East Iceland offers dramatic landscapes and hidden gems

East Iceland, or Austurland in Icelandic, is a hidden gem. The region stretches from Mt. Eystrahorn in the south to the town of Vopnafjörður in the north. It is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, deep fjords surrounded by rugged mountains, and picturesque fishing villages.

One of the region’s most iconic features is the Eastfjords, a series of deep fjords surrounded by steep mountains and breathtaking scenery. East Iceland is rich in folklore and history, with numerous sites connected to Icelandic sagas.

The Hallormsstaður Forest, Iceland’s largest forest, offers natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and camping. The Vök Baths (a longtime magazine partner) provide a relaxing retreat with naturally heated waters.

You cannot talk about East Iceland without mentioning the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon, conveniently located close to Egilsstaðir and Vök Baths. Stuðlagil is, for me, one of Iceland’s essential places to visit.

For those seeking adventure, East Iceland does not disappoint. The rugged terrain is perfect for mountain biking, horse riding, and kayaking. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for skiing and snowmobiling.

East Iceland’s unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural tapestry make it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience Iceland’s authentic and serene side. To learn more about this beautiful region, I interviewed Sigfinnur Björnsson, a project manager for Visit Austurland. He is the go-to guy when you want to give your readers around the world the essential information about East Iceland.

Hey Sigfinnur, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Please tell my readers about yourself and your background.

I am Sigfinnur Björnsson, project manager at Visit Austurland, East Iceland’s official destination management organization. I currently live in Egilsstaðir with my girlfriend and two daughters.

I’ve been working in the travel industry for around fourteen years, starting as a waiter at a local restaurant in my hometown of Höfn and, through the years, working various jobs at companies such as Elding Whale Watching and Iceland Travel Assistance.

2019, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in tourism from the University of Iceland shortly after I moved to Egilsstaðir and started working at the then newly opened Vök Baths. I stayed there for a year before moving to Visit Austurland.

What makes East Iceland unique compared to other regions in Iceland?

In Icelandic context I would say that the diverse wildlife and natural attractions make our region a unique destination. There’s no need to go anywhere else; we have everything here!

Waterfalls? Check. Highlands? Check. Glaciers? Check. What is the most extensive forest in Iceland? You bet. And the list goes on.

We have the best place in the country to get up close and personal with puffins. The East of Iceland is the only region where wild reindeer roam. And we can’t talk about Austurland without mentioning the star of the show, Stuðlagil Canyon. The canyon boasts beautiful basalt columns (the largest area of basalt columns in the whole country!) and has quickly become a popular destination amongst travelers and locals. Stuðlagil is located just an hour’s drive from Egilsstaðir. I’d say it’s a must-visit when traveling through the region.

You can easily spend a week here; every day will bring you something new and unique.

The contrast of the seasons is also unique, as we usually get pretty snowy winters and the best summer days in the country.

Can you share some lesser-known attractions and activities in East Iceland that visitors should explore?

East Iceland is full of exciting attractions and activities. Although some destinations have received increased interest over the years, the region is full of destinations that can still be categorized as “hidden gems” or “far from the crowds.”

Mjóifjörður, for example, is a stunning fjord located between Seyðisfjörður and Neskaupstaður. The road over Mjóafjarðarheiði is closed for the better time of the year, and locals rely on the ferry, which makes a dock between Mjóifjörður and Neskaupstaður twice a week during the winter times. The main attraction of Mjóifjörður is Klifbrekkufossar, a series of stunning waterfalls cascading down the fjord.

I’m also a big fan of Fossárdalur, which loosely translates to “Waterfall River Valley” in Berufjörður, just after you’ve passed Djúpivogur driving east. It’s a beautiful valley with seemingly countless waterfalls, and you can easily spend a long time hiking around the area and enjoying nature. The same goes for Víknaslóðir trails in Borgarfjörður eystri and Gerpissvæðið between Reyðarfjörður and Neskaupstaður, which are terrific hiking areas for people wanting to do longer hikes far away from the masses.

