{"id":986,"date":"2020-04-14T10:09:01","date_gmt":"2020-04-14T10:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/?p=986"},"modified":"2020-05-11T12:06:29","modified_gmt":"2020-05-11T12:06:29","slug":"weekend-in-egilsstadir","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/about-egilsstadir\/weekend-in-egilsstadir\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekend in Egilssta\u00f0ir"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"fb-root\"><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.22&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;12px||17px|||&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a03.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||1px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Egilsstadir<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Super excited for a whole weekend in the Nature Paradise in East Iceland, <strong>Egilssta\u00f0ir<\/strong>, I have an early start on Saturday morning. I start my day by driving from <strong>Egilssta\u00f0ir<\/strong> to <strong>Hallormssta\u00f0ask\u00f3gur forest<\/strong> which lies in approx. 20 minutes drive from <strong>Egilssta\u00f0ir<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir05.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||2px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Vallanes<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>On the way there I stop in <strong>Vallanes<\/strong>, where the family owned company &#8220;Mother Earth&#8221; is based. They have won several awards for their organic agricultural products. I get a hearty and organic breakfast from Icelandic barley, grown locally in the fields of <strong>Vallanes<\/strong>. In their cute little shop I stock up with some delicious products produced locally by them.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a15.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Hallormssta\u00f0ur<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>With the belly full of healthy and good energy for the day, I continue my drive into <strong>Hallormssta\u00f0ur forest<\/strong>. Nothing beats strolling around Iceland&#8217;s largest forest and getting lost amongst the trees and inhaling the smell of birch. Of course, I try to spot the <strong>Wyrm in the lake of Lagarflj\u00f3t<\/strong>, or as locals call him: <strong>Lagarflj\u00f3tsormurinn<\/strong>, which, as everyone knows, lives in the lake.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a01.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||-4px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;22px|||||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>After a refreshing walk around the <strong>Hallormssta\u00f0ur<\/strong> forest, I meet up with the guys from <strong>East Highlanders<\/strong>. It is time for some action: a ride with a quad bike through the woods. This is a great way to get your blood moving and see the forest from a different perspective. You can borrow a suit, because we will be rushing through streams and mud on the way. The guide stops at selected points of view and tells stories of the forest and its inhabitants so I will be much wiser after this wonderful experience.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Hallormssta\u00f0ur<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir07.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Skri\u00f0uklaustur<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>After the cool drive, I make my way into the historical site of <strong>Skri\u00f0uklaustur<\/strong> which only takes me 15 minutes. \u00a0There, I examine the ruins from a medieval monastery from the 16th century, but the remains were excavated in the years 2002-2012. It also houses the manor that was built in 1939 by the author Gunnar Gunnarsson. The house is very special, stone-clad with a turf roof. There is an exhibition about the monastery and a museum about the poet in <strong>Skri\u00f0uklaustur<\/strong> but <strong>Sn\u00e6fellsstofa <\/strong>visitor center is also located in the area. It is worth a visit and I recommend taking a look at the interactive exhibition about the nature of <strong>Vatnaj\u00f6kull National Park<\/strong>. It is ideal to have lunch at <strong>Skri\u00f0uklaustur<\/strong>, but the restaurant Klausturkaffi uses mainly ingredients that are made in the area.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a13.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Laugarfell<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>From <strong>Skri\u00f0uklaustur<\/strong> I continue to <strong>Laugarfell<\/strong> which is up on <strong>Flj\u00f3tsdalshei\u00f0i heath<\/strong>. The sudden change in the landscape is striking as I drive up the slopes of the heath \u2013 I leave the green meadows and the forest with its rich vegetation behind and head toward the barren and remote wasteland for approx. 40 minutes.\u00a0 In <strong>Laugarfell<\/strong> I rest my bones in a hot spring and rinse off the forest dust. The water in the hot springs is a natural source and the pots are made of stone in the old traditional way, giving them a lot of charm. The view from the hot springs is beautiful with the magestic <strong>Mt. Sn\u00e6fell<\/strong> overlooking from the distance.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir02.