DESTINATION GUIDE 2022
WELCOME TO AUSTURLAND! Austurland is the region in the east of Iceland often also referred to as the East fjords or East Iceland. The region consists mainly of three types of landscapes; firðir (fjords), hérað (shire) and hálendi (highland). With a population of 10.850 inhabitants on 15.792 km2 Austurland is considered a rural area. Even though Austurland is sparsely populated, all of the region is well known for its creative communities and strong businesses. In recent years Austurland has become a vibrant destination for tourists looking for wild nature, authentic experiences and creative power. In this destination activity guide we will introduce you to the endless possibilities of exploring beautiful nature, enjoying local food and culture and experiencing outdoor adventures that you will never forget.
Published by Destination Austurland Cover image: Gunnar Freyr Gunnarsson Art direction: Daniel Byström Layout: Ingvi Örn Þorsteinsson Editors: Destination Austurland
Photo: Gunnar Freyr Gunnarsson
FAR FROM ORDINARY CLOSE TO NATURE
HÚSAVÍK
3 hrs / 220 km from Egilsstaðir
AKUREYRI
This map shows distances from Egilsstaðir, Austurland’s largest town, to popular destinations near the Ring Road
MÝVATN
2 hrs / 170 km from Egilsstaðir
1 hr
3 hrs / 260 km from Egilsstaðir
VÖK - BATHS
1 hr
5
STUÐLAGIL CANYON
hrs
5 min / 5 km from Egilsstaðir
2h
rs
AUSTURLAND EGILSSTAÐIR
1 hr / 72 km from Egilsstaðir
Equal distances to Reykjavík via North or South Iceland
in
45 m
HENGIFOSS
2.5 h
rs
40 min / 35 km from Egilsstaðir
HÖFN
r
1h
REYKJAVÍK
8 hrs / ca 650 km from Egilsstaðir (same distance north or south)
4.5
hrs
2.5 hrs / 185 km from Egilsstaðir
JÖKULSÁRLÓN
3.5 hrs / 255 km from Egilsstaðir
AUSTURLAND DESTINATION GUIDE 2022
Photo: María Hjálmarsdóttir
DESTINATION AUSTURLAND / TARGET AUDIENCES
SELECTIVE EXPLORERS
GENTLE ADVENTURERS
NATURE NERDS
ACTIVE RELAXERS
ODD CREATIVES
OUR GUESTS
Everyone who visits Austurland is our guest and is treated as such. In order to give our guests the best experience the region can offer we have defined our target audience, segmenting it into social p rofiles grounded on their motivations for travel rather than demographics. These groups allow us to specialise ou r products but also be flexible. Thus, one individual doesn‘t necessary belong to only one of the listed segments, but can search for different kind of experiences from different trips or even from day to day.
SELECTIVE EXPLORERS • Passionate about travelling and adventure • Prefer to go off the beaten track • Like to be surrounded by different people • and environments GENTLE ADVENTURERS • Want to have the unexpected but reasonable • Impressed by local food, culture and people • Request organized freedom; prefer marked trails and not to rush into any nonsense • Request experience guiding and planning; like to manage things by themselves, but appreciate good service and the help to do so ACTIVE RELAXERS • Love the outdoors, hot tubs and a cold beer • Like lazy mornings but have nothing against a good hike in the afternoon • Like to watch the volcano but don’t need to understand how it works NATURE NERDS • Like to watch the mountain and understand how it was created • Visit the museum for lunch and hike in the afternoon • Geology is their passion - the mountain • is not just a mountain! ODD CREATIVES • Charge the batteries in the East • Take a lot of pictures • Feel inspired • I am a bohemian – I love the rural lifestyle!
• • • •
Want to know where the food comes from Willing to pay for quality Well-informed with a curious mind Have a responsible side
•
Collect stories to tell friends about their trips; very active on social media, post a lot before, during and after the travel Admire nature and people; show respect towards environment and cultural heritage
•
• • •
A coastal tour with picnic - a perfect day Value well organized travel packages that take care of all the details Appreciate comfort with good food, good service and good company
NOTES Tend to be well educated, seasoned travellers and technology savvy. Main motivation for travelling is to explore new territories; nature, culture, local life, food and traditions. Want to go deeper into the core of the destination, and search for unique experiences that deliver a combination of physical and emotional value. Love to listen to stories, and appreciate the connection to people and places. NOTES Looking for experiences with the best value for money. Appreciate good service and the unexpected little extra. Situations providing time together are important, offering experiences for all to enjoy. Family friendly environments and tailored experience packages are attractive. Enjoy to experience through participation. Shared joy is twice the joy!
