Egilsstadir is a charming region nestled along the famous Ring Road. Free-roaming reindeers, culinary sensations, timeless edifices and the immaculate scenery of Egilsstadir make it an obsession-worthy destination for sure! If you are looking for more reasons to visit the place, keep reading!
The incredible creatures, reindeer, are only found in the eastern region. Hence, a visit to Egilsstadir and the nearby villages is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Adding fuel to this blazing fire of popularity are the folklores and culture, especially the ones pertaining to Lake Lagarfljót, where the Icelandic Loch Ness monster is believed to have lived.
The Fljótsdalshérað municipality, including Egilsstaðir, possesses a rich collection of thick verdure, mountain hills, stunning waterfalls, and heritage sites. Here you also get the best of both worlds with perfectly bright summers and ethereal snow-draped winters.
Egilsstadir town view
A great way to explore all the natural abundance found here is by embarking on hikes. If you’re done with Egilsstaðir, you can easily sneak into the outskirts of the town and explore some more of East Iceland.
Situated in the Fljótsdalshérað municipality of the northern Múlasýsla region in East Iceland, Egilsstaðir is a picture-perfect location. It is closest to the towns of Höfn (256 km or 159 mi) and Akureyri (248 km or 154 mi).
GPS coordinates of Egilsstaðir: 65.2669° N, 14.3948° W
The view of Ring Road
There are different ways to get to Egilsstaðir. One of which is from Reykjavik, taking about 8 hours, given that you go clockwise on the Ring Road. Going counter-clockwise will add one more hour to your drive, making it 9 hours in total. Whether 8 or 9 hours, no drive from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir can be taken without stops, and if you do, you’re surely signing up for a handful of regrets to take back home!
The clockwise drive will take you through Borgarfjörður valley and pass through the seal paradise of Húnavatnssýsla. As the drive continues, you will approach Skagafjörður, the hotspot of Icelandic horse lovers. Next comes Akureyri, with its pristine marvels and culture.
Road to Hverir (Námaskarð) geothermal spot
Finally, you will come across the geothermal splendor of Mývatn. After a 2-hour ride, you will then touch down at Egilsstaðir.
The counter-clockwise route will guerdon you with its set of charms. Passing through the south coast, you will cross the village of Hvergerði, Selfoss, and Iceland’s longest river: Thjorsá. Next up is Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss Waterfall, Sólheimajökull, and finally Vatnajökull, before you continue east to reach Egilsstaðir.
Boarding a flight is the most convenient way to reach Egilsstaðir. There are daily domestic flights operating between Reykjavik and Egilsstaðir that will transport you to the location in the span of an hour.
Buses are a more time-consuming yet cheaper option. First, you will have to board Bus 57 from the bus stop Mjódd in Reykjavík, at 9 am sharp.
The bus will drop you at the bus stop Hof in Akureyri around 3:30 pm. Bus 56, scheduled at 3:50 pm, will take you straight to Egilsstaðir from here.
Infographic of Egilsstadir city
Wilderness center in the East Fjords
Visit Skriðuklaustur - Home to the famous author Gunnar Gunnarsson, the place was a former manor estate (1493-1552). Currently, you can find several exquisite artifacts and remnants from the cluster.
Explore East Iceland Heritage Center - Travel back in time at the Iceland Heritage Center. There are two permanent exhibitions in the museum - one about the reindeers in East Iceland and the other one about the old rural household in the region.
Visit the Wilderness Center - A timeless spot away from human touch, where you can delve deeper into ancient Iceland, its heritage, cuisine and nature while embarking on a guided tour. Moreover, you can spend the night at the museum and hope for the artifacts to come to life!
Icelandic food
Egilsstadir town street view
Below is a list of the wide assortment of accommodation options available in Egilsstadir:
Hotels
Hostels
Guesthouses, B&Bs, and Apartments
Camping sign
Bringing travelers one step closer to nature is the very nature of Iceland. What if we tell you that you can do that while saving some extra bucks? Yes, you heard right. Camping in Egilsstadir is a great way to relax in nature and that is also a pocket-friendly one! It comes equipped with amenities like toilets, running hot and cold water, showers, washing machines (800 ISK), electricity (1000 ISK), a playground, WIFI, and a bike rental.
Open: all year round
Price: for adults per night is 2,000 ISK (12 years and older)
Snowy night road view
As soon as winter takes Egilsstadir in its arms, it transforms into a winter wonderland leaving behind its green aura and refreshing vibes. Snowcapped mountains and pine trees draping the location seem like a postcard image.
Winters result in a shorter opening time of restaurants and museums, but there is nothing to worry about as the wilderness center is open in the highlands.
Egillstaðir is also a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the vivid Northern Lights shining bright in the dark winter skies. Being off the radar, the place is an ideal location for a heartfelt eyeful.
