Egilsstaðir Travel Guide

Learn about the cultural and natural attractions of Egilsstaðir, suggested activities, where to stay, what to buy and more.


Introduction to Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir is located in the eastern part of Iceland, situated within the region of Fljótsdalshérað. The town is named after Egill Skallagrímsson, a famous Icelandic poet and warrior. Egilsstaðir hosts a population of approximately 2,300 and is a hub for cultural events, thriving arts and music scene and is strategically placed to explore the scenic and cultural richness of East Iceland.

List of Places to Visit in Egilsstaðir

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

East Iceland Heritage Museum

Housed in a former school building in Egilsstaðir, the East Iceland Heritage Museum is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts. The museum chronicles the cultural heritage of the region, displaying historical artefacts and stories dating from the Viking Age to modern-day Iceland.

Slaughterhouse Culture Center

The Slaughterhouse Culture Center is a venue for various cultural events, concerts and exhibitions. Housed in an old meatpacking plant, the center follows the trend of repurposing old industrial buildings for modern arts and cultural spaces.

Fardagar rock carvings

The town of Egilsstaðir is home to Fardagar rock carvings, a remarkable collection of ancient petroglyphs etched into rocks, dating back to the Iron Age. The carvings depict hunting scenes, ships and other intricate designs.

Natural Attractions of Egilsstaðir: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hengifoss Waterfall

Hengifoss is a majestic waterfall located about an hour’s drive from Egilsstaðir. It stands at 128 meters high and is surrounded by stunning basalt rock formations. The hike to Hengifoss is 2.5 km long and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður is a picturesque fjord town situated 27 kilometers away from Egilsstaðir. Visitors can explore this charming village, including the town’s collection of preserved historic buildings which include the oldest wooden warehouse in Iceland that now houses a new art museum.

Lagarfljót River and Lake

Lake Lagarfljót, which translates to the “Shy Lake,” is a beautiful water body that can be seen while driving through Egilsstaðir. The lake is the heart of many local legends and is home to a 14-metre-long cryptid called Lagarfljótsormurinn, which is said to have been sighted since the time of the Viking Age.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir has several beautiful hiking trails, ranging from beginners to advanced level. One prominent hiking trail is Stórurð, which is a unique cluster of rock formations. The 4km hike can take up to 2-3 hours, depending on the pace. One can also cycle the ring road around the town for a more comfortable and leisurely experience or rent mountain bikes with adventure tours to explore the off roads, and there are several mountain bike races happening throughout the year.

Best Things to Do in Egilsstaðir: Activities and Tours

Egilsstaðir offers many exciting activities, from hiking to cultural tours, and water adventures. There is something for everyone, from families with young kids to solo travelers exploring the great outdoors. Skyrgerðið, an Icelandic dairy production facility, conducts guided tours of the production process, giving visitors a better understanding of the country’s traditional dairy industry. And for those interested in ice-climbing, ice caves, or snowmobiling, Vatnajökull Glacier tours offer bespoke packages. The Fjaroargljufur canyon is an excellent spot for canyoning.

Week-Long Itinerary for Egilsstaðir

Day 1: Arrive in Egilsstaðir, explore town and its attractions like the East Iceland Heritage Museum and the Slaughterhouse Culture Center.

Day 2: Hike to Stórurð and Lagarfljót, visit nearby Dvergasteinn, the golden circle or longest river in Europe.

Day 3: Visit Seyðisfjörður, explore the harbour, and take a guided walk around town.

Day 4: Day-trip to Vatnajokull glacier or explore Fljótsdalshérað attractions like Laufás Folk Museum, Steinþórskáli, etc.

Day 5: Tour to Skriðuklaustur, Museum and Birtingur Recidency. Participate in guided caving tours and scuba diving or fishing.

Day 6: Relax and unwind at Egilsstaðir’s swimming pool and enjoy its sauna facilities, or have a bbq by Lagarfljót and visit Hallormsstadur National Forest, the oldest forest in Iceland.

Day 7: Depart from Egilsstaðir.

