East Iceland is a hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists in favor of the more well-known attractions in the country. However, this remote region is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes Iceland has to offer. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, East Iceland is the perfect destination.
With so many incredible sights to see in East Iceland, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the 11 best places to visit in this stunning region. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking to experience the beauty of Iceland off the beaten path, this guide will help you make the most of your East Iceland adventure.
Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
Hallormsstaðaskógur is Icleand’s largest forest, which might not be that impressive in a mostly treeless country. However, I still think it’s worth a visit, especially if you are an avid hiker or a nature lover. You’ll find several marked hiking trails here, a couple of campsites, and an arboretum with about 80 different tree species.
The best thing about Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest, in my opinion, is that it provides shelter from the wind. Icelandic weather is notoriously fickle, but the trees act as a shield, making Hallormsstaðaskógur a good stop if the weather isn’t in your favor.
Here, you’ll also find the river Lagarfljót, home of the elusive Lagarfljótsormurinn Wyrm, a mystical creature who many compare to the Scottish Loch Ness monster. Sightings of this mystical wyrm monster date all the way back to 1345.
Hengifoss Waterfall
At the end of Lagarfljót River, you’ll find Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls at around 420 ft (128 m). Though the height is impressive, the main reason why you should visit Hengifoss is the striped cliffs from which it falls.
The cliff’s walls show different layers of strata created in volcanic eruptions during the geological period when Iceland was forming. You’ll see dark basaltic strata with thin layers of red clay sandwiched between them. It’s pretty cool.
To reach Hengifoss, you have to hike for about an hour. Some guidebooks say it takes a shorter time, and I’m sure it does if you’re in really good shape. But for those of us who are not, allocate at least an hour. The route is also a little steep, so take your time, enjoy the view on the way, and take plenty of pictures. En route is a very picturesque waterfall, Litlanesfoss, which is surrounded by tall basalt columns.
Seydisfjörður Town
Although East Iceland has countless stunning natural attractions — such as the aforementioned Hengifoss Waterfall — the most photographed location in the area is actually a street in Seyðisfjörður Town.
The Rainbow Street was originally supposed to be a temporary project set up while the local council repaired the street. However, the townspeople loved the new look, and now they come together every spring to repaint it.
At the end of the street is a beautiful blue church, which only adds charm to the whole scene, making it a truly Instagram-worthy spot. While you’re there, I recommend visiting some of the restaurants, shops, and cafés located along the street.
Vök Baths
If the lack of changing facilities puts you off Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs, or if you just want a little bit more luxury with your geothermal relaxation, then a trip to the Vök Baths should be right up your alley.
The Vök Baths are a geothermal wonders nestled on the shores of Lake Urriðavatn, about 3 miles (5 km) from Egilsstaðir Town. These floating infinity pools provide an incredible view over the lake, including its birdlife if you’re lucky.
Here, you’ll also find two hot pools, a sauna, a cold water spray, an in-water pool bar, a tea bar with local herbal infusions, and an on-site restaurant. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and natural beauty.
Djúpivogur Town & Hot Springs
Djúpivogur is perhaps the definition of a sleepy fishing village; it’s laid back, quiet, and restful. The town is a part of the Cittaslow Movement, whose goal is to improve the quality of a town’s life by slowing down its overall pace. It’s the perfect place to rest after long hours on the road.
One of the main attractions in Djúpivogur is the Eggs at Gleðivík Cove. These are stone replicas of the eggs of many nesting birds in the area. Personally, I find these eggs only mildly interesting, and unless you’re an ornithologist, I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to see them.
However, I do recommend visiting the Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs, located about 1.2 miles (2 km) from the town. The naturally heated pools are located off the main road, behind a large rock, making them a true hidden gem. There is no fee to visit these geothermal pools, but that also means there are no real changing facilities besides a small wooden stand.
Laugavallalaug Hot Spring & Waterfall
I mentioned at the beginning of this article that East Iceland is often overlooked by visitors to this country. This makes most of the entries on this list hidden gems. But out of the 11 hidden gems, Laugavallalaug Hot Spring is perhaps the most remote and obscure.
Laugavallalaug is located on the edge of the Icelandic Highlands, a vast uninhabited area of volcanic wilderness. Reaching the spring can be a little challenging. First, you’ll need a 4×4 car to travel the rough gravel road that leads to a campsite. You’ll also have to cross a small stream to reach the site. From there, it’s a small hike to the pool.