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>K\u00e1rahnj\u00fakar<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>From <strong>Laugarfell<\/strong> I head directly to the power plant in <strong>K\u00e1rahnj\u00fakar<\/strong>, which is the largest power plant in Iceland and is probably one of the most controversial constructions in the country. It is a 690 MW hydroelectric power station and is 198 meters high. It is the largest of its type in Europe. It&#8217;s a fantastic experience to walk along the rim of the dam and look down into the spectacular canyon below. It is impressive sight and gives you a sense of how tiny the human really is in comparison with nature when you stand in front of this magnitude and scale.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a19.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Dimmuglj\u00fafur<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>After I leave the majestic dam behind, I drive a rugged jeep trail to <strong>Dimmuglj\u00fafur (Dark Canyon).<\/strong> The drive takes me around 30 minutes. The impressive canyon stretches about seven to eight kilometers from the northern part of <strong>Vatnaj\u00f6kull <\/strong>icecap towards the valley <strong>J\u00f6kuldalur (Glacier Valley)<\/strong>. With its 200 meters high walls and only about 150 meters width they seem narrow and intimidating as everything is dark and steep. It is believed that the river <strong>J\u00f6kuls\u00e1 \u00e1 Dal<\/strong>, which was the second most powerful river in Iceland, dug the canyon over millions of years through the palagonite layer and formed the canyon. On the parking, you will find a\u00a0sign containing information\u00a0and the\u00a0trail running through\u00a0the canyon and\u00a0to <strong>Magnahellir cave<\/strong>, which lies in about 1,5 km. distance. A farmer named Magni from the farm in\u00a0Eir\u00edkssta\u00f0ir was\u00a0the first one to keep his sheep there in winter.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a18.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Stu\u00f0lagi Canyon\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>After this refreshing hike I drive down to <strong>J\u00f6kuldalur valley<\/strong>. There I aim for a truly stunning Wonder of Nature that was just recently discovered. It came to light after the <strong>K\u00e1rahnj\u00fakar power plant<\/strong> was put into operation and the water levels in the river <strong>J\u00f6kuls\u00e1 \u00e1 Dal<\/strong> declined. This long hidden gem is the part of the J\u00f6kuls\u00e1 canyon called <strong>Stu\u00f0lagil<\/strong>. The name is derived from the fact that it is home to one of the largest and most beautiful basalt columns formation in Iceland.<\/p>\n<p>There are two options to access the <strong>Stu\u00f0lagil<\/strong><strong> Canyon<\/strong>. \u00a0You can drive south of the <strong>Hringvegur<\/strong> (road # 1) and onto road number 923. From the farm <strong>Klaustursel<\/strong> there is a 10 km. hike to the canyon. You will get really close to it and see it in all its glory from below. The other way is from the farm Grund, where you can park the car and walk the path to the riverbank, approx. 250 meters. There is a good view down to the <strong>Stu\u00f0lagil <\/strong>and diverse columns look spectacular. Bear in mind that even though the walk is short caution is needed because the path is partly steep. \u00a0Since the day has been long and busy, I choose the shorter route to this magnificent gorge.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>From here, I still have one hour of drive left to get back to my base for the weekend at <strong>Egilssta\u00f0ir<\/strong>. After a wonderful day in the breathtaking nature that surrounds the <strong>Center of the East,\u00a0 Egilssta\u00f0ir<\/strong>, I return to the village and pay Askur Taproom a visit, which is a local brewery. Austri beer is manufactured there and I have booked an excursion and beer tasting. Finally, I end up having a delicious pizza at the same place, <strong>Askur Pizzeria.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a02.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||||&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Lake Lagarflj\u00f3t\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a10.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Borgarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur Eystri\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday I start my day at the breakfast buffet at the <strong>Lake Guesthouse in Egilssta\u00f0ir.<\/strong> The scenery from the restaurant is breathtaking as it overlooks the <strong>lake Lagarflj\u00f3t<\/strong>. I set sails in the opposite direction to yesterday&#8217;s trip, or to the north. I make sure that I\u2019m all set with lunch box for the day as there will not be many restaurants on my way. I start my day with a horse riding tour at the <strong>farm Finnsstadir.<\/strong> The wind gusts in my hair as we ride down to the banks of <strong>Lagarflj\u00f3t <\/strong>and the view is breathtaking. After the ride, I had a look at their small petting zoo, where I can look at the animals up close and pet them. After this lovely cuddling time with the animals in <strong>Finnsstadir<\/strong> I continue my drive towards <strong>Borgarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur Eystri<\/strong>. After 20 minutes drive I stop at a small, curious hut that stands by the road. One of Icelands most known painter, <strong>Kjarval<\/strong> often stayed there for the summer and created many of his most revered works, inspired by the Icelandic wilderness. For two summers in a row, a desire to surround himself with the wilderness drove <strong>Kjarval<\/strong> to pitch a tent at this spot where he lived for the duration of the season. The next summer, the farmer who owned that piece of land built a small cabin and gave it to him. Since then, <strong>Kjarval<\/strong> is known to have spent several summers at the cabin creating some of his most revered works, while the boathouse nearby sheltered the dingy he used to sail to sea. The cabin still stands and is a place of pilgrimage for avid fans of the Icelandic artist. This cabin was the only property ever acquired by <strong>Kjarval.