Things To Do
in Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is the eastern gateway to Iceland's rugged Eastfjords, perched by the Lagarfljót river and backed by mountains. It functions as the region's service hub, offering easy access to waterfalls, forests, and fjords within a short drive. The town blends rural charm with practical amenities, including cozy cafes, museums, and a waterfront stroll.
Year-round, it serves as a base for northern lights in winter and long daylight for outdoor adventures in summer.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Egilsstaðir and check into your accommodation. Stroll along the shores of Lake Lagarfljót to admire reflections of the surrounding mountains. Drop by the local tourist information center to pick up maps and guides.
Explore the town’s museums including the East Iceland Heritage Museum. Enjoy a light lunch at a cozy café downtown. Walk through the Sculpture and Culture House to see local art exhibitions.
Dine at a riverside restaurant serving fresh Icelandic trout. Take an evening walk to the suspension bridge over the Lagarfljót River. Relax in your accommodation or catch the Northern Lights if conditions are favorable.
Drive to Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest, for a morning stroll among towering pines. Follow one of the marked trails to discover hidden streams and glacial woodlands. Listen for birdcalls and breathe in the fresh forest air.
Picnic by the Lagarfljót riverbank with sandwiches and local treats. Rent a bike and cycle through scenic woodland paths. Stop at a viewpoint for panoramic views of forest and lake.
Head back to Egilsstaðir and freshen up at your lodging. Sample local beer at a microbrewery or cozy pub. End your day with a serene lakeside sunset.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee | $4-6 |
| 🛏️Accommodation per night | $100-180 |
| 🚗Rental car per day | $60-110 |
| 🧺Groceries for a day | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty and easy access to East Iceland’s landscapes
- Relaxed pace, friendly locals, and good value compared to bigger cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options compared to Reykjavík
- Weather can be unpredictable; some roads may be impassable in winter
- "Halló" - Hello
- "Takk fyrir" - Thank you
- "Hvar er baðherbergið?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Vinsamlegast talaðu ensku" - Please speak English
- "Hvað kostar þetta?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ég tala ekki mikið íslensku" - I don't speak Icelandic well
Places to Visit in Egilsstaðir
Visit one of these nice places.
Serene lake views with mountain backdrops; great at sunrise or sunset for soft light and reflections.
Northern Iceland’s largest forest with mossy trails, tall trees, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake.
A dramatic canyon setting with layered basalt columns and a powerful waterfall; ideal for landscape photography.
Floating pools on a shallow lake with reflective water surfaces; sunset and golden hour provide striking silhouettes.
Quaint town views with the surrounding mountains and rivers; capture local life and architecture.
Food in Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught Arctic char served with dill potatoes and a light cream sauce; commonly found in seaside-influenced eateries.
Must-Try!
Slow-roasted Icelandic lamb with seasonal root vegetables and local herbs.
Traditional Icelandic yogurt dessert or breakfast topped with seasonal berries.
A comforting fish stew made with flaked fish, potatoes, onions, and a creamy sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering fresh fish, lamb, dairy, berries, and handicrafts from nearby producers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Stay on marked paths, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife; Icelanders highly value preservation of nature.
Polite conversation and modest speech are typical; greetings like halló or góður dagur are common.
If visiting homes, remove outdoor shoes and greet politely with a handshake or nod; punctuality is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Egilsstaðir
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Iceland; if you feel service was exceptional, rounding up or leaving a small gratuity is appreciated but not expected.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is less common in daily transactions; carries PIN-enabled cards for most purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days, mild temperatures, and lush landscapes; great for extended hiking, lakeside picnics, and road trips along the Eastfjords.
Colorful foliage and cooler air; shorter days but excellent for photography and quieter trails.
Cold with potential snows; shorter daylight hours and northern lights potential; prepare for icy roads and warm layers.
Milder temperatures returning after winter; awakening nature and fewer crowds; be prepared for variable weather.
Egilsstaðir at Night
Hiking in Egilsstaðir
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic hike to a striking waterfall with a basalt column backdrop; well-marked and rewarding views.
Forest loops offering varied difficulty and scenic overlooks near Lagarfljót.
Gentle trails along the water’s edge with peaceful scenery and occasional wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Egilsstaðir by plane.
Local domestic airport offering connecting flights to Reykjavík and other Icelandic destinations; convenient for East Iceland travelers.
Main international hub for Iceland; most travelers fly here first and connect domestically to Egilsstaðir or other regional airstrips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Icelandic with a growing number of seasonal workers and residents who support tourism, services, and agriculture.
Family travelers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers visiting East Iceland year-round.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular among locals and youth; local clubs and facilities are common in towns across the region.
A favored indoor sport with community teams and occasional regional tournaments.
Ideal in snowy winters with ample trails around the surrounding hills and forests.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Egilsstaðir.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many cafés offer vegetarian soups, salads, and baked goods; mention dairy-free options if needed and ask for egg-free preparations when relevant.
Most places can accommodate gluten-free requests; choose fish, lamb, salads, and gluten-free bread where offered; alert staff to cross-contamination concerns.