NOTES Looking for a quiet place, with an atmosphere helping to rest the mind and soul, and to recharge at. Often choose the extra comfort when offered. Like to bring some extra flavour to life, and to get the additional luxury, but are not demanding. Like to join and follow. Enjoy to participate in local events. Fill their life with self-fulfilling experience, including time for contemplation and a good laugh.
• • • •
Request guiding by nature specialists Request good planning Well prepared and equipped Value good information and service
NOTES Thirsty for knowledge. Want to come close and get deep understanding. Fascinated by nature. Are environmental conscious and show respect. Often well equipped and prepared. May have a specific agenda and purpose for the trip. Appreciate to get the extra information, as direction on how to get to special places, or help to find the best guiding provided.
• • • •
Looking for unique and fulfilling experiences Network with creative people Engage in cultural events Well-travelled and urbane
NOTES Active within creative sector. Looking for cultural activities, places and events. Like to participate in unique contexts, providing opportunities for interaction with other creatives. Find inspiration in the surroundings; from the meeting with people and in the environments. Appreciate the feeling of getting connection to the place, and to feel part of the local creative community.
EXAMPLE SELECTION:
HIKES
ACTIVITIES
SELECTIVE EXPLORERS
• • • • •
Waterfall Circle Stórurð Strútsfoss Snæfell Hvannárgil
• • • • •
Ski from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean Taste goodies from an Organic Farm Enjoy a boat journey to Mjóifjörður from Neskaupsstaður Go kayaking in Seydisfjörður Visit the French musem in Faskruðsfjörður
GENTLE ADVENTURERES
• • • • •
Hengifoss Páskahellir Þverárgil Grænafell Búlandsnes
• • • • •
Hike to Stórurð – The Giant Boulders Enjoy a horse ride in Norðfjörður Get to know the puffins and other wildlife in Borgarfjörður eystri Enjoy a relaxing, inspiring walk in nature. Visit Djúpivogur – Iceland´s Cittaslow travel destination
NATURE NERDS
• • • • •
Teigarhorn Fuglabjargarnes Húsey Waterfall lane Stapavík
• • • • •
See the Helgustaðir Icelandic spar mine near Eskifjörður Explore the living and nesting areas of eider ducks in Vopnafjörður Look around the Vatnajökull National Park Visitor centre in Fljótsdalur Visit the Petting Zoo´s in the areas Walk on the snow avalanche barriers in Neskaupstaður
ACTIVE RELAXERS
• • • • •
Fardagafoss Stuðlagil Magnahellir Búðarárgil Skjólfjörur
• • • • •
Unwind in untouched nature at Vök Baths Taste local beer and visit the Factory Car Museum in Breiðdalsvík Hengifoss ride and hike with Wilderness Center - Lonely Planet top pick Experience Austurland with adventure super 4WD tours Multi day hiking, biking and angling adventure with a local tour operator
ODD CREATIVES
• • • • •
Hólmanes Landsendi Bjargselsbotnar Tvísöngur Innra Hvannagil
• • • • •
