East Iceland: Explore hiking trails, culture and nature

Marked hiking trails, striking landscapes and places with very different cultural stories give East Iceland its varied character. You can focus your trip on hikes, visit museums or include geothermal baths in your plans. Which stops are right for you also depends on the time required for each excursion and seasonal conditions.

Hiking trails and waterfalls

Marked hiking trails and routes of varying difficulty can be found throughout the region. At Hengifoss, the path climbs from the car park along well-marked trails. It is about 5 kilometres long and takes 40 to 60 minutes; your pace and conditions can affect the walking time.

At Fardagafoss, there is a one-hour round-trip hike of moderate difficulty. Behind the waterfall is a cave whose entrance is sheltered by an overhang. At Stórurð, a four-hour hiking route of moderate difficulty is designated. The different time estimates help you plan and distinguish the excursions in your daily itinerary; conditions can also affect their duration.

Stórurð is also a landscape of huge tuff boulders, grassy meadows and small ponds. Majestic mountains surround the area, and Dyrfjöll dominates the landscape. If you are interested in forest trails, Hallormsstaður Forest has well-marked paths for hiking, walking and cycling.

Landscapes, birds and regional orientation

A rich variety of birdlife is present year-round at Hólmanes; seabirds are especially common. The area is designated as a nature reserve and protected area. For your trip planning, Hólmanes—with its diverse birdlife and designated protected status—is a nature destination in its own right.

Mjóifjörður is a fjord with the remains of a Norwegian whaling station and the seven-tiered Klifbrekkufossar waterfall. Short paths lead to waterfalls, ravines and a shipwreck. Road access depends on the season and the weather, so take this into account when planning your drive. Another way to get your bearings is the “Fjord to Fjord” route: it starts in Egilsstaðir, East Iceland’s inland transport hub, and leads to several nearby fjords. Road and seasonal conditions may change.

At Stuðlagil, there are parking and toilet facilities, as well as safe, well-marked access to several viewing platforms. As visitor facilities may change, it is advisable to check local information before your visit.

Museums and cultural sites

Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður is housed in Petra’s former home and its adjoining garden. The geological and botanical garden is paired with a museum about Petra’s life’s work and her passion for stones. Nature and personal history come together in one place.

The East Iceland Heritage Museum explores the region’s cultural history, traditions and community life. Its permanent exhibitions include “Reindeer in East Iceland” and “Sustainable Unit.” As exhibitions may change, check what is currently on display before visiting.

Skriðuklaustur also brings together different historical connections: the ruins of a medieval Augustinian monastery dating from the 16th century are accessible year-round. Since 2000, Skriðuklaustur has been open as a cultural and historical centre and houses a museum about Gunnar Gunnarsson. Sænautasel, in turn, is a restored historic turf farm that serves as a living museum of Icelandic rural life.

In Seyðisfjörður, Rainbow Street is a colourful community project and a striking visual landmark. The “Blue Church Summer Concerts” series is also held there every summer. Check the latest dates separately if you would like to plan your trip around a concert.

Geothermal bath and travel

Vök Baths is a geothermal destination on Lake Urriðavatn. The listed facilities include floating geothermal pools, two hot outdoor pools, a sauna and a cold-water spray tunnel. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

The Smyril Line ferry Norröna runs weekly between Denmark and Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland, calling at the Faroe Islands. Departure dates vary by season. So check the timetable if you are planning to travel by ferry.

Then compare the accommodation’s location with the places you want to visit. Seasonal conditions are particularly relevant for the road to Mjóifjörður and the ferry schedule.

Discover more destinations: Breiðdalsvík, Eskifjorður, þÓrshöfn, Hof, Hámundarstaðir, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Stöðvarfjörður, Borgarfjörður, Eiðar, Vopnafjörður, Bjarnanes, Vallanes, Djúpivogur, Brekka, Laugarfell, Reydarfjördur, Fljótsdalur, Hoffell, Kleppur, Berunes, Disastaðir, Höfn Í Hornafirði, Egilsstadhir, Brunnholl, Svartiskogur, Seyðisfjörður and Neskaupstadur.

For the broader travel overview: Iceland.