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Egilsstaðir reveals East Iceland through Lagarfljót, forest trails, waterfalls, geothermal baths, local history and easy access to fjords and highlands.

A Strategic East Iceland Setting

Egilsstaðir is the principal service town of East Iceland, positioned beside the broad waters of Lagarfljót and surrounded by the mountains, valleys and long fjords of the region. Although its modern settlement is relatively young, its location makes it an important base for exploring eastern Iceland, with Route 1 passing through the town and Egilsstaðir Airport providing domestic connections. The surrounding landscape changes quickly from open, treeless highlands to birch woodland, waterfalls and sheltered lakeshores.

Town Life and Local Landscapes

The town itself is compact and practical, with accommodation, cafés, restaurants, shops and services concentrated close to the main road. Its most distinctive cultural institution is the East Iceland Heritage Museum, which records the region’s natural history, settlement and rural traditions. Across the lake, the woodland of Hallormsstaðaskógur offers walking trails and a striking contrast to Iceland’s more familiar volcanic scenery, while Fardagafoss is reached by a short but sometimes uneven walk from the outskirts. The nearby Vök Baths add a geothermal dimension, with floating pools in Lake Urriðavatn. Egilsstaðir is less about dense urban sightseeing than about understanding East Iceland’s geography and using a well-connected small town as a gateway to landscapes extending towards the Eastfjords, highlands and northern coast.

When is the best time to visit Egilsstadir?

Best: June–August · 16–18°C

1° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -9.2°C, High: 0.6°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 41 mm, High: 55 mm J

1° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -8.6°C, High: 0.8°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 33 mm, High: 43 mm F

3° Temperature Range for MarchLow: -6.1°C, High: 3.2°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 35 mm, High: 45 mm M

7° Temperature Range for AprilLow: -2.1°C, High: 7.2°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 32 mm, High: 42 mm A

12° Temperature Range for MayLow: 2.1°C, High: 12.1°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 30 mm, High: 40 mm M

Best 16° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 6.7°C, High: 16.2°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 26 mm, High: 36 mm J

Best 18° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 8.9°C, High: 18.3°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 23 mm, High: 33 mm J

Best 18° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 8.3°C, High: 17.8°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 25 mm, High: 35 mm A

13° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 5.1°C, High: 12.6°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 27 mm, High: 37 mm S

7° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 0.6°C, High: 7.2°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 34 mm, High: 44 mm O

4° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: -4.2°C, High: 4.1°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 39 mm, High: 51 mm N

2° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -7.3°C, High: 1.9°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 43 mm, High: 57 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	1	48
February	1	38
March	3	40
April	7	37
May	12	35
June (best)	16	31
July (best)	18	28
August (best)	18	30
September	13	32
October	7	39
November	4	45
December	2	50

Getting to and around Egilsstadir

How to get there

Egilsstaðir Airport, just outside the town, provides domestic air connections, particularly with Reykjavík, although schedules vary. By road, Route 1 links Egilsstaðir with northern and southern Iceland, while roads lead east towards the fjords and south-east towards the coast. Long-distance buses operate on some routes through East Iceland, but services are less frequent than in the capital area and should be checked before travelling. Seyðisfjörður, the arrival port for the Iceland–Denmark car ferry, is connected with Egilsstaðir by Route 93 over Fjarðarheiði; winter weather can affect this road. Travellers driving from other parts of Iceland should plan around distance, limited services and changing conditions.

