Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland and serves as the region's main hub for commerce, culture, and transportation. Located along the banks of the Lagarfljót river, the town is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including forests, mountains, and waterfalls, making it a perfect base for exploring the East Fjords and the Highlands. Despite its relatively small size, Egilsstaðir offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and accommodations, catering to both locals and visitors.
One of the key attractions near Egilsstaðir is Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest, where visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and exploring diverse flora and fauna. The nearby Lagarfljót lake is steeped in legend, said to be home to a mysterious serpent-like creature, similar to Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster. Another nearby natural wonder is Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, with its striking red strata layers embedded in the surrounding cliffs.
Egilsstaðir is also known for its cultural events and festivals, including the annual Icelandic Folk Music Festival. Whether you’re looking to explore East Iceland’s natural beauty, delve into local folklore, or simply relax in a peaceful setting, Egilsstaðir provides a welcoming and scenic stop on your Icelandic journey.
Egilsstaðir Quickview
- Location: East Iceland, along the banks of the Lagarfljót River.
- Population: Approximately 2,500 residents.
- Founded: The town of Egilsstaðir was established in 1947, growing rapidly due to its central location.
- Main Attractions: Lagarfljót Lake, Hengifoss Waterfall, and Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest.
- Egilsstaðir Camping Ground: Offers convenient access to nature with well-maintained facilities.
- Hot Springs: Located nearby, visitors can relax in Vök Baths, a stunning geothermal spa.
Towns History
Egilsstaðir was first mentioned in the 15th century as a place of legislative assembly, but the origin of its name is not quite well known. According to some, it may have taken its name from a chieftain by the name of Egil Síðu-Hallsson, although this is not known with certainty. Opposite the town is a river by the name of Eyvindará, which figures very much in Icelandic Sagas.
The beginning of the urbanization in Egilsstaðir dates to the start of the 20th century, when Jón Bergsson, a farmer, doubted the future importance of this place. He built a house now used as a hotel and took part in founding the co-operative Kaupfélag Héraðsbúa in 1909. Infrastructural development soon afterwards began with building bridges and roads.
Egilsstaðir received official town status in 1947. This was followed by the uninterrupted growth of its population, counting over 1,000 by 1980. In 1998, Egilsstaðabær merged with some of the surrounding municipalities to form Austur-Hérað, which subsequently could be referred to as Fljótsdalshérað, until eventual incorporation into Múlaþing in 2020.
Egilsstaðir Folktale
One of the most infamous Icelandic mythical creatures is Lagarfljótsormur, or the Lagarfljót Worm, said to be living in the bottom of Lagarfljót Lake near Egilsstaðir. Its ancestry is from a folktale, first written down in 1845 and published by Jón Árnason in 1862. According to the legend, Lagarfljótsormur started its life as a small creature - a so called "heath-worm" or "heath snake"- which was laid under a gold ring by a young girl, upon her mother's advice. This attempt to enable the girl to profit from the gold took a curious turn: the worm begins to grow very quickly and manages to break open the chest in which it is being kept. 'Taking flight', the terrified girl throws both the ring and the worm into the Lagarfljót Lake.
Rather than disappear, the worm kept growing bigger and stronger until it became a fearsome serpent that spread terror throughout the countryside. It was said to spit its poison and kill both people and animals. To rid the area of this monstrous creature, two Finns were summoned to destroy it and retrieve the gold. It was an impossible thing for them, so that all they were able to do was just to tie the head and tail of the worm to the bottom of the lake, as the killing was impossible since there was another bigger dragon beneath in the water.
Comparisons for the Lagarfljótsormur have been made with other Norse mythological creatures, including the Miðgarð Serpent and the treasure hoarding dragon Fáfnir. Its story is comparable to that of the dragon in Ragnars saga Loðbrókar, as it, too, grew to a gigantic size while guarding treasure. Several times it was said to appear, showing seasons of bad weather or crop failures. This consolidated its position of being as much feared as legendary in Icelandic folklore.
Now, as in the past, Lagarfljótsormur fascinates many citizens of Egilsstaðir and its visitors alike into professing to have spotted undulations or movements in the water of this lake-proof that the serpent is still at home beneath its watery surface.
Historical Attractions in Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir, being the major town in East Iceland, is not only a gateway to the region for both its overwhelming greeneries but also very rich in history and culture. Indeed, the town and its surroundings host some of the most important historical spots in Iceland, offering the country's repertoire of everything from ancient folklore to medieval monastic life. This deeper look into the cultural heritage of the region is absolutely necessary when exploring Iceland's unique history.
One of the most interesting places in the vicinity of Egilsstadir is Lagarfljót Lake - a big, tranquil laguna full of fairy tales and legends. Lagarfljót is said to be the home of the legendary Lagarfljót Worm, a monster that is said to be dwelling at the bottom of the lake, just like the Loch Ness Monster of Scotland. The story has passed from generation to generation, and the lake still conceives the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Whether for spotting the elusive worm or simply to enjoy peaceful surroundings, Lagarfljót Lake is intriguing and one of the most captivating places to visit.
The Hallormsstaður Forestry "Museum" is a place where you find valuable information on forestry in Iceland and, generally speaking, environmental conservation. This botanical garden devoted to trees, situated in the center of Iceland's biggest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, tells the story of how Iceland, with its wide open spaces devoid of tree life, over the years has been gradually healing its lost forests. You'll fins over 80 species of trees. Besides being an interesting stop for those curious about Iceland's natural history, this area represents Iceland's ongoing commitment to reforestation and environmental sustainability.
