East Iceland Itinerary: 3–4 Days

East Iceland remains one of the country's most rewarding yet underexplored regions, offering dramatic fjords, Europe's largest glacier, and some of Iceland's most spectacular wilderness. This comprehensive itinerary covers the essential highlights whilst allowing time for the spontaneous discoveries that make eastern Iceland so captivating.

Getting Started: Akureyri to Egilsstaðir

Most travellers approach East Iceland from Akureyri via Route 1, a 266km journey that takes approximately 3.5 hours. The drive crosses the Möðrudalsöræfi highland plateau, where reindeer frequently graze beside the road during summer months. Alternatively, those coming from Reykjavík can fly directly to Egilsstaðir Airport (50-minute flight, from 25,000 ISK/$180 return).

Base yourself in Egilsstaðir, East Iceland's de facto capital with a population of 2,300, or consider the charming lakeside village of Seyðisfjörður, 27km away via the winding mountain road over Fjarðarheiði pass.

Day 1: Seyðisfjörður and the Eastern Fjords

Begin your eastern adventure in Seyðisfjörður, arguably Iceland's most picturesque town. This Norwegian-influenced settlement sits at the head of a 17km-long fjord, surrounded by mountains that cascade with waterfalls after rain. The town's colourful wooden houses, dating from the early 20th century when it served as Iceland's primary connection to Europe, create a distinctly Nordic atmosphere.

Start at the iconic Seyðisfjörður Church, painted striking blue and surrounded by a rainbow-coloured path installed by artist Óla Kári Ívarsson. The nearby Technical Museum of East Iceland (Tækniminjasafn Austurlands) occupies the 1894 telegraph station and chronicles the town's role in connecting Iceland to the world.

**Essential stop:** Tvisöngur, a series of five concrete domes designed by German artist Lukas Kühne, positioned on a hillside overlooking the town. Each dome resonates at different frequencies, creating haunting harmonies when voices combine—a 20-minute walk from the town centre rewards you with both the installation and panoramic views.

Drive 7km north to witness Gufufoss, a 27-metre waterfall that plunges dramatically into the fjord. The short walking trail (1.2km return) offers excellent photography opportunities, particularly during the golden hour before sunset.

**Accommodation:** Hotel Aldan (from 28,000 ISK/$200 per night) occupies a beautifully restored 1884 building, or try Hafaldan Old Hospital Hostel for budget accommodation (from 6,500 ISK/$45 per night).

Day 2: Hallormstaður Forest to Hengifoss

East Iceland harbours Iceland's most extensive forests, a remarkable sight in this largely treeless nation. Hallormstaður National Forest, established in 1905, covers 740 hectares along Lake Lagarfljót's eastern shore. The forest contains over 85 tree species from around the world, including native Icelandic birch, Sitka spruce, and Siberian larch.

Begin with the Atlavík Trail, a gentle 3.5km loop that showcases the forest's diversity whilst offering lake views. The trailhead lies 2km south of the Hallormstaður Forest Service Centre, where detailed trail maps are available (free). Allow 1.5 hours for the complete loop.

**Afternoon highlight:** Hengifoss, Iceland's third-highest waterfall at 128 metres. The 2.8km hiking trail gains 300 metres elevation over approximately 45 minutes each way. The waterfall's distinctive red clay layers, formed during volcanic activity between ice ages, create striking horizontal bands across the cliff face.

En route to Hengifoss, pause at Litlanesfoss, where dramatic hexagonal basalt columns frame a 30-metre cascade. These geometric formations, created by slow-cooling lava flows, rival those found at Scotland's Giant's Causeway.

**Local legend:** Lake Lagarfljót supposedly harbours Iceland's answer to the Loch Ness Monster. The Lagarfljótsormur, described as a massive serpent, has generated reported sightings for over 700 years. While at Hallormsstaður, scan the lake's 25km length—you never know what might surface.

Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park - Skaftafell

Dedicate your third day to Vatnajökull National Park, Europe's second-largest national park covering 14,141 square kilometres. From Egilsstaðir, drive 196km south via Route 1 to reach Skaftafell, the park's most accessible section.

**Morning:** Svartifoss hike. This 3.4km return trail leads to the "Black Falls," surrounded by dark basalt columns that inspired the architecture of Reykjavík's Hallgrímskirkja church. The 45-metre waterfall crashes over these geometric formations, creating one of Iceland's most photographed natural monuments. Allow 1.5 hours return, with 180 metres elevation gain.

**Afternoon:** For experienced hikers, tackle the Kristínartindar ridge walk, a challenging 18km return hike offering unparalleled views across Vatnajökull glacier. This demanding route requires 7-8 hours and gains 1,100 metres elevation, but rewards with views spanning from glacier tongues to the Atlantic Ocean.

Less ambitious walkers should explore the Sel Trail to the reconstructed turf farm, a 3.7km loop showcasing traditional Icelandic architecture against the backdrop of Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue.

**Practical note:** Book glacier walks or ice cave tours through local operators (from 15,900 ISK/$115 per person). Local Guide (www.localguide.is) and Glacier Guides (www.glacierguides.is) offer year-round glacier experiences departing from Skaftafell.

Day 4: Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón

Complete your eastern Iceland journey with the crown jewel: Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. Located 60km east of Skaftafell, this represents one of Iceland's most dynamic landscapes.

**Jökulsárlón:** This glacial lagoon, formed as Breiðamerkurjökull glacier retreats, has quadrupled in size since 1975. Massive icebergs, some weighing hundreds of tonnes, calve from the glacier terminus and drift slowly towards the sea. The lagoon reaches depths of 248 metres, making it Iceland's deepest lake.

Board an amphibian boat tour (3,900 ISK/$28, 30 minutes) or zodiac expedition (5,800 ISK/$42, 1 hour) for close encounters with thousand-year-old ice. Tours operate May through October, departing every 20 minutes during peak season.

**Diamond Beach:** Cross Route 1 to witness icebergs washed ashore on black volcanic sand. These crystal-clear ice chunks, sculpted by waves and weather, create an otherworldly landscape particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset. The beach extends 1.5km, offering countless photography opportunities as waves crash around ancient ice.

**Wildlife watching:** Atlantic seals frequent both the lagoon and beach. Arctic terns nest nearby during summer (May-August), whilst skuas patrol the skies year-round. Occasionally, pilot whales venture close to shore.

Practical Considerations

**Best time to visit:** June through September offers warmest weather and longest daylight hours. Winter visits (October-April) provide Northern Lights opportunities but require careful road condition monitoring.

**Driving:** A standard 2WD vehicle suffices for this itinerary's main routes. Fuel up at every opportunity—stations are sparse. Expect approximately 1,200km total driving.

**Budget:** Allow 45,000-65,000 ISK ($320-460) per day including accommodation, meals, and activities, excluding car rental (from 8,900 ISK/$63 daily).

East Iceland rewards the intrepid with landscapes found nowhere else on Earth, from intimate fjord villages to Europe's largest glacier. This itinerary balances must-see attractions with hidden gems, ensuring your eastern adventure captures the region's wild beauty and cultural richness.

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