So, why should you go through that to reach a geothermal pool? Well, what makes Laugavallalaug so special is the warm waterfall that falls into it, acting as a lovely natural shower. Natural hot pools are quite common in Iceland, but hot waterfalls aren’t, which makes this a truly unique hidden gem.
Petra’s Stone & Mineral Collection
Petra Sveinsdóttir was born on a farm near Stöðvarfjörður Fjord in 1922. She was always interested in rocks and minerals but didn’t begin collecting them until 1946. Throughout her life, she would pick up an interesting stone from Stöðvarfjörður or nearby fjords. In 1974, her collection had grown so much that she decided to open her home to visitors.
Step into Petra’s house, and you’ll be surrounded by a mesmerizing array of stones and minerals stacked from floor to ceiling. Around 70% of these treasures are sourced locally, featuring stunning jasper cubes, polished agate, radiant amethyst, and sparkling quartz crystals. It’s like stepping inside a treasure chest.
Outside, the large garden continues the wonder with an eclectic mix of rocks, whimsical garden gnomes, and beachcombed flotsam and jetsam. Petra’s penchant for collecting extends beyond minerals, with fascinating collections of pens, matchboxes, and taxidermy birds showcasing her incredible hoarding instincts and unique eye for beauty.
Borgarfjörður Eystri Village
Borgarfjörður Eystri is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. This picturesque village is surrounded by towering mountains, lush valleys, and rugged coastlines, offering some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
Known for its excellent hiking trails, Borgarfjörður Eystri is home to the legendary Stórurð (The Giant Boulders), a breathtaking area featuring massive rocks, crystal-clear blue ponds, and lush green meadows. The village also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with charming turf houses and a vibrant local community that warmly welcomes visitors.
Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi, one of the best places in Iceland to get up close with these charming seabirds. The harbor area provides easy access to view the puffins in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit spot for wildlife photographers.
Stuðlagil Canyon
Stuðlagil Canyon used to be a true hidden gem, so hidden that it wasn’t discovered until a few years ago. For years, this beautiful canyon was immersed in water from the tumultuous Jökla River. However, when Kárahnjúkavirkjun Dam was constructed, the water level dropped, revealing this impressive feature.
Hidden beneath the rushing waters was a series of hexagonal basalt columns. These dark, geometric formations rise majestically from the canyon floor, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant blue-green waters of the river.
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Stuðlagil Canyon offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing one of Iceland’s most remarkable geological formations. Accessing the canyon requires a bit of effort, involving a scenic hike that adds to the adventure.
Swimming Pool & Horse Riding in Eskifjördur Town
Eskifjörður is one of the most populous towns in East Iceland, with just over one thousand people living here. Yes, you read that correctly: ONE thousand. This “large” population has resulted in great services for visitors, including an amazing geothermal swimming pool.
The 25-meter pool boasts impressive views of mountains on both sides. It also has two hot tubs, a sauna, a children’s wading pool, and three water slides. The pool is very child-friendly, making it a great stop if you’re traveling with your family.
Another family-friendly activity is horseback riding. Close to Eskifjörður is the small farm of Mjóeyri, where you can join a horse riding tour. Icelandic horses are much smaller than their cousins in Europe and America. They are also very intelligent and friendly, making them perfect for children and first-time riders.
Klifbrekkufossar Waterfalls
Finally, the last hidden gem on a list of mostly hidden gems is Klifbrekkufossar Waterfalls.
This series of tiered waterfalls gracefully tumbles down a mountainside near Mjóifjörður Fjord, creating a mesmerizing display. The pristine waters flow over multiple levels, forming a picturesque sight surrounded by lush greenery and rugged cliffs.
Reaching Klifbrekkufossar is part of the adventure, as the journey takes you through the stunning, remote landscapes of Mjóifjörður. The drive along the fjord offers spectacular views and a sense of peaceful isolation, far from the slightly more bustling tourist paths. Once there, you can explore the area on foot, taking in the fresh mountain air and the incredible scenery.
Is East Iceland Worth Visiting?
Is East Iceland worth a visit? Absolutely! Eastern Iceland is a treasure trove of natural beauty, unique attractions, and serene landscapes that are often less crowded than other parts of the country. From the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon with its impressive basalt columns to the serene Klifbrekkufossar Waterfalls, the region offers a variety of breathtaking sights.
You can explore picturesque towns like Borgarfjörður Eystri, hike through remote valleys, and unwind in geothermal water, such as at Vök Baths. East Iceland’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant wildlife, and tranquil environment make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Iceland.
