

Set off on a guided tour of Loðmundarfjörður, a remote wilderness area known for its untouched landscapes. Hike along coastal trails with dramatic sea cliffs and hidden coves. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds and seals.

Enjoy a picnic overlooking the fjord with views of the southern highlands. Explore tidal pools and driftwood beaches nearby. Learn about the folklore and historical shipwrecks from your guide.

Return to Egilsstaðir as the sun dips behind the hills. Feast on grilled Arctic char at a local bistro. Light a candle in a cozy café and reflect on the day’s wilderness adventure.

Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your guesthouse. Walk along the path beside the river and savor the peaceful morning. Shop for souvenirs or local delicacies at small town stores.

Have lunch at a riverside café and try smoked salmon or Skyr pancakes. Visit the Eastern Iceland Cultural Center for a final immersion in regional history. Photograph Lagarfljót lake one last time from the panorama viewpoint.

Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring fine dining with Icelandic ingredients. Toast to your journey with a glass of local schnapps or sparkling wine. Pack and prepare for departure with cherished memories.