Another very important historical site is Skriðuklaustur, a former mansion that once served as the residence of one of Iceland's most famous authors, Gunnar Gunnarsson. Nowadays, it's a cultural center and museum: visitors can explore the life of one of Iceland's most celebrated writers. The mansion itself is a lovely sample of Icelandic architecture and now sits in a picturesque valley, nestled with the serenity of East Iceland. Apart from the literary connections, Skriðuklaustur is of great importance in research about Iceland's past, as it has been and still is a place of archaeological excavations.
A short distance from Skriðuklaustur, Skriduklaustur Monastery Ruins is an archaeological site that dates back to the 16th century. The former monastery is a great insight into the medieval Icelandic monastic life, with what is left of a building that once housed monks serving as a place of learning and religious devotion. Excavations at the site have given very important artifacts that allow historians to better understand the daily life of medieval Iceland. The ruins are interestingly indicative of the religious and cultural history of Iceland, while the quiet atmosphere of the place allows for some meditation about the past.
Egilsstaðir Nature Attractions
Egilsstaðir lies amidst most of the natural wonders that Iceland has to offer and acts as an ideal gateway to various forms of outdoor adventure: from trekking through tall forests to relaxation in geothermal pools, and viewing the beauty of waterfalls and lakes, Egilsstaðir has something for every nature lover.
One of the most famous natural attractions around Egilsstaðir, Lagarfljót Lake is, besides its fabled worm, simply perfect for boating, angling, and light sightseeing. The lake reaches along the valley and provides quiet views and opens onto water sports. Its silent waters reflect the surrounding mountains, making it a photographer's dream. This Lagarfljót worm has given this peaceful lake its mysterious legend, making it unforgettable for those passing through East Iceland.
Only a short distance from the town is the beautiful Hengifoss Waterfall, which cascades from a height of 128 meters and is Iceland's third-highest waterfall. The hike leading to the waterfall itself is an adventure, as it takes visitors up and along scenic trails that offer numerous views overlooking the surrounding landscape. As you approach the waterfall, you will notice the brilliant color in layers of rock that form the cliffs. The result of ancient volcanic activity, these flights of colored rock also include red and orange-colored layers of sediment. Because of this unique coloration - the hues lend it with a sort of unearthly appearance - and the roar of the waters, the waterfall commands a regard akin to any other large-scale natural wonder.
Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland's largest forest, invites visitors into its restful heart to be immersed in nature. The area has a series of walking trails which remain dense with life throughout the summer. A few kilometers south of Egilsstaðir, it lies on a thin stripe of land between Lake Lagarfljót and the fjord Héraðsflói, with the mountain range of Kelduskoti in view. The area has a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an excellent place for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Hallormsstaðaskógur is excellent for a day outdoors with picnic spots and camping areas, offering Iceland's beautiful, natural surroundings.
For those seeking further pampering, Vök Baths lies just outside Egilsstaðir; here, one can relax in geothermal infinity pools that float atop the tranquil Urriðavatn Lake amidst vivid vistas of nature, easing into warm, mineral-rich waters. The environmentally conscious architecture and commitment to sustainability give this facility one of the main points of interest for tourists who consider relaxing with nature in keeping with Iceland's contribution to saving the environment. Whether one visits in the Summer, when the midnight sun bathes the landscape with golden light, or in Winter, where the dancing lights of the Northern Lights are often seen, Vök Baths is nothing short of magic.
Services in Egilsstaðir
As the main hub in East Iceland, Egilsstaðir offers a wide range of services for both locals and visitors. You’ll find supermarkets, shops, hotels including Hérað Hotel, guesthouses, and the Egilsstaðir Camping Ground, which offers excellent facilities for travelers looking to connect with nature. The town also has a hospital, gas stations, restaurants, and cafés, ensuring visitors have everything they need during their stay.
For those looking to unwind after a day of exploration, the nearby Egilsstaðir hot springs at Vök Baths offer a rejuvenating experience in stunning surroundings.
Map of Egilsstaðir's Attractions and Accommodation
Where is Egilsstaðir?
Egilsstaðir is located in East Iceland, sitting along the banks of the Lagarfljót River. It’s roughly in the middle of the eastern part of the country, making it a key transportation hub for travelers exploring the East Fjords and beyond.
- GPS Coordinates: 65°15'39.0"N 14°23'59.8"W
How to Get to Egilsstaðir?
From Reykjavík
To reach Egilsstaðir from Reykjavík, travelers can take Route 1 (Ring Road) east, covering approximately 650 kilometers (404 miles). The drive takes around 7-8 hours and offers stunning views of Iceland’s diverse landscapes along the way. For those looking to save time, Egilsstaðir Airport offers daily domestic flights from Reykjavík Airport, cutting travel time to just 1 hour.
From Akureyri
From Akureyri, the drive to Egilsstaðir along Route 1 takes approximately 3.5 hours, covering around 266 kilometers (165 miles). The route takes you through the scenic landscapes of North and East Iceland, offering a memorable road trip experience.
Visitors should be aware of the Vaðlaheiðargögn tunnel, a 7.5 km (4.7 miles) long tunnel on the Icelandic Ring Road, and the only paid tunnel in Iceland. The toll is paid at veggjald homepage.
Egilsstaðir Airport
Egilsstaðir is also home to an airport with regular domestic flights from Reykjavík, making it