East Iceland and the Eastfjords
East Iceland is a land of fjords, forests and reindeer. The Eastfjords are deep and surrounded by high, layered mountains, while inland lies the Fljótsdalshérað district with the Lagarfljót lake and the largest forest in Iceland. The region is far from the capital and has a tranquillity that many visitors appreciate.
Fljótsdalshérað and Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is the centre of trade, services and transport in East Iceland and has an airport with scheduled flights to Reykjavík. The town lies on Lagarfljót, a long, deep glacial lake where, according to folklore, the Lagarfljót Worm lives. A video of the "worm" filmed in 2012 attracted a great deal of attention.
Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest forest in Iceland, and organised forestry in Iceland began there in the early 20th century. Its arboretum has tree species from all over the world. Hengifoss, 128 metres high, drops over red and black rock layers in Fljótsdalur and is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. Nearby is Skriðuklaustur, where the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson lived.
The Eastfjords
| Fjord | Town | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Seyðisfjörður | Seyðisfjörður | Colourful timber houses, arts scene, the Norræna ferry |
| Borgarfjörður eystri | Bakkagerði | Puffins at Hafnarhólmi, elf lore, Dyrfjöll mountains |
| Norðfjörður | Neskaupstaður | Fishing, natural history museum, Barðsnes |
| Reyðarfjörður | Reyðarfjörður | Aluminium smelter, war-time museum |
| Eskifjörður | Eskifjörður | Maritime museum, Hólmatindur peak |
| Fáskrúðsfjörður | Fáskrúðsfjörður | French Days festival, street names in French |
| Stöðvarfjörður | Stöðvarfjörður | Petra's Stone Collection |
| Berufjörður | Djúpivogur | The Eggs of Gleðivík, a Cittaslow town |
Seyðisfjörður is one of the most beautiful towns in Iceland, with old Norwegian timber houses and the Skaftfell art centre. In December 2020 large landslides hit the town and caused extensive damage, but no one was hurt. The Norræna passenger ferry arrives weekly from the Faroe Islands and Denmark. Borgarfjörður eystri is another small and charming village; at Hafnarhólmi you can see puffins up close, and according to folklore the elf queen Borghildur lives in Álfaborg.
Stuðlagil and the highlands east of Vatnajökull
Stuðlagil in Jökuldalur became world-famous after the Kárahnjúkar hydropower plant was built and less water flowed through the canyon. This revealed spectacular columnar basalt and blue-green water. The Kárahnjúkar plant, opened in 2007, is the largest power plant in Iceland and was highly controversial. Snæfell, at 1,833 metres, is the highest mountain in Iceland outside the glaciers.
The reindeer
East Iceland is the only region where wild reindeer live. They were imported from Norway in the 18th century and now number about 4,000–5,000. In summer they stay in the highlands, but in winter they come down into the fjords and are often seen by the road. Reindeer hunting is permitted in autumn under a quota advised by the East Iceland Nature Research Centre. Reindeer meat is considered some of the finest game in Iceland.
Djúpivogur and the southern Eastfjords
Djúpivogur was the first town in Iceland to join the Cittaslow movement, an international network of towns that emphasise a slow and sustainable way of life. By the harbour at Gleðivík are the Eggs of Gleðivík, 34 stone eggs by Sigurður Guðmundsson, one for each bird species nesting in the area. On the island of Papey, off Djúpivogur, Irish hermit monks known as papar are said to have lived before the Norse settlement.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see reindeer in Iceland?
Only in East Iceland. In winter they are often seen down in the fjords and by the Ring Road.
How do you get to Stuðlagil?
You can drive to Stuðlagil from the Ring Road in Jökuldalur. Paths lead to the canyon on both sides of the river.