Picturesque towns, hiking trails,
and breathtaking nature awaits
East Iceland is home to some of the most pristine, untouched nature on the island and charming towns with cultural attractions to boot. Múlaþing municipality consists of four villages, Borgarfjörður eystri, Seyðisfjörður,
Djúpivogur, and Egilsstaðir, which are can’t-miss destinations in the east of Iceland. Beautiful Borgarfjörður eystri. Borgarfjörður eystri is a gem hidden between spectacular mountains in the east. It is the home of the Atlantic puffin, which can be visited during the summer season. These adorable birds are delightful to see in their natural habitat. In Hafnarhólmi, guests can get close to the birds, observe them, and get magnificent photos.
Borgarfjörður offers a variety of fantastic well-maintained hiking trails where you can feel connected to nature. As the fjord is the home of hundreds of elves, who knows what one might spot while roaming the beautiful landscape. For those who want to experience the fjord filled with music and people, it is worth visiting during the Bræðslan music festival, which takes place in July every year. Check out borgarfjordureystri.is for more i information about the village.
Serene and scenic Seyðisfjörður
Both culture and vibrant atmosphere symbolise the unique fjord Seyðisfjörður. The village buzzes with life during LungA, its annual art festival boasting local and international artists. In addition to the unique festival, it also hosts the LungA School. Exploring the sound sculpture, Tvísöngur combines hiking in beautiful surroundings and engaging art; it is a place where one might be tempted to sing a song or two. Walking in the fascinating village, down the rainbow street with its cute little coffee houses, market, shops, and restaurants and into the blue church makes a visit worthwhile. Everywhere is an opportunity to catch breathtaking photos of people,
nature, and quirky old houses. Information about nature, attractions, and hiking can be found at visitseydisfjordur.com.
Dreamy Djúpivogur
Djúpivogur is a charming fishing village where heritage is celebrated by beautiful old houses, fascinating museums and the idyllic island Papey. For birdwatching enthusiasts, a visit to Djúpivogur is an excellent opportunity to explore various birds; one can even set up in a birdwatching hut and wait for the perfect photo moment. Along the coastline towards the harbour, one can see a stunning art piece which consists of 34 granite eggs; it is a replica of the eggs of the birds which lay eggs around the village. In and around Djúpivogur, one can go hiking or enjoy strolls along the black sand beach or the white sand beach. During a walk, one might lay eyes on reindeers and seals. The village and its surroundings are incredibly picturesque. A gorgeous landscape is the backdrop to countless hiking trails, free to roam and explore. The 1,069-metre (3,507-ft) Mount Búlandstindur looms over the town, dominating the terrain. Visit visitdjupivogur.is for more information about the village.
Endearing Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is considered the unofficial capital and the hub of services and shops in the east of Iceland. With its side range of options for dining, everyone should find what they desire. It is the home to the domestic airport and a connection to the fjords and other interesting places in the area. In Egilsstaðir, one can relax with a drink in hand at Vök Baths or take the family to the local swimming pool, which prides itself on a slide, two hot tubs, a cold tub and a sauna. Stuðlagil is an extraordinary place, one of the most stunning sights in the east. The canyon has one of the largest numbers of basalt rock columns in Iceland. Stuðlagil emerged from under the river Jökulsá just a few years ago when the river levels fell, revealing this natural wonder. There is a viewpoint where you can marvel at the dark- coloured columns, which contrast perfectly with the clear blue colour of the river. Meanwhile, Selskógur is a cute little forest within walking distance on the outskirts of the village. It is a tranquil spot where one can walk along the river and listen to its sound blending in with the lovely tunes of the birds living in the
area. Also, Egilsstaðir is situated along a beautiful lake called Lagarfljót that stretches 35 kilometres (21.7 mi) long and offers numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation. These attractions and more can be found at visitegilsstadir.is. The east is a paradise for hikers, as there are numerous places to roam and experience
the breathtaking nature of the region with few fellow travellers nearby. Be sure to check out the beauty and rich culture of the east during your trip to Iceland. – JG
