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Egilsstadir and the East Fjords
The east of Iceland has two distinct zones: the scenic, fjord -indented coastline with its fishing villages and distinctive layer-cake mountains, and the farmlands of the interior characterised by rolling, reindeer-haunted highlands, muddy glacial rivers and the largest forest in Iceland.
Visit East Iceland
The gateway to the region by air is Egilsstadir, a small town located at the end of the milky expanse of Logurinn lake.
A new ferry service, "Lagarfljótsormurinn," named after the Loch Ness-type monster which is supposed to dwell in the lake, offers cruises on the tranquil 30 km stretch of water with its encircling hills and wooded shores.
Other water sports on offer in the area include river rafting and trips on jet boats, or a spot of quiet angling for those in search of less boisterous pursuits.
Hallormsstadarskogur forest, 25 km from Egilsstadir
Finally, for an unusual perspective on Iceland, Hallormsstadarskogur forest, 25 km from Egilsstadir, is famed for its mild climate and pleasant hiking trails.
From Egilsstadir, the roads cross inhospitable mountain passes to descend in a series of steep hairpin bends to the very different world of the East Fjords. Seydisfjordur, with its ferry link to the Faroe Islands, is a picturesque village situated in a deep fjord, an ideal base for hiking in the surrounding mountains or taking boat trips to the lonely neighbouring fjords.
The three villages
The three villages of Reydarfjordur, Eskifjordur and Neskaupsstadur, which make up the Fjardabyggd rural community, all have attractive, fjord-settings and charming old buildings reflecting their historical importance as fishing centres.
All three are surrounded by stunning vistas of mountains and sea, which cry out to be explored on foot or by boat. For a rare glimpse of Iceland's occupation by the British during World War II, the Wartime Museum at Reydarfjordur is well worth a visit, while Eskifjordur celebrates the history of the local fishing industry with its Maritime Museum and Neskaupsstadur has a Natural History Museum featuring an interesting collection of stones, stuffed fish and birds.
Enjoy your journey and visit Iceland natural beauty with Air Iceland.