Food and Drink Scene of Egilsstaðir

Must-Try Dishes

Icelandic cuisine is unique, and Egilsstaðir has several restaurants and cafes that offer traditional dishes. From grilled lamb to skyr, the Icelandic dairy product, try the forest cake called skógaskyr and smoked lamb. Iceland has some of the freshest seafood, from Arctic Char to langoustine to the famous Icelandic fish and chips.

Local Beverages

Egilsstaðir has a selection of local beverages from craft beers to Icelandic schnapps called brennivín to one of the most recognized Icelandic sweet ciders named Eik.

Where to Stay in Egilsstaðir: Hotels, Hostels and Guesthouses

Egilsstaðir has several accommodation options like hotels to hostels to guesthouses, guesthouses are the my favored option when visiting Egilsstaðir, and offer a comfortable stay with affordable options. Hostelling options include HI Hostel Egilsstaðir and Easthostel. For luxury stays, Icelandair Hotel Herad, and Icelandair Hotel Egilsstaðir are good options.

What to Buy in Egilsstaðir: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Egilsstaðir has an ideal shopping scene for those looking to purchase souvenirs. From Icelandic sheep wool to handmade candles, the souvenir store- Sjavarborg sells old Icelandic items, the Hjartagarðurinn gift shop that offers locally handmade pottery and jewelry, and the Austurland mini-market popularizing regional specialties are some of the go-to options for tourists in town.

Local Culture and Customs of Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir, just like the rest of Iceland, is culturally diverse, and Icelandic culture, customs and practices follow a long history and tradition. Icelanders adhere to a straightforward lifestyle and are known for a friendly attitude. They are a proud nation and enjoy sharing their country with visitors. It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, and tipping is not a common practice.

Best Time to Visit Egilsstaðir

The best time to visit Egilsstaðir is during the summer, from June to August, when the sun shines almost throughout the day, and the temperature is milder, ranging between 5°C - 10°C. Additionally, with longer daylight hours during summer, visitors get to witness breathtaking sunsets and enjoy more outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Egilsstaðir

Do:

  • Try local cuisine and drinks
  • Observe the local habits and customs
  • Respect nature and natural resources
  • Visit the museums and other historical sites

Don’t:

  • Litter in public spaces
  • Walk on the moss fields as it is a fragile ecosystem
  • Violate the speed limits when driving on the roads
  • Swim in the glacial rivers or attempt water activities before understanding the conditions and weather.

Safety and Health

Safety in Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir has a low crime rate, and the Icelandic people have a generally cordial attitude towards tourists. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions like locking your doors while sleeping or when leaving the room. It is recommended to travel with wear anti-slip shoes and watch your step, especially during the winter months.

Health in Egilsstaðir

The main medical centre of Fljótsdalshérað is situated in Egilsstaðir and offer medical and emergency services. Visitors are advised to carry necessary medications and obtain travel insurance before their visit.

Getting to Egilsstaðir: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir airport is located about 2 km from the town center with daily domestic flights from Reykjavik-Keflavik international airport. Flights are conducted by two airlines, Icelandair, and Air Iceland.

Bus Stations Near Egilsstaðir

Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir is about 664 km away via the ring road (highway no1), bus connections with airports are given by Strætó Buses. They also offer services from neighbouring towns, like Reykjahlíð, to Egilsstaðir.

Other Options

You can also drive to Egilsstaðir with a hire car or an RV. Alternatively, if you wish to hire a taxi or private car, you can connect with local taxi services like Taxi Austurland.

How to Get Around in Egilsstaðir

The most comfortable way to get around Egilsstaðir is by a private hire car, but local buses services by Strætó Buses, cycling, and trekking are feasible options as well. The most preferred local travel option among tourists is rental cars which you can book online or at the airport.

Where to Go Next from Egilsstaðir: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several neighbouring tourist attractions around Egilsstaðir worth exploring like visiting the Stokksnes peninsula, witnessing Northern Lights, travelling to Socudalur valley, etc.

Conclusion

Egilsstaðir, located in East Iceland, is a charming little town, known for its scenic natural beauty and cultural richness. A must-visit destination for those seeking to discover Iceland away from the more touristy regions. Explore and discover the hidden treasures of this beautiful town. Happy travels!