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.
