Egilsstaðir: East Iceland's Hub

Rising from the shores of Lagarfljót lake in a landscape of rolling hills and birch woodlands, Egilsstaðir serves as the undisputed capital of East Iceland. With a population of just 2,300, this compact town punches well above its weight, functioning as the region's administrative, commercial, and transport hub whilst offering visitors an authentic taste of Icelandic rural life away from the tourist crowds of the south and west.

Gateway to the East Fjords

Egilsstaðir's strategic position at the junction of the Ring Road (Route 1) and Route 92 to the East Fjords makes it an inevitable stop for most visitors exploring Iceland's remote eastern reaches. The town sits 635km from Reykjavík via the Ring Road—a solid eight-hour drive that underscores just how far you've ventured from Iceland's populated core.

The domestic airport, served by Air Iceland Connect, provides a vital link to Reykjavík with flights taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes (typically 20,000-35,000 ISK one-way, roughly €140-250). For many, this represents the most practical way to incorporate the east into their Iceland itinerary without dedicating precious days to driving.

Lagarfljót: Iceland's Monster Lake

Stretching 25km south from Egilsstaðir, Lagarfljót ranks as Iceland's third-largest lake and carries the distinction of being home to the country's own version of the Loch Ness Monster. The Lagarfljótsormur, a serpentine creature allegedly measuring up to 90 metres in length, has been "sighted" since 1345, with the most recent claimed video footage emerging in 2012.

Monster aside, the lake offers genuine attractions. The eastern shore road provides excellent views across the water to the Fljótsdalshérað district, whilst the western side leads to Hallormsstaður National Forest—Iceland's largest woodland. This 740-hectare forest, established in 1905, showcases both native birch and introduced species including pine, spruce, and larch. Walking trails wind through the trees, offering a rare opportunity to experience Iceland's pre-settlement landscape when forests covered 25% of the island.

Practical Base Camp

Egilsstaðir excels as a base for exploring East Iceland's scattered attractions. The town centre clusters around Miðvangur street, where you'll find the essential services that can be scarce elsewhere in the east: a well-stocked Nettó supermarket, several petrol stations, and Iceland's easternmost swimming pool complex (entry 1,000 ISK for adults).

Accommodation ranges from the upmarket Icelandair Hotel Hérað (rooms from 25,000 ISK in summer) to guesthouses like Egilsstaðir Guesthouse (doubles from 15,000 ISK) and the HI hostel Hafaldan (dormitory beds from 4,500 ISK). Book well ahead for summer visits, as options are limited and the town serves as the only significant accommodation hub between Höfn and Akureyri.

Cultural Highlights

The East Iceland Heritage Museum (Minjasafn Austurlands) occupies a restored early 20th-century house and provides context for the region's farming and fishing heritage. Exhibits include traditional turf house reconstructions and artefacts from the area's scattered farms. Entry costs 1,500 ISK, with reduced rates for seniors and students.

For a taste of local culture, visit during the annual Lunga Art Festival in late July, when the town transforms into an unlikely arts hub attracting performers and visitors from across Scandinavia. The festival, running since 1999, encompasses everything from chamber music to contemporary dance, taking advantage of unusual venues throughout the town and surrounding countryside.

Beyond the Town

Egilsstaðir's true value lies in its access to East Iceland's highlights. The spectacular Seyðisfjörður, with its colourful wooden houses and weekly ferry connection to mainland Europe, sits just 27km northeast via Route 93—a stunning mountain pass that climbs to 630 metres before descending dramatically into the fjord.

Southbound, the Ring Road leads to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (184km), passing through the remote Breiðdalsheiði heath where reindeer herds—Iceland's only large wild mammals—can often be spotted, particularly during their autumn migration in September and October.

The eastern highlands, accessible via mountain roads like F910 to Askja caldera, open from roughly mid-July to September depending on conditions. These routes demand 4WD vehicles and careful planning, but reward with some of Iceland's most pristine wilderness.

When to Visit

Egilsstaðir experiences Iceland's most continental climate, with warmer summers and colder winters than coastal areas. July and August offer the warmest weather (average highs of 15°C) and guaranteed road access throughout the region. September brings autumn colours to the birch forests but increasingly unpredictable mountain road conditions.

Winter visits (December-March) offer Northern Lights opportunities and a genuinely local experience, though many highland roads close completely and daylight hours shrink dramatically. The domestic flights provide year-round reliability that driving the Ring Road in winter conditions cannot match.

Egilsstaðir may lack the dramatic waterfalls and volcanic landscapes that define Iceland's greatest hits, but it offers something equally valuable: an authentic window into modern Icelandic life beyond the tourist trail, wrapped in the genuine warmth of a community that still waves at passing cars.

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