Hop on a bike with a local guide in Borgarfjörður Eystri Check out the art exhibition at Skaftfell art center Visit the creative centre in the old fish factory, Stöðvarfjörður Mindfulness Yoga Go for a swim in the Selárlaug pool, Vopnafjörður
EVENT CALENDAR / SELECTION JANUARY FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
ÞORRABLÓT Midwinter festival
ÖSKUDAGUR Ash Wednesday
LIST Í LJÓSI ART FESTIVAL Seyðisfjörður
CROSS - COUNTRY SKIING Egilsstaðir
AUSTURLAND FREERIDE FESTIVAL Fjarðabyggð
EASTER
APRIL
JUNE
JUNE
JUNE
JUNE
JUNE
HAMMONDHÁTÍÐIN Djúpivogur
SJÓMANNADAGURINN fishermen’s day
17TH JUNE independence day
HERNÁMSDAGURINN Reyðarfjörður
GÖNGUVIKAN HIKING WEEK Fjarðabyggð
SKÓGARDAGURINN MIKLI FOREST DAY Hallormsstaðaskógur
JUNE JULY
MUSIC MOMENTS 2021 (Summer concerts) Egilsstaðir / Vallanes JULY
JULY
VOPNASKAK Vopnafjörður JULY
JULY
EISTNAFLUG METAL FESTIVAL Neskaupstaður JULY
JULY
LUNGA ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL Seyðisfjörður JULY AUGUST
JULY
FRENCH DAYS Fáskrúðsfjörður JULY AUGUST
JULY
BRÆÐSLAN MUSIC FESTIVAL Borgarfjörður Eystri AUGUST
DYRFJALLAHLAUPIÐ Borgarfjörður Eystri
URRIÐAVATNSSUND Egilsstaðir
BURSTARFELLSDAGURINN Vopnafjörður
BLUE CHURCH SUMMER CONCERTS Seyðisfjörður
RÚLLANDI SNJÓBOLTI ART EXHIBITION Djúpivogur
NEISTAFLUG FAMILY FESTIVAL Neskaupstaður
AUGUST
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
BARÐSNESHLAUPIÐ Neskaupstaður
TOUR DE ORMURINN Egilsstaðir
ORMSTEITI LOCAL FESTIVAL Egilsstaðir
BRAS Children’s culture festival
DAGAR MYRKURS Days of darkness
VÖK BATHS YEARLY CHRISTMAS BATH Egilsstaðir
MUSEUMS & CULTURAL VENUES / SELECTION
SKRIÐUKLAUSTUR CULTURAL CENTRE Fljótsdalur
SKAFTFELL CENTER FOR VISUAL ART Seyðisfjörður
WILDERNESS CENTER Fljótsdalur
LINDARBAKKI TURF HOUSE Borgarfjörður eystri
SJÓMINJASAFN AUSTURLANDS MARITIME MUSEUM Eskifjörður
FRAKKAR Á ÍSLANDSMIÐUM FRENCH MUSEUM Fáskrúðsfjörður
ÍSLENSKA STRÍÐSÁRASAFNIÐ WARTIME MUSEUM Reyðarfjörður
MINJASAFN AUSTURLANDS HERITAGE MUSEUM Egilsstaðir
STEINASAFN PETRU MINERAL COLLECTION Stöðvarfjörður
SAFNAHÚSIÐ MUSEUM HOUSE Neskaupstaður
BUSTARFELL MUSEUM Vopnafjörður
SNÆFELLSSTOFA VISITOR CENTRE Fljótsdalur
SWIMMING POOLS & NATURAL BATHS / SELECTION
ÓBYGGÐASETRIÐ HOT SPRING SPA Fljótsdalur
LAUGARFELL Fljótsdalsheiði
BLÁBJÖRG Borgarfjörður Eystri
VÖK BATHS Egilsstaðir
SWIMMING POOL Breiðdalsvík
SWIMMING POOL Stöðvarfjörður
KÖRIN Djúpivogur
SELÁRDALUR SWIMMING POOL Vopnafjörður
SWIMMING POOL Neskaupstaður
SWIMMING POOL Eskifjörður
SWIMMING POOL Seyðisfjörður
SWIMMING POOL Egilsstaðir
HIKING / SELECTION
HENGIFOSS Fljótsdalur
FUGLABJARGARNES Vopnafjörður
ÞVERÁRGIL Vopnafjörður
STÓRURÐ Borgarfjörður Eystri
SNÆFELL Highlands
PÁSKAHELLIR Norðfjörður
HÓLMANES Eskifjörður
FARDAGAFOSS Fljótsdalshérað
STRÚTSFOSS Fljótsdalshérað
MAGNAHELLIR Fljótsdalshérað
LANDSENDI Fljótsdalshérað
WATERFALL CIRCLE Highlands
BRÚNAVÍK Borgarfjörður Eystri
GRÆNAFELL Reyðarfjörður
STUÐLAGIL Fljótsdalshérað
TVÍSÖNGUR SOUND SCULPTURE Seyðisfjörður
Photo: Gunnar Freyr Gunnarsson
Photo: Jessica Auer - Ströndin studio
AUSTURLAND ACTIVITY GUIDE 2020
Service in Towns VOPNAFJÖRÐUR
REYÐARFJÖRÐUR
