Egilsstadir: The Gateway to Iceland's East Fjords

• HelloHalló
  [Ha-loh]
• GoodbyeBless
  [Bless]
• YesJá
  [Yow]
• NoNei
  [Nay]
• Please/You're welcomeTakk fyrir
  [Tahk fi-rir]
• Thank youTakk
  [Tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryAfsakið
  [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 understandÉg skil ekki
  [Yeh shkil e-kki]

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

• 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 lostÉg er viljandi
  [Yeh er vil-yan-di]
• I'm illÉg er veikur
  [Yeh er vei-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Ég vil kaupa...
  [Yeh vil koy-pa]
• I'm just lookingÉg 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 expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [Thath er of di-rt]
• Can you lower the price?Geturðu lækkat verðið?
  [Ge-thur-thu lai-kat ver-thith]

• What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [Kvath er klu-kkan]
• It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt
  [Klu-kkan er ait]
• Half past (10)Hálftíu (10)
  [Hawlf-tyu (10)]
• MorningMorgunn
  [Mor-gun]
• AfternoonEftir hádegi
  [Ef-thir haw-de-yi]
• EveningKvöld
  [Kvulth]
• YesterdayÍ gær
  [Ee gair]
• TodayÍ dag
  [Ee thak]
• TomorrowÁ morgun
  [Ow mor-gun]
• 1Eitt
  [Ait]
• 2Tveir
  [T-vayr]
• 3Þrír
  [Thrir]
• 4Fjórir
  [F-yowr-ir]
• 5Fimm
  [Fimm]
• 6Sex
  [Seks]
• 7Sjö
  [S-yow]
• 8Átta
  [Ow-tha]
• 9Níu
  [N-yow]
• 10Tíu
  [T-yu]

• 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]

Egilsstadir, located in eastern Iceland, traces its origins back to the early 20th century. Established as a farm named after the settler Egill, the area gradually expanded due to its strategic location at the crossroads of the region's main routes. The fertile lands and proximity to the Lagarfljót river made it an ideal site for agriculture and settlement.

The town of Egilsstadir began to take shape in the mid-20th century, when the Icelandic government initiated efforts to develop rural areas. With the construction of bridges over the Lagarfljót river and the establishment of vital infrastructure, Egilsstadir rapidly grew into a regional hub. By the 1940s, it had developed essential services including schools, healthcare facilities, and transportation networks, cementing its importance in the region.

The Lagarfljót river, which flows near Egilsstadir, is the subject of one of Iceland's most famous legends: the Lagarfljót Worm. According to local folklore, this mythical serpent-like creature resides in the depths of the river. Sightings of the Lagarfljót Worm have been reported since the 14th century, capturing the imagination of both locals and visitors. The legend remains an integral part of Egilsstadir's cultural heritage.

During World War II, Iceland was strategically significant due to its location in the North Atlantic. Although Egilsstadir itself was not a major military site, the presence of Allied forces in the country influenced the town's development. The war years saw an increase in infrastructure and connectivity, laying the groundwork for post-war growth and modernization in Egilsstadir.

In recent decades, Egilsstadir has transformed into a vibrant economic center in eastern Iceland. The town's economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, tourism, and services. The completion of the Egilsstadir Airport in the 1970s facilitated greater connectivity and boosted tourism. Today, Egilsstadir serves as a gateway to the stunning natural landscapes of East Iceland, attracting visitors from around the world.

Egilsstadir is not only a commercial hub but also a cultural center. The town hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the annual Eistnaflug music festival. Egilsstadir is also home to cultural institutions like the East Iceland Heritage Museum, which preserves and showcases the region's history and traditions. The museum's exhibits provide insights into the lives of the local people, their customs, and their resilience in the face of nature's challenges.

Egilsstadir is located in eastern Iceland and is accessible by air and road. The nearest airport is Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS), which offers regular flights from Reykjavik. The flight duration is approximately one hour. Alternatively, you can drive from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir, which takes about 8-9 hours via Route 1 (the Ring Road). Bus services are also available, but they may be less frequent, especially in the off-season.

Egilsstadir is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car is highly recommended. Local bus services are available and connect Egilsstadir to nearby towns and villages. Taxis are also available but may be more expensive. For those who enjoy cycling, bike rentals are available, and the town is quite bike-friendly.

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Egilsstadir, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout the town. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of electronic payment issues.

Egilsstadir is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, standard precautions such as not leaving belongings unattended and being cautious at night should still be observed. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. The local police are helpful and can be reached at 112 in case of any issues.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital, located in Egilsstadir, provides comprehensive medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, though Iceland is generally secular. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet on public transport. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Góðan daginn'. Handshakes are also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Icelandic cuisine and be open to new dishes. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Egilsstadir like a local, visit the weekly local markets where you can buy fresh produce and homemade goods. Engage with the locals, who are usually very friendly and willing to share stories about their town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the nearby Hallormsstadaskogur forest, Iceland's largest forest, for a day of hiking and picnicking. For a unique experience, take a dip in the Vök Baths, a series of geothermal floating pools on Lake Urriðavatn.