Things to see and do Egilsstaðir

Often overlooked by travellers who only have a few days to discover Iceland, Austurland, or the Eastern Fjords region, has many geographical wonders in store for you. The Eastern Fjords feature spectacular coastlines, impressive mountains and walls of water, magnificent high plateaus and narrow or immense fjords. If you're looking for Iceland's most scenic roads or cultural and family experiences, don't wait any longer!

Stuðlagil Canyon is, in our opinion, Iceland's most beautiful canyon and well worth a visit! Its enchanting turquoise waters are matched only by the surrounding basalt organs, making for a truly breathtaking spectacle.

To get there, from Route 1, take Route 923 (you'll see a sign pointing the way to the canyon). You'll then have to drive for about twenty kilometers on a gravel road. You can admire the canyon from the east by parking at the Klaustursel farm, or from the west by parking at the Grund farm.

For a closer look at the canyon, it's best to take the eastern route. Park at the parking lot and start your hike along the river after crossing a wooden bridge. Don't worry, it's well signposted. Admire the Stuðlafoss waterfall along the way and continue until you reach the canyon's most beautiful viewpoint about 1 hour after starting your hike.

From here, enjoy the view and take as many photos as you can! It is possible to descend to the bottom of the canyon, but be careful. The rocks can be slippery, and there can be a strong current if you fall (as well as the risk of getting a nasty chill).

The site is very busy in summer, but that's also when the canyon waters are at their most beautiful! To enjoy the site in more tranquil surroundings, it may be worthwhile sleeping in one of the nearby accommodation options, such as a hotel or campsite.

Here's a must-see if you're driving to Seyðisfjörður from Egilsstaðir! The Fardagafoss waterfall is located a few kilometers east of Egilsstaðir on route 93. After a short 20-minute hike from the parking lot (be careful, it's uphill and can be slippery if it rains), you'll reach the first pretty waterfall. But that's not all: continue along the road until you reach a staircase that takes you down the cliff to the bottom of the waterfall. Take care!

This little-known waterfall isn't the easiest to get to, but it's well worth the detour! Divided into two sections, one 100 metres long and the other 20 metres, it flows along cliffs dotted with red strata similar to those found at Hengifoss. To get there from Egilsstadir, take route 95, then route 931 along the lake and finally track 935 at the end of the lake, and continue to the small parking lot where you'll find a sign indicating the location. The hike is relatively easy, but allow a good 2-hour round trip.

Only accessible by 4×4, as you have to take the F907, which is quite a distance from the main road, this wild and authentic place is well worth a visit! This traditional peat-roofed farmhouse dates back to 1843. Abandoned since 1945, the farmhouse was rebuilt in 1992, allowing visitors to appreciate the houses as they were in the ^mid-19th century. Inspiring and authentic, it was the inspiration for Nobel Prize-winning writer Halldór Laxness. Here, you can also camp out, enjoy a good meal or a hot drink in addition to your visit.