Egilsstaðir Travel Guide
City Regional service town in East Iceland, near Lagarfljót
A crossroads in East Iceland, Egilsstaðir sits by lake Lagarfljót and funnels travellers into the Eastfjords; visitors come for fjord drives, forest trails at Hallormsstaðaskógur, trout dinners and the region’s remote hot springs.
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Why Visit Egilsstaðir? #
A practical gateway, Egilsstaðir opens access to Iceland’s Eastfjords, where dramatic coastal roads and tiny fishing villages like Seyðisfjörður shape the experience. Nearby Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest woodland, and the mysterious Lagarfljót lake - famed in lore - give the area contrasting green and watery landscapes. The town’s riverside cafés and trout farms underline a quiet, nature-focused rhythm that draws hikers, birdwatchers and anyone wanting to explore remote fjord scenery.
Best Things to Do in Egilsstaðir
All Attractions ›
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Egilsstaðir Bucket List
- East Iceland Heritage Museum - Displays on regional life, fishing, and forestation in the East Iceland area.
- Lagarfljót lake and legend - Large glacial lake known for scenic shores and the local Lagarfljót 'worm' legend.
- Hallormsstaður Forest - Iceland's largest woodland with walking trails, arboretum, and picnic areas a short drive.
- Vök Baths (Urriðavatn) - Floating geothermal baths on Urriðavatn offering warm pools and private soak cabanas.
- Skriðuklaustur Manor and Museum - Literary center and historic house linked to Gunnar Gunnarsson with exhibits and gardens.
- Local trout angling on Lagarfljót - Guided fishing opportunities for brown trout and scenic shoreline access nearby.
- Seyðisfjörður - Art-filled coastal town reached via scenic mountain pass, famous for colorful wooden houses.
- Hengifoss waterfall - Tall waterfall framed by red clay layers and basalt columns, accessible by hiking trail.
Best Time to Visit Egilsstaðir #
Egilsstaðir sees harsher winters and clearer summers than the coast; visit June-August for warmest, driest conditions ideal for highland hikes. Winter travel is challenging but spectacularly snowy.
Best Time to Visit Egilsstaðir #
Egilsstaðir's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (737 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is the main service town for East Iceland with a regional airport and bus links along the Ring Road. For exploring remote Eastfjords, a rental car gives the most freedom.
Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS): Egilsstaðir has a regional airport with scheduled flights from Reykjavík (Domestic Airport/RKV). Flight time is about 45-60 minutes; advance fares on regional carriers often start in the lower thousands of ISK.
Keflavík / Reykjavík (KEF/RKV): International arrivals come via KEF; from there transfer to Reykjavík and connect by domestic flight or by bus along the east section of the Ring Road.
Train: Iceland has no rail network.
Bus: Intercity buses (Strætó and regional operators) connect Egilsstaðir with other East Iceland towns and Reykjavík (longer journeys). Local bus services link surrounding villages; journeys on the Ring Road can be long - expect several hours to Reykjavík by coach and variable prices depending on operator.
How to Get Around Egilsstaðir #
Egilsstaðir is a small regional centre and easy to navigate on foot in the main area. Buses link Egilsstaðir to nearby villages and to wider Icelandic routes; car rental is common for exploring East Iceland. Taxis operate but are limited; if you plan to visit remote fjords and sights, renting a car is the most practical choice.
Where to Stay in Egilsstaðir #
- Guesthouses & hostels (Egilsstaðir) - Affordable guesthouses and rooms.
- Airbnb in Egilsstaðir - Good value private apartments.
- Icelandair Hotel Hérað - Comfortable hotel near the lake.
- Hotel Eyvindara (local options) - Good mid-range local hotel choice.
- Upscale guesthouses & private villas - Few full-service luxury hotels.
- Icelandair Hotel Hérað (best local option) - Top-tier service locally available.
Where to Eat in Egilsstaðir #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Egilsstaðir's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Egilsstaðir #
Evenings are quiet with a few cafés, bars and hotel restaurants hosting locals and visitors. Live music or late-night venues are occasional rather than regular, so expect relaxed nights out.
Shopping in Egilsstaðir #
Shopping is practical and focused on local needs: grocery stores, a few outdoor shops and small specialty stores. Local crafts and food products can be found but selection is modest compared with larger towns.
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