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Egilsstadir is located along on the famous Ring Road and the stunning reindeer region of the Eastfjords. Discover the amazing food, history, and unspoiled nature as you walk the streets of Egilsstadir. Find all you need to know about the biggest town in East Iceland!
Egilsstadir is undoubtedly the capital of East Iceland, with a population of about 2500 people and all the services you might need. Travelers driving the epic Ring Road often stop at Egilsstadir to fuel up and discover local attractions.
The eastern region is the only place in Iceland where you will find wild reindeer roaming around. This had been very influential to Egilsstadir and the nearby villages. Another influential factor in the town’s history and culture is the Lake Lagarfljót, where the Icelandic Loch Ness monster is believed to live.
Egilsstaðir and the whole of Fljótsdalshérað municipality is a stunning area with a surprising amount of trees, steep mountain hills, numerous waterfalls, rich history and great museums. The area is known for its sunny summers and beautifully snowy winters.
You will find amazing hiking trails leading from Egilsstaðir. Walk into the nearby hills and explore the outskirts of the largest town in East Iceland!
Egilsstaðir is located in Fljótsdalshérað municipality in the North-Múlasýsla region in East Iceland. Its nearest towns are Höfn (256 km or 159 mi) and Akureyri (248 km or 154 mi).
GPS coordinates of Egilsstaðir: 65.2669° N, 14.3948° W
Driving from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir will take about 8 hours if you go clockwise along the Ring Road. Driving counter-clockwise will take a little over 9 hours. The drive is not recommended in one-go as there is so much to see on the way!
Driving clockwise will take you through the birch covered Borgarfjörður valley and into the seal paradise of Húnavatnssýsla. Further on you will enter Skagafjörður, the mecca of the Icelandic horse. Next up is the “Capital of the North” Akureyri with all its charm and culture.
After, you will pass the geothermal wonderland of Mývatn. Then you have about 2 hours left until you find yourself at Egilsstaðir.
Going counter-clockwise will take you along the south coast, past the village of Hvergerði, through Selfoss, and past Thjorsá – Iceland’s longest river. Pass Seljalandsfoss, the powerful Skógafoss Waterfall, Sólheimajökull, Vatnajökull and keep heading east before reaching Egilsstaðir.
Flying to Egilsstaðir is the quickest way to get there. You can catch a flight daily from the domestic airport in Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir Airport. The flight time is one hour.
Bus is also available, but also the most time-consuming option. First, you will need to take Bus 57 from bus stop Mjódd in Reykjavík at 9 am in the morning.
Then you arrive at the bus stop Hof in Akureyri around at 3:30 pm in the afternoon. From Akureyri, you will need to take Bus 56 at 3:50 pm which will take you straight to Egilsstaðir.
The campsite at Egilsstadir is an excellent option for those looking to save on their travels around the East. Its facilities include toilets, running hot and cold water, showers, washing machines (800 ISK), electricity (1000 ISK), a playground, WIFI, and a bike rental.
Open: all year round
Price: for adults per night is 2000 ISK (12y and older)
Egilsstadir is a beautiful place to visit in the winter and commonly will change from its green summery look to an authentic winter wonderland. Due to the fertile forests and pine trees which grow all over the location will seem like a Christmas Card.
Some restaurants and museums might have a shorter opening time but a pleasant surprise is that the wilderness center is open in the highlands.
Egillstaðir is also a fabulous place to see the Northern Lights which are known to appear in multiple colors and glisten in the dark winter skies. The remoteness of the location makes for an excellent platform to spot them and is well worth the trip for the ultimate getaway.