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a21.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Kjarval<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>I keep going north and drive on for approx. 30 minutes. When I have just arrived at <strong>Mt. Vatnsskar\u00f0<\/strong>, I park the car. Todays hike leads to the old trade center in <strong>Stapav\u00edk.<\/strong> This is a very beautiful hiking trail that starts at the farm Una\u00f3s and runs along Selflj\u00f3t with a view of the carbon black beaches of H\u00e9ra\u00f0ssandandur which are in sharp contrast with the light yellow and orange rhyolite mountains at \u00deerribj\u00f6rg that appear on the horizon towards Vopnafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur. Along the way I see ruins from the early part of the 20th century.At <strong>Stapav\u00edk <\/strong>there are ancient ruins of a trading center on the cliffs. This spot was important for the whole <strong>Flj\u00f3tsdalsh\u00e9ra\u00f0 <\/strong>and goods were brought ashore in the inlet until the late 1940s when a road was built over the mountain range to <strong>Borgarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur Eystri<\/strong> which offers excellent harbor facilities. The surroundings are amazing and ideal to sit down in the gras and eat the lunch I packed while I try to spot seals that often swim right offshore. \u00a0The hike takes me one hour each way. Refreshed and relaxed I jump back into the car and drive back until I reach road 944, where I turn right and follow it to the <strong>Lagarfoss power plant<\/strong>. The power plant is small or about 7500 kW, but the setting is beautiful. I turn north on road 926, and I drive a long and winding gravel road out into <strong>H\u00fasey.<\/strong> This is a peaceful location between two rivers amidst colonies of birds and seals. Animal and plant life are extremely rich there, and I will be pretty unlucky if I don&#8217;t see a few seals that rest on the sand.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a14.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Stapavik<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Adjustments.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>H\u00fasey\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/weekend_egilsstadir-a20.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Image title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||on||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px||30px||false|false&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>V\u00f3k Baths\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.4.0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Next stop is <strong>Geirssta\u00f0akirkja<\/strong>, a small and beautiful turf church. It is a replica of a farmer&#8217;s church that stood there 1000 years ago and was excavated in 1997. From there, I make my way to <strong>V\u00f6k-baths<\/strong>, where I soak in the geothermal floating pools. It takes me about one hour to drive to <strong>V\u00f6k-baths<\/strong>. After a perfect day outdoors, I walk to the Gl\u00f3\u00f0 restaurant and have an ice-cold drink and good food in the fine and modern restaurant.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>EgilsstadirSuper excited for a whole weekend in the Nature Paradise in East Iceland, Egilssta\u00f0ir, I have an early start on Saturday morning. 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I start my day by driving from Egilssta\u00f0ir to Hallormssta\u00f0ask\u00f3gur forest which lies in approx. 20 minutes drive from Egilssta\u00f0ir.VallanesOn the way there I stop in Vallanes, where the family owned company &quot;Mother [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/about-egilsstadir\/weekend-in-egilsstadir\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Visitegilsstadir\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/visitegilsstadir\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-04-14T10:09:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-05-11T12:06:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/about_egilsstadir3.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"A E\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"A E\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/about-egilsstadir\/weekend-in-egilsstadir\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/about-egilsstadir\/weekend-in-egilsstadir\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"A E\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/feb4243e24dce0a8634586a88ace6dea\"},\"headline\":\"Weekend in Egilssta\u00f0ir\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-14T10:09:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-05-11T12:06:29+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/about-egilsstadir\/weekend-in-egilsstadir\/\"},\"wordCount\":3107,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"East Iceland\",\"Eastern Iceland\",\"Egilsstadir\",\"weekend\"],\"articleSection\":[\"About Egilsstadir\",\"Plan your visit\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/about-egilsstadir\/weekend-in-egilsstadir\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/visitegilsstadir.is\/en\/about-egilsstadir\/weekend-in-egilsstadir\/\",\"name\":\"Weekend in Egilssta\u00f0ir - 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