Hvammsgerði Hvammsgerði
r ur r ðu f j öö r ð n aa f j p Skjólfjörður o p n Skjólfjörður Vo V VOPNAFJÖRĐUR
u
Ásbrandsstaðir Ásbrandsstaðir Refsstaður II Refsstaður II
Skjólfjörður
ör fj jö
r
ð
VOPNAFJÖRĐUR
BORGARFJÖRÐUR EYSTRI
H H é é r r a a ð d s s f l f l ó ó ii
Bustarfell Bustarfell
STÖÐVARFJÖRÐUR
ðu ur ys t r s tr i r i
p
r ð f j ö n a
r
r rf aa
e
e
BREIÐDALSVÍK
Hafnarhólmi Hafnarhólmi
é
r
BORGARFJÖRĐUR BORGARFJÖRĐUR
a
d
s
MJÓIFJÖRÐUR
Geirsstaðakirkja Geirsstaðakirkja
f l ó i
r
ð Bustarfell
Hálsakot
Bo rg
a
jö rf
e
Við-Bót Við-Bót Vökbaths baths Vök Urriðavatn Urriðavatn
BORGARFJÖRĐUR Vestdalseyri Vestdalseyri Vestdalur Vestdalur
Finnstaðir Finnstaðir
Randaberg Randaberg IIII
Geirsstaðakirkja
rr i is sf fj jö ör rð ðu u yð ð
r r j öö NNo or rð ðf f j
NESKAUPSTAĐUR NESKAUPSTAĐUR
Stormur Stormur
Mónesskarð Mónesskarð
rr
f
l j ó
t
ð ður ur
u ur r ö ör rð ð i if fj j MMj jó ó
Mjóanes Mjóanes
LL
aa
i i
Oddsskarð Oddsskarð
ESKIFJÖRĐUR ESKIFJÖRĐUR
FjFjalla allask skararð ð
Ferry Denmark - Iceland
Fljótsdalsgrund
Við-Bót Vök baths Fljótsdalsvirkjun Urriðavatn Fljótsdalsvirkjun
r
Vestdalseyri Vestdalur
Finnstaðir
ter ennter s Ce es C rness dern Wilde Wil
Randaberg II
EGILSSTAĐIR
Svartá Svartá
y Se
ðu ðisfjör
FFá s á sk
Silfurberg Silfurberg
rf fj jö r ð u r r ö r ð u
kr rú
úð ðs f s fj jö ör rð ðu ur r
STÖĐVARFJÖRĐUR STÖĐVARFJÖRĐURS
Stormur
Blábjörg Blábjörg
a L
Bragðavellir cottages Bragðavellir cottages
aska rð Fjall
Hengifoss guesthouse Fljótsdalsgrund
Snæfellsstofa Skriðuklaustur
B e i B er u f j ö r ð u r r u f j ö r ð u r
ESKIFJÖRĐUR
Boat Tours to Papey
Boat Tours to Papey Oddsskarð
REYĐARFJÖRĐUR
R
e
ð
a r f j ö r ð u r
r
y
úfu ag lj m am hv fra
Ha
e
sC
es
ern
d Wil
ð
Havarí Karlsstaðir Havarí Karlsstaðir
Fljótsdalsvirkjun r nte
j ö
r Mjóanes
DJÚPIVOGUR DJÚPIVOGUR
VVaat tnnaaj jöökkuul l l l
r
f
l
j
ó
t
Bre B r ei ð i ðd a NESKAUPSTAĐUR d al s v í k N los rv íðk f
g
a
n uárló Kelduárlón Keld
ur
Kaffi Hamar Kaffi Hamar
BREIĐDALSVÍK BREIĐDALSVÍK
FÁSKRUĐSFJÖRĐUR
Fás kr ú
Legends Accommodation
Information
Airport
Landing Site
ATV Trips
Mountain Hut
Birdwatching
Museum
Bike Rental
Ocean Angling
Boat & Kayak
Place of Interest
Boat Trips
u r ö r ð iSt f j M j ó tö öð ðv va ar rf fj jö ör rð ðu ur r
H 10o0tel 1N o
Laugarfell Laugarfell
RR ee yy r ð ða ar
FÁSKRUĐSFJÖRĐUR FÁSKRÚĐSFJÖRĐUR
SEYĐISFJÖRĐUR
1085
tt
kessugarður
REYĐARFJÖRĐUR REYĐARFJÖRĐUR
SnæfellsSnæfellsstofa stofa SkriðuSkriðuklaustur klaustur
Hengifoss Hengifoss guesthouse guesthouse Fljótsdalsgrund
Ha Hfraa frhav havm am m ag m aljgúfu ljú r fu
atn atn áruv Buv Bár
EGILSSTAÐIR
SEYĐISFJÖRĐUR SEYĐISFJÖRĐUR
1085 1085
gg
a
Stuðlagil
Rjúkandi
ESKIFJÖRÐUR
EGILSSTAĐIR EGILSSTAĐIR Hot H ote el 10 10 l 01 01N Not ottt
Skessugarður Skessugarður
ey SSe
DJÚPIVOGUR
Smyril Line Ferry Denmark - Iceland
Hafnarhólmi
Rjúkandi Rjúkandi
NESKAUPSTAÐUR
y
u
r
Refsstaður II
st r i
H
Ásbrandsstaðir
Bo B or rg
g
Hálsakot Hálsakot
SEYÐISFJÖRÐUR
y
V
o
FÁSKRÚÐSFJÖRÐUR
VOPNAFJÖRĐUR
Hvammsgerði
Mónesskarð
Brewery
Riding
Camping
Scheduled Buses
Car Charging Station
Skiing Area
Car Rental
