Iceland

Scoured by Ice Age glaciers, the dramatic east coast is deeply indented while inland, fertile farmlands provide a pleasing contrast.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

Visit the little explored Mjoifjordur, not far from Egilsstadir. Get off the beaten track for delightful scenery around a tiny fishing village and a coffee shop which makes fantastic waffles!

EGILSSTADIR

At number 3 on our clock, this lakeside town and the regional centre is an ideal base from which to discover the rest of the fjords. Fly here from Reykjavik or travel by road through particularly scenic surrounds. Nearby, around Lake Logurinn, Iceland’s most extensive forests of birch and conifer can be found as well as the country’s third highest waterfall, Hengifoss.

BORGARFJORDUR EYSTRI

Also known as Bakkagerdi, this little town has a backdrop of colourful rhyolite mountains on one side and the magnificent Dyrfjoll (Door Mountain) with its cleft peak, on the other. Healthy colonies of puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes ensure bird watchers are catered for and due to the glorious landscapes, it is not surprising the area is favoured by artists too.

SEYDISFJORDUR

This eastern fishing town, set at the head of a 16 km long fjord, is full of character. Its brightly painted wooden houses of Norwegian origin are charming and this is a beautiful spot for a pleasant stroll and simply kicking back and relaxing. With incredibly scenic surrounds it is also a great place for walkers. Bird watchers will enjoy Skalanes at the tip of the fjord where bird life is abundant in the summer months.

NESKAUPSTADUR

This has the largest population of any of the eastern towns and is a thriving fishing port. At the small Museum of Natural History, gain an insight into the flora, fauna and geology of the area and just outside the town, explore a nature reserve. As with most of the eastern towns, it is easy to find numerous walking trails in the vicinity, whether over mountain passes, through valleys, or along the seashore. Iceland’s easternmost point, Gerpir is nearby.

REYDARFJORDUR

Just 30 km southeast of Egilsstadir is the town of Reydarfjordur. It sits at the head of the largest fjord on the east coast and has a population of around 650. It was one of the Allied bases during World War II and a fascinating museum documents this period in Icelandic history.

BREIDDALSVIK

This is the largest lowland area of the region and the mountains framing the valley are the highest in the region. For anyone interested in fishing, the salmon river Breiddalsa is the most renowned and prolific of the area.

DJUPIVOGUR

Djupivogur, which sits on a rocky promontory, in view of the offshore island of Papey, is renowned for its bird life.

We offer a variety of multi-centre itineraries that take in this region. Find out more »