Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008. It includes the national parks in Skaftafell (est. 1967) and Jökulsárgljúfur (est. 1973) along with the Vatnajökull ice cap itself and extensive areas around it.A map showing the park’s boundaries (last update July...
The turf houses of Hjarðarhagi farmFor centuries the outhouses of Hjarðarhagi were in a cluster of six buildings, most of them still in use until the 1970’s. Today, the two old sheephouses are the only ones still standing, the others were demolished in the 1970’s to...
The old farm of Galtastaðir Fram is a well-preserved farmhouse from the 19th century. It is a showcase of a special form of house-making, named after the farm and was built in a different way than was customary in other parts of the country. Inhabited until 1967 the...
Skessugarður – the Rampart of the Giantess is a natural phenomenon in East-Iceland, which has been called one of the most amazing natural formations in the country. It was formed by an ice-age glacier, Brúarjökull. It is a large arche-shaped moraine and consists...
Rjúkandi is one of the few major waterfalls on the north side of Iceland which can be seen directly from the Ring Road. The falls descend the steep valley of Jökuldalur carved by the Jökulsá a Brú river. The stream which the falls occur along, the Ysta-Rjúkandi, is...
The story of Hrafnkell Freysgoði takes place in East Iceland and is one of the Icelander‘s Sagas. The story tells of the struggles between chieftains and farmers in East Iceland in the 10th century. The main character is Hrafnkell Freysgoði, who was a influential...
11. Hallormsstaðaskogur National Park Hallormsstaðaskógur is Iceland’s first national forest and has been preserved since 1905. The area is a famous for its pleasant hiking trails, wildlife and collection of tree species. As trees only cover approx. 2% of...
Móðir Jörð Móðir Jörð specializes in growing grain, organic barley in particular. Barley has played a part in Icelandic culinary history ever since Iceland’s settlement in the 9th century. For a few centuries it was forgotten but it has recently started to make its...
There is a beautiful little turf church named Geirsstaðakirkja situated on the farmland of Litli Bakki. The construction is a recent remake of a church that had been built there a thousand years ago, the ruins of which were unearthed during excavation. The church is...
Kjarvalshvammur is a peaceful little haven, located at road 94 beside the Selfljót river south of Ketilsstaðir farm in Hjaltastaðaþinghá. There is a small cabin and a boathouse both of which belonged to Iceland‘s master painter Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1889 – 1972)....
The Sport Stadium in Egilsstaðir is called Vilhjálmsvöllur after Vilhjálmur Einarsson (5. June 1934 – 28. Dec. 2019) who was a track and field athlete and a triple-jump silver medalist at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. Vilhjálmur set a new Olympic...
Menningarmiðstöð Fljótsdalshéraðs was founded in 2005 and is one of four culture centers in East Iceland with an emphasis on theater and dance.MMF, as the center is called, offers all kinds of artistic experiences, lectures, workshops, performances, exhibitions and...
Selskógur forest lies alongside the beautiful Eyvindará in Egilsstaðir. The forest has great woodchip trails where you can take both shorter or longer, peaceful walks through the forest, go on a picnic, take your evening jog or play with the kids. Get a free copy of...
This church belongs to the Valthjofstadur benefice in the Mula deanery. During the catholic period, the churches there were dedicated to the Holy Virgin. The present church was made of concrete, consecrated in 1966 and seats 95 people. Its chalice and one of the...
Askur Taproom is a Taproom located in the brewery “Austri Brugghús” in Egilsstaðir. We offer a good variety of local craft beer and beer flights, along with quality coffee and good cocktails. At Askur Taproom you can book a tour around the brewery for...
Laugarfell is located in the eastern part of the Icelandic Highlands, a bit north from Mount Snæfell. There are only two km.from the road that leads to Kárahnjúkar to the hostel and it is the only part of road that is not paved. In the summer there is good access...
Breiðdalsheiði (Breiðdalur-heath) lies between the valleys Skriðdalur and Breiðdalur. The main road has been there for ages and rare traces of road construction from the 19th century are still visible. There are practically undamaged stowages built in the year...
Hafrahvammar / Dimmugljufur canyon (N64°99.252-W15°71.683) Hafrahvammar is one of the 30 Pearls of Egilsstaðir region and refers to some of the most stunning hikes of the area. Drive north of the dam of Kárahnjúkar reservoir along a gravel road fit for...
Þerribjarg (Therribjarg) (N65°45.336-W14°20.990) // Difficult // 5 – 6 hrs Þerribjarg is one of the 30 Pearls of Egilsstaðir region and refers to some of the most stunning hikes of the area. Drive the main road up Hellisheiði mountain and when you’ve reached...
Landsendi (N65° 43.352-W14°23.300) // 2 hrs. Landsendi is one of the 30 Pearls of Egilsstaðir region and refers to some of the most stunning hikes of the area. The name of Landsendi refers to the remoteness of this place – “The End of the Land”. Walk from the road...