Swimming Pool
Craft
Toilet
Dejection Emptying
Visitor Center
Drinks & Beverages
Hot Spring
Events
Road Number
Ferry
Main Road – Paved
Fishing Permit
Main Road – Gravel
Food
Secondary Road – Paved
4WD Trips
Secondary Road – Gravel
Gas Station
Gravel Track
Golf
V (Crossing)
Grocery Store
Tunnel
Health Center
Lighthouse
Helicopter
Farms
Hiking
Ruins
Hot Pot
Vatnajökull National Park
Hotel
F (Nature Reserve)
Aus
Enjoy the moment
Austur 10,850 narrow is brea around
Selárlaug
DESTINATION AUSTURLAND / ROUTES
SHAR
r
Visit us facebo
Ljósastapi
V
o
Rou
VOPNAFJÖRĐUR
ér a
ðs fl ói
Borgar f j ör ð ey u r st r i
H Hellisheiði
Stapavík
Bustarfell Vatnsskarð
Hafnarhólmi
BORGARFJÖRĐUR
Kiddi’s Vending Machines
NO
RÐ
V E S T M A N N A E YJ A R
UR
AM
ERÍ
Víknaslóðir
KA
KEFL AVÍK
ND
RÓ
PA
RE YKJAVÍK E G I L S S TA Ð I R
ON THE EDGE We recommend you take 2-3 days to enjoy this route to its fullest. You won’t regret taking your time to become on with the Icelandic landscape and heritage.
Hjarðarhagi GRÆN LA
EV
think outside the circle
a
u
p
n
ð ö r f j
AKUREYRI
Smyril line
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
Rjúkandi Vök Baths
– when you fly from Egilsstaðir to Reykjavík and abroad from there.
y Se
SEYĐISFJÖRĐUR
Möðrudalur
ður ðisfjör
EGILSSTAĐIR
Sænautasel
Dalatangi
Tvísöngur – Hljóðskúlptúr
ðu ör i fj Mjó
Lagarfljótsormurinn
Páskahellir
ur
norræna.indd 1
jó
t
Klifbrekkufossar
rf l
NESKAUPSTAĐUR
Nor
ðf
jö
L
Hengifoss
rð
Fly Icelandair all the way
Stuðlagil
r
ag a
THE COASTAL EXPERIENCE Drive from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður. Stop at the Wartime Museum to learn about the relations of soldiers and local residents during World War II. Opt whether to drive to Fáskrúðsfjörður through the tunnel or on the old, partly gravel road near Skrúður Island. Enjoy a meal at L’abri Restaurant in Fáskrúðsfjörður village, as well as the museum devoted to French fishermen and their heritage.
Fardagafoss
ESKIFJÖRĐUR TO
N-
V E S T M A N N A E YJ A R
AM
Hólmanes
Snæfellsstofa
Helgustaðanáma
ERI
EU
RO
PE
CA
KEFL AVÍK
REYĐARFJÖRĐUR
Franska safnið
Skriðuklaustur
GRE EN
LAN
R E Y KJAV Í K
D
E G I L S S TA Ð I R
AKUREYRI
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
Hafrahvammagljúfur
HIGHLAND CIRCLE Start bright and early visiting Vallanes Organic Farm for breakfast. Then drive through 2021–2022Iceland’s biggest woods, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and hike up to Hengifoss, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall.
R e y ð a r f j ö r ð u r ´ FÁSKRÚĐSFJÖRĐUR
Beljandi
Óbyggðasetur
Kárahnjúkar
Fás kr ú ð s f j ö r ð u r
Steinasafn Petru
STÖĐVARFJÖRĐUR
Austurland
Laugarfell
St ö ð v a r fjörður
BREIĐDALSVÍK TIL
NO
THE RING OF RIVERDALE The Ring of Riverdale runsMap around Lagarfljót of East Iceland river and to the Wilderness Center. The Ring of Riverdale can be done in one day, but it is easy to extend it if people want to have plenty of time to explore the area. On this trip, you can find Hallormsstaðaskógur, Skriðuklaustur, Snæfellsstofa, and Hengifoss among other things.
+ 00
Grænafell
TO
TO
FJORD TO FJORD Start your day in Egilsstaðir and drive towards Seyðisfjörður. Where you start climbing the slopes onto Fjarðarheiði pass, you should stop and walk up to Fardagafoss waterfall. You can even clamber behind it and view Egilsstaðir from the trail.
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Meleyri
Bre ið d
a l s v ík
RD
V E S T M A N N A E YJ A R
AM
ERI
KA
KEFL AVÍK
Snæfell TIL GR ØN
Snædalsfoss
B e r u f j ö r ð u r DJÚPIVOGUR
TIL
EU
RO
PA
RE YKJAVÍK
LAND
E G I L S S TA Ð I R
AKUREYRI
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
Eggin í Gleðivík
Lónsöræfi
Streitishvarf
E
H
Ásbrandsstaðir
HIGHLAND CIRCLE Bustarfell
DAY TOUR START BRIGHT AND EARLY visiting Vallanes Organic Farm for breakfast. Then drive through Iceland’s biggest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, where you can, e.g., go for a walk through the Arboretum – a living tree museum – or enjoy the lake views at Atlavík.
r
a
ð
s
f l ó i
Hálsakot
Farther into the highlands, you reach Kárahnjúkar Dam and can look down into Hafrahvammagljúfur - the deepest canyon in Iceland.
BORGAR
Geirsstaðakirkja
If you have the time, we recommend a hike to Hengifoss waterfall on your way back to Egilsstaðir. The hike is quite steep, but the trail is good and well wort it.
Við-Bót Vök baths Urriðavatn
Rjúkandi
Vestdalseyr Vestdalur
Finnstaðir
Randaberg II
1085
SEY
EGILSSTAĐIR
Skessugarður H 10o0tel 1N o
tt
When you have experienced the forest, taken pictures and enjoyed the views, we recommend a visit to the Wilderness Center for lunch and the extraordinary museum. There you can even cross the glacial river in a cable trolley. Continuing to Laugarfell, you can relax in the naturally warm pool with its view of Snæfell as well as enjoying some homemade cake at the Laugarfell Hostel.
é
Refsstaður II
ó
t
TARGET AUDIENCE: Selective Explorers, Active Relaxers
Stormur
r
f
l
j
HIGHLIGHTS: Local food, authentic experience, natural hot springs, highlands, history
Mjóanes
L
a
g
a
Stuðlagil
aska rð
ESKIFJÖRĐUR
Fjall
Hengifoss guesthouse Fljótsdalsgrund
Hallormsstaðaskógur
REYĐARFJÖRĐUR
Snæfellsstofa Skriðuklaustur
m ag hv am Ha
Vallanes organic farm
d Wil
Svartá
ter
en
sC
es
ern
fra
Bá
ljú
fur
Fljótsdalsvirkjun tn ruva
Silfurberg
ST
Laugarfell
Hafrahvammagljúfur
Hengifoss
ón
uárl
Keld
Havarí Karlsstaðir
Blábjörg
B e r u f j ö r ð u DJÚPIVOGUR Bragðavellir cottages
ON THE EDGE WE RECOMMEND You take 2-3 days to enjoy “On the Edge” to its fullest. You won’t regret taking your time to become one with Icelandic landscape and heritage. DAY TOUR - VOPNAFJÖRÐUR YOU START BY by getting off the Ring Road and heading to Vopnafjörður, where you can visit the heritage museum at Bustarfell and then have lunch at Hotel Tangi. Then we recommend a visit to the exhibition in the East Iceland Immigration Centre, located in the beautiful old
Hvammsgerði
V
o
p
r ð f j ö n a
u
house Kaupvangur in the middle of the village. Go for a swim in Selárlaug, the cosy pool built on the banks of one of Iceland’s most beautiful salmon rivers. Enjoy a local dinner at Síreksstaðir before overnighting in one of their cottages or at Hótel Tangi.
AT VATNSSKARÐ pass, stop to enjoy the view. By Hvannagil, take the popular short hike into the colourful rhyolite gravel upstream from the road. Then follow the coast that leads you into Borgarfjörður Eystri. For lunch you might have the tasty fish soup at Álfacafe or stop by Hafnarhúsið café at Hafnarhólmi. You should in any case visit the friendly puffins at Hafnarhólmi, known to be one of the best locations in Iceland to see these attractive birds (April - early August).
DAY TOUR - BORGARFJÖRÐUR EYSTRI MOUNTAIN ROAD 917 over Hellisheiði provides stupendous views. Drive farther via Road 927 on your way to Egilsstaðir and then to Borgarfjörður Eystri.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Nature Nerds, Gentle Adventurers, Selective Explorers HIGHLIGHTS: Black sands, magnificent views, old turfhouses, hiking trails, colourful mountains
r
Skjólfjörður
VOPNAFJÖRĐUR
Blábjörg guesthouse r
a
ð
s
f l ó i
r
ð
Refsstaður II
u r st r i
é
Bustarfell
Bo rg
Hálsakot
a
jö rf
e
y
H
Ásbrandsstaðir
Hafnarhólmi
Bustarfell
Hvannagil
Selárlaug Pool
Puffins at Hafnarhólmi
BORGARFJÖRĐUR
Geirsstaðakirkja
Smyril Line
Við-Bót Vök baths Urriðavatn
Rjúkandi
Finnstaðir
Randaberg II
Vestdalseyri Vestdalur 1085
y Se
ður ðisfjör
SEYĐISFJÖRĐUR
H 10o0tel 1N ott
EGILSSTAĐIR
f
r Mjóanes
L
a
g
a
Stuðlagil
r
ð NESKAUPSTAĐUR
Stormur
l
j
ó
t
ur
r ð u r f j ö M j ó i
i
jö N orðf
Mónesskarð
AUSTURLAND DESTINATION GUIDE 2022
Geirsstaðakirkja
FJORD TO FJORD Við-Bót Vök baths Urriðavatn
y Se
Vestdalseyri Vestdalur
Finnstaðir
Randaberg II
1085
ður ðisfjör
SEYĐISFJÖRĐUR
tt
EGILSSTAĐIR
r
f
jö N orðf
a g
Mjóanes
a
i
Oddsskarð
Hengifoss guesthouse Fljótsdalsgrund
REYĐARFJÖRĐUR
Snæfellsstofa Skriðuklaustur
R
e
y
ð
a r f j ö r ð u r
ljú
fur
Fljótsdalsvirkjun
ag
vatn
Báru
hv fra Ha
ter
FÁSKRÚĐSFJÖRĐUR
en
sC
es
rn
de
Wil
Fás kr ú ð s f j ö r ð u r
Silfurberg
Norð Austur Sushi
Beituskúrinn STÖĐVARFJÖRĐUR
Laugarfell
Kaffi Hamar
St ö ð v a r fjörður
BREIĐDALSVÍK
Bre ið d a l s v í k
ón
uárl
Keld
Havarí Karlsstaðir
Blábjörg
B e r u f j ö r ð u r DJÚPIVOGUR Bragðavellir cottages
Va t n a j ö k u l l
Seyðisfjörður
r
ð NESKAUPSTAĐUR
Stormur
l
j
ó
t
ur
H 10o0tel 1N o
r ð u r f j ö M j ó i
ESKIFJÖRĐUR
Fjalla
TARGET AUDIENCE: Selective Explorers, Gentle adventurers, Odd creatives HIGHLIGHTS: Exploring, coastal drive, local food, hiking, riding, natural hot springs,Svartá highlands, history
Stuðlagil
skarð
Next, the geothermal swimming pool at Eskifjörður offers its superb mountain scenes. You could pack up a lunch at the supermarket, then drive to the former Iceland spar mine at Helgustaðir. End the day with dinner alongside the fishing relics at Randúlfs Seahouse.
Rjúkandi
Smyril Line
L
Skessugarður
DAY TOUR DRIVE TO Neskaupstaður. Visit Skorrahestar farm for either a guided hike or horseback ride. The old baiting shack Beituskúrinn would then be perfect for lunch and a view over the bay. Enjoy a relaxing walk around town before having dinner at Hildibrand Hotel.
m
After your hike, continue to Seyðisfjörður for a stroll around the old town, with its rainbow street and the Blue Church, as well as the Skaftfell Centre for Visual Art. Your dinner might be at Norð Austur Sushi or the Restaurant of Hotel Aldan.
DAY TOUR DRIVE THROUGH the village in Reyðarfjörður, stop at least for the fabulous view from the scenic point above Hólmanes peninsula. You might even picnic or take a short hike there.
am
DAY TOUR START YOUR DAY in Egilsstaðir and drive towards Seyðisfjörður. Where you start climbing the slopes onto Fjarðarheiði pass, you can stop and walk up to Fardagafoss waterfall. You can even get behind - it is said that every wish made behind Fardagafoss comes true.
Helgustaðir spar mine
Horse riding tours in Norðfjörður
Reyðarfjörður
Boat Tours to Papey
Mónesskarð
COASTAL EXPERIENCE
Continuing on Road 1, visit Petra’s Stone collection in Stöðvarfjörður and then try out 4WD tour with Tinna Adeventure and/or a delicious meal at Café Hamar in Breiðdalsvík.
Hvammsgerði
DAY TOUR DRIVE BACK ON route 1 towards Egilsstaðir over mountain road Öxi, make a stop along the way and enjoy the view. Try horseback riding at Stóra Sandfell in Skriðdalur. Drive to Egilsstaðir and have lunch at Nielsen Restaurant. Enjoy a swim in the afternoon at the geothermal pool in Egilsstaðir or go to Vök Baths followed by a dinner at Glóð restaurant.
V
o
p
r ð f j ö n a
u
r
Skjólfjörður
VOPNAFJÖRĐUR
é
r
a
ð
s
f l ó i
r
ð
Refsstaður II
u r st r i
H
Ásbrandsstaðir
Bustarfell
Hálsakot
a
jö rf
e
y
DAY TOUR DRIVE ON route 1 towards Djúpivogur. Make a stop at the beautiful beach of Meleyri south of Breiðdalsvík. Drive further to Djúpivogur and have some homemade cakes at Langabúð Museum. Walk around town and get to know Djúpivogur – the only Cittaslow town in Iceland. Don’t forget to experience the eggs in Gleðivík.
Bo rg
DAY TOUR DRIVE FROM Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður. Stop at the Wartime Museum to learn about the relations of soldiers and locals during World War II. Opt whether to dri ve to Fáskrúðsfjörður through the tunnel or on the old, partly gravel road by the coas Enjoy a meal at L’abri Restaurant in Fáskrúðsfjörður village, as well as the museum devoted to French fishermen and their heritage.
Hafnarhólmi
BORGARFJÖRĐUR
Geirsstaðakirkja
Vök Baths Smyril Line
TARGET AUDIENCE: Selective Explorers & Active relaxers
Við-Bót Vök baths Urriðavatn
Rjúkandi
Randaberg II
HIGHLIGHTS: Local food, authentic experience, natural hot springs, highlands, history
y Se
Vestdalseyri Vestdalur
Finnstaðir
1085
ður ðisfjör
SEYĐISFJÖRĐUR
EGILSSTAĐIR tt
Skessugarður
ur
H 10o0tel 1N o
r ð u r f j ö M j ó i r
ð NESKAUPSTAĐUR
Stormur
jö N orðf
Mónesskarð
r
f
l
j
ó
t
Stóra Sandfell
Mjóanes
g
a
Stuðlagil
L
a
i
Oddsskarð
Fjalla sk
arð
ESKIFJÖRĐUR
Hengifoss guesthouse Fljótsdalsgrund
REYĐARFJÖRĐUR
Snæfellsstofa Skriðuklaustur
R
e
y
ð
a r f j ö r ð u r
hv am
m
ag
tn
áruva
Ha
Wil
Svartá
ter
FÁSKRÚĐSFJÖRĐUR
en
sC
es
rn
de
fra
B
ljú
fur
Fljótsdalsvirkjun
Fás kr ú ð s f j ö r ð u r
Silfurberg
STÖĐVARFJÖRĐUR
Laugarfell
Kaffi Hamar
St ö ð v a r fjörður
BREIĐDALSVÍK
Bre ið d a l s v í k
n
uárló
Keld
Havarí Karlsstaðir
Blábjörg
B e r u f j ö r ð u r
The French Cemetary
DJÚPIVOGUR
Djúpivogur Va t n a j ö k u l l
Boat Tours to Papey
Bragðavellir cottages
AUSTURLAND DESTINATION GUIDE 2022
Photo: Ingvi Örn Þorsteinsson
Photo: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
AUSTURLAND ACTIVITY GUIDE 2020
Photo: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
Photo: Vök Baths
GET TO KNOW #AUSTURLAND
Log in to Traveltrade – Austurland´s toolbox austurland.is/en Username: traveltrade Password: easticeland
WWW.VISITAUSTURLAND.IS