Perhaps not lesser-known, but more of a must-know when traveling through East Iceland, is the puffin colony residing in Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður eystri. I wholeheartedly believe there isn’t a better place in Iceland, perhaps the world, to see puffins during the puffin season which runs from late April to late August. Locals have built a platform that takes you straight through the colony.

How does Visit Austurland support sustainable travel in the region?

We advocate slow travel and encourage everyone to explore the region for a few days.

We’ve created travel routes for the region. These are great for traveling efficiently through Austurland. Our travel routes highlight the destinations and attractions which ofter are just a short drive away. They are all accessible on the official travel web site for East Iceland: www.visitausturland.is.

Furthermore, we encourage travel companies in East Iceland to use local products wherever they can in their operations. Vök Baths is a great example of a sustainable travel destination. They worked with local companies and used locally sourced material when the baths were constructed. Vök Baths has local produce on their bistro menu. Their water is free of artifical chemicals, Moreover, it is all returned to the source once it’s circled through the baths.

Uniquely, Austurland has a reindeer population. When and where can travelers expect to see them, and what should they consider when looking for them?

East Iceland is known for its reindeer as it’s the only region in Iceland where they roam free. During the summertime, they mostly keep to themselves in the highlands, where they get plenty to eat. However, expect to see them on the roads and villages during the colder months when the highlands are covered in snow. Djúpivogur, the southernmost town of East Iceland, is a reindeer hotspot outside of the summer months, and it’s common for villagers to wake up with herds of reindeer in their backyard.

In 2021, the family at Vínland, just a few minutes away from Egilsstaðir, rescued two reindeer calves.  There, the family has built a reindeer sanctuary, the Reindeer Park at Vínland, where the two reindeer, Garpur and Mosi, live a happy life. The refuge is open all year round and offers a unique opportunity to get close to these magnificent creatures, and learn all about reindeers. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch them during feeding time. I recommend Vínland as a great family destination.

What are your favorite activities and places in the East of Iceland?

For the past few years, trail running has been my favorite activity. I can’t think of a better place than Austurland when it comes to running in the mountains. I’m so lucky that currently, there are two different trail runs hosted in Austurland: Dyrfjallahlaupið in Borgarfjörður eystri and the brand new Snæfellshlaupið, which takes you around Mt. Snæfell, Iceland’s biggest mountain outside of glaciers.

Video: Dyrfjallahlaupið trail run in the East of Iceland

Hengifoss, the largest waterfall in Austurland and Iceland’s third largest waterfall, is a place I frequent for its beauty. It also has perfect training ground for trail running with steep yet manageable and good trails on both sides. A must-see if you’re in the area.

Trail running and swimming pools go hand in hand. You’ll find plenty of good swimming pools, geothermal baths, and spas in Austurland. I have to highlight Vök Baths, as it’s just a few kilometers away from my home and has been an excellent “quality-of-life” addition for travelers and locals alike.

Seyðisfjörður has a special place in my heart. My mother’s family is from Seyðisfjörður, and I spent a lot of time there when I was younger.  It’s a picturesque town on a narrow fjord with towering mountains. There’s just something different about Seyðisfjörður; the atmosphere and vibe are something I’m not sure you’ll be able to find anywhere else. You can’t put it into words – you just have to see it yourself!

What advice do you have for those visiting the East of Iceland for the first time?

Slow down. There are countless things to see and do in East Iceland.  Everyone should be able to find something that piques their interest in the region.

Nowadays, people rush to see as much as possible in the shortest time, post it on social media, and then move on to the next place. We sometimes forget to stay in the moment and take in what we are experiencing or witnessing. Perhaps you  witnessing something you will only see once in your lifetime. Putting effort into reaching our goals or destination brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. Actually, I think we sometimes take that for granted.

So, slow down. See and do what you are interested in; don’t just go somewhere because “you have to do it” while in Iceland. Create your itinerary based on your interests, and I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for outside the circle in Austurland.