Transportation

Egilsstaðir is small enough to explore on foot around its central services, but a car is generally the most flexible way to reach the lake, forests, waterfalls and neighbouring fjords. Local bus provision is limited compared with Reykjavík, and regional buses may not run frequently enough for spontaneous sightseeing. Taxis are available but should not be assumed to operate like a large-city taxi network. Cycling is possible in summer, though distances, wind and rolling terrain require preparation. Travellers heading into the highlands or along mountain roads should use a suitable vehicle and confirm current road conditions; some routes are seasonal, gravelled or restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Best attractions in Egilsstadir

Egilsstaðir’s attractions are closely bound to the surrounding landscape and the town’s role as East Iceland’s service centre. The East Iceland Heritage Museum introduces regional settlement, farming traditions and natural history, making it a useful starting point for understanding the area. Along Lagarfljót, visitors can take in broad water views and the folklore surrounding the Lagarfljót wyrm, Iceland’s famous lake monster. Fardagafoss, reached by a trail from the town’s eastern side, drops through a steep green valley and offers a rewarding short walk when conditions are suitable. Across the lake, Hallormsstaðaskógur provides walking paths through Iceland’s best-known woodland, with a very different atmosphere from the treeless highlands. Vök Baths, built in Lake Urriðavatn, combines geothermal bathing with open views across the water. The town itself is compact, with cafés, services and local institutions rather than a dense historic centre.

Park 4.7 (23 reviews)

Selskógur

Explore Selskógur Park in Egilsstaðir, a serene escape into nature with lush landscapes and scenic walking paths perfect for all ages.

6 min drive · 2.1 km from city centre
Tourist attraction 4.5 (10 reviews)

Gálgaklettur

Explore Gálgaklettur, a stunning geological wonder in Egilsstaðir, Iceland, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

6 min drive · 2.1 km from city centre

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Best landmarks in Egilsstadir

Egilsstaðir has few monumental buildings, but several places express the town’s regional identity. Egilsstaðakirkja is a modern parish church serving the local community, while the East Iceland Heritage Museum is an important cultural landmark for its interpretation of settlement, rural life and the natural environment. Lagarfljót itself is the defining geographical landmark: its long, dark waters shape the town’s setting and are linked to enduring stories of the Lagarfljót wyrm. Fardagafoss provides a natural landmark immediately associated with the town, descending through the hillside above the valley. Further along the lake, Hallormsstaðaskógur is significant as a national forest and as a symbol of Iceland’s modern forestry efforts. These landmarks are less a formal urban ensemble than a chain of cultural and natural reference points spread through the Egilsstaðir area.

Hotel 4.4 (425 reviews)

Hotel Eyvindará

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and adventure at Hotel Eyvindará in Egilsstaðir, your gateway to East Iceland's stunning landscapes.

10 min walk · 0.8 km from city centre
Coffee shop 4.8 (228 reviews)

Bókakaffi Hlöðum

Discover the cozy charm of Bókakaffi Hlöðum, a delightful coffee shop in Fellabær, where local flavors and warm hospitality await you.

6 min drive · 2.0 km from city centre
Hotel 3.4 (190 reviews)

Hótel Edda

Experience the charm of Egilsstaðir with exceptional comfort and hospitality at Hôtel Edda, your gateway to Iceland's breathtaking Eastfjords.

6 min drive · 1.9 km from city centre
Horse rental service 5.0 (35 reviews)

Finnsstaðir Horse Rental

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of East Iceland on horseback at Finnsstaðir Horse Rental, where adventure meets Icelandic culture.

8 min walk · 0.6 km from city centre

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Explore Egilsstadir on the map

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Best restaurants in Egilsstadir

Dining in Egilsstaðir reflects the practical character of an East Iceland service town, with restaurants, cafés, bakeries and hotel dining rooms serving residents, road travellers and visitors exploring the region. Menus commonly draw on Icelandic staples such as lamb, fish, dairy products, rye bread and seasonal vegetables, while contemporary kitchens adapt these ingredients to modern Nordic cooking. Breakfast cafés and bakeries are useful for provisions before driving towards the fjords or highlands, and supermarkets provide supplies for self-catering, particularly on longer road journeys. Local food is shaped by the surrounding farms, freshwater lakes and fishing communities along the Eastfjords, although the town is not primarily a destination for a specialised regional cuisine. Dining options are more concentrated and seasonal than in Reykjavík, so travellers should expect a quieter evening rhythm and check current service arrangements locally.

Restaurant 3.1 (10 reviews)

Restaurant Edda Egilsstaðir

Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Restaurant Edda in Egilsstaðir - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

6 min drive · 1.9 km from city centre

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Best bars in Egilsstadir

Egilsstaðir has a modest evening scene centred on hotel bars, cafés and restaurants rather than dedicated nightclubs or a large entertainment quarter. After dark, the town is generally quiet, with social life shaped by local residents, road travellers and seasonal visitors. A drink with dinner or a relaxed conversation in a hotel lounge is more characteristic than late-night clubbing. Cultural evenings may include events at local community venues, although programmes change and should be checked locally. The lack of urban light makes the surrounding area appealing for observing clear night skies and, in the darker months, potentially the northern lights, subject to weather and solar conditions. Visitors should remember that rural services may close earlier than expected and that driving after drinking is not compatible with Icelandic road safety.

Restaurant 3.1 (10 reviews)

Restaurant Edda Egilsstaðir

Experience the rich flavors of Icelandic cuisine at Restaurant Edda in Egilsstaðir, where local ingredients meet warm hospitality.

6 min drive · 1.9 km from city centre

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Best shops in Egilsstadir

Shopping in Egilsstaðir is functional and locally oriented, serving a large rural hinterland rather than operating as a specialist retail destination. The town centre and main-road commercial areas contain supermarkets, convenience shops, outdoor suppliers, pharmacies and practical services useful for a journey through East Iceland. Local food products, woollen goods, knitted garments and small craft items may appear in shops, museums or seasonal sales, while regional souvenirs often reflect Icelandic nature, sheep farming and folklore. The East Iceland Heritage Museum provides a more meaningful cultural context than a conventional shopping street, particularly for visitors interested in local crafts and rural history. Travellers should stock up on food, fuel and essential outdoor supplies before heading into sparsely populated valleys or along the Eastfjords, where retail choice becomes limited.

Coffee shop 4.8 (229 reviews)

Bókakaffi Hlöðum

Discover Bókakaffi Hlöðum, the ultimate coffee shop experience in Fellabær, where literature meets the perfect brew for an unforgettable visit.

6 min drive · 2.0 km from city centre
Furniture store 5.0 (1 reviews)

Bara snilld ehf

Explore Bara Snilld ehf in Egilsstaðir for unique furniture and home décor items that embody Icelandic charm and craftsmanship.

6 min drive · 2.0 km from city centre
Hunting store 5.0 (1 reviews)

Krossdal Gunstock

Discover Krossdal Gunstock in Egilsstaðir - your ultimate hunting store for top-quality gear and expert advice in Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.

6 min drive · 1.9 km from city centre

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Egilsstadir essentials

Currency and Payment

Iceland uses the Icelandic króna, written ISK or króna in the singular. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely used in Egilsstaðir’s hotels, shops, petrol stations and established cafés, although a small amount of cash can be useful for occasional self-service facilities or unexpected situations. ATMs are available in Icelandic towns, but visitors should not rely on finding one in remote areas. Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted; international travellers should check whether their bank applies foreign-exchange or cash-withdrawal charges. Prices can be high, particularly for accommodation, dining and vehicle-related costs, so budgeting for a rural road journey is important.

Safety

Egilsstaðir is a small town, but the principal safety considerations usually arise beyond its streets. Weather can change rapidly, with wind, snow, fog and icy roads affecting mountain passes and rural routes even outside winter. Check SafeTravel Iceland and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration before driving, and never assume that a road is safe because it appears open on a map. Keep valuables secure in vehicles and take normal care in public places. On trails near waterfalls, lakes and exposed slopes, remain on marked paths and avoid unstable edges. Mobile coverage can be limited in remote areas, so carry warm layers, water and appropriate footwear.

Emergency Situations

Dial 112 in Iceland for police, fire and ambulance emergencies; the number operates nationwide and can be used by visitors. Give the location as clearly as possible, using a road number, landmark, kilometre marker or GPS coordinates when outside town. For non-urgent medical advice, contact local healthcare services or ask accommodation staff for assistance, while serious injuries require 112. In remote areas, do not continue driving or hiking into worsening conditions simply to reach help. The SafeTravel Iceland website and app provide travel-safety information and trip-planning support, but they do not replace emergency services. European visitors should carry applicable health-insurance documentation, and other travellers should have suitable travel insurance.

Do's and Don'ts

Respect private land, livestock, fragile vegetation and marked routes when exploring the countryside around Egilsstaðir. Do not drive off designated roads, as Iceland’s soil and moss can be damaged for decades. At geothermal bathing facilities, follow showering and swimwear instructions and observe quiet courtesy in shared pools. In shops and cafés, queue patiently and remember that rural services may close earlier or operate on limited schedules. Tipping is not generally an obligatory part of Icelandic service culture, though exceptional service may be acknowledged. When photographing farms, homes or local people, keep a respectful distance, and never enter a building or field without permission.

Local Tips

Treat Egilsstaðir as a regional base rather than a conventional sightseeing city: its greatest strengths are access, services and proximity to varied landscapes. A visit to the East Iceland Heritage Museum adds context before exploring the Lagarfljót area, while Hallormsstaðaskógur provides woodland walks unusual in Iceland. Fardagafoss is close enough for a short excursion, but sensible footwear is worthwhile. Vök Baths lies near Lake Urriðavatn, north-west of the town, and works well as part of a wider driving itinerary. Fuel up before heading into sparsely populated areas, download maps for offline use and allow generous time for scenic roads, photo stops and weather-related delays.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Halló	[Ha-loh]
Goodbye	Bless	[Bless]
Yes	Já	[Yow]
No	Nei	[Nay]
Please/You're welcome	Takk fyrir	[Tahk fi-rir]
Thank you	Takk	[Tahk]
Excuse me/Sorry	Afsakið	[Afsa-kið]
How are you?	Hvernig hefurðu það?	[Kver-nig hev-ur-thu thað]
Fine. And you?	Fínt. En þú?	[Feent. En thu]
Do you speak English?	Talarðu ensku?	[Ta-lar-thu en-skoo]
I don't understand	Ég skil ekki	[Yeh shkil e-kki]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Ég vil sjá matsedilinn, takk	[Yeh vil syow mat-se-thil-inn, tahk]
I don't eat meat	Ég borða ekki kjöt	[Yeh bor-tha e-kki chyot]
Cheers!	Skál!	[Skowl]
I would like to pay, please	Ég vil greiða, takk	[Yeh vil gray-tha, tahk]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Hjálp!	[Hyowlp]
Go away!	Farðu í burtu!	[Far-thu i burtu]
Call the Police!	Hringdu í lögregluna!	[Hring-thu i lo-gre-gluna]
Call a doctor!	Hringdu í læknin!	[Hring-thu i laik-nin]
I'm lost	Ég er viljandi	[Yeh er vil-yan-di]
I'm ill	Ég er veikur	[Yeh er vei-kur]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Ég vil kaupa...	[Yeh vil koy-pa]
I'm just looking	Ég er bara að skoða	[Yeh er ba-ra ath sko-tha]
How much is it?	Hvað kostar það?	[Kvath kost-ar thað]
That's too expensive	Það er of dýrt	[Thath er of di-rt]
Can you lower the price?	Geturðu lækkat verðið?	[Ge-thur-thu lai-kat ver-thith]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Hvað er klukkan?	[Kvath er klu-kkan]
It's one o'clock	Klukkan er eitt	[Klu-kkan er ait]
Half past (10)	Hálftíu (10)	[Hawlf-tyu (10)]
Morning	Morgunn	[Mor-gun]
Afternoon	Eftir hádegi	[Ef-thir haw-de-yi]
Evening	Kvöld	[Kvulth]
Yesterday	Í gær	[Ee gair]
Today	Í dag	[Ee thak]
Tomorrow	Á morgun	[Ow mor-gun]
1	Eitt	[Ait]
2	Tveir	[T-vayr]
3	Þrír	[Thrir]
4	Fjórir	[F-yowr-ir]
5	Fimm	[Fimm]
6	Sex	[Seks]
7	Sjö	[S-yow]
8	Átta	[Ow-tha]
9	Níu	[N-yow]
10	Tíu	[T-yu]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Hvar er...?	[Kvar er]
What's the address?	Hvað er heimilisfangið?	[Kvath er hay-mil-is-fan-gith]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Geturðu sýnt mér (á kortinu)?	[Ge-thur-thu seent meer (au kort-inu)]
When's the next (bus)?	Hvenær kemur næsti (strætisvagn)?	[Kver-nair kem-ur nais-thi (strait-is-vagn)]
A ticket (to ....)	Miði (til ...)	[Mith-i til]

History of Egilsstadir

Settlement in the Eastfjords Region

The wider Egilsstaðir area forms part of Iceland’s eastern settlement landscape, shaped by Norse colonists and the farms established during the Settlement Age, traditionally dated to the late ninth and early tenth centuries. Lagarfljót and the surrounding valleys provided routes, pasture and access to the coast, while nearby farms developed along the fertile lowlands. As elsewhere in Iceland, early community life was organised around farms, seasonal work and local assemblies rather than towns. The region’s history is also connected with the saga tradition, including stories associated with the Eastfjords and the inland valleys. Modern Egilsstaðir, however, did not emerge as one of these medieval farm settlements; its growth belongs chiefly to the twentieth century.

Farms, Forests and Rural Society

For centuries, the economy around present-day Egilsstaðir rested on sheep farming, cattle rearing and the management of scattered rural holdings. Lagarfljót served as a prominent geographical reference, while Hallormsstaður became associated with Iceland’s long-running experiments in forestry. Tree planting at Hallormsstaður began in the early twentieth century, helping establish Hallormsstaðaskógur as Iceland’s largest national forest. The woodland carries significance beyond recreation: it reflects Icelandic efforts to restore and expand forests in a country where natural tree cover is limited. Rural traditions, craft practices and the changing relationship between people and the land are documented today at the East Iceland Heritage Museum.

The Rise of a Modern Service Town

Egilsstaðir developed as a modern service centre during the twentieth century, as improved roads, public administration, commerce and communications strengthened its role in East Iceland. Its position near the head of Lagarfljót and at the meeting point of routes through the interior and towards the fjords made it a natural location for services that had previously been dispersed among farms and smaller settlements. The construction and development of Egilsstaðir Airport further connected the area with Reykjavík and other parts of Iceland. Rather than growing from an ancient urban core, the town reflects the modern reorganisation of Icelandic rural regions around accessible transport and central services.

Transport Links and Regional Development

The completion and gradual improvement of road connections changed Egilsstaðir’s importance within eastern Iceland. Route 1 made the town a key stopping point on the national road network, while routes towards Seyðisfjörður, Reyðarfjörður, the northern interior and the Eastfjords reinforced its regional role. These links supported trade, tourism, public services and movement between coastal communities and the interior. The town’s location also became significant during the development of the Kárahnjúkar hydropower project and Alcoa’s aluminium plant at Reyðarfjörður in the early twenty-first century, although the industrial facilities lie outside Egilsstaðir. Its present identity combines regional administration, commerce and access to a large, sparsely populated landscape.

Contemporary East Iceland Identity

Today Egilsstaðir is recognised as East Iceland’s principal inland centre, serving residents, travellers and communities spread across a wide geographical area. Its cultural identity remains closely tied to the lake, surrounding farms, forestry and the history of settlement, while tourism has broadened attention towards hiking, birdlife, geology and geothermal bathing. The town’s modest scale is part of its character: there is no dense historic centre, but there are institutions and landscapes that explain how people have adapted to eastern Iceland’s climate and terrain. Modern Egilsstaðir therefore represents a continuing regional story, linking rural traditions with transport, public services and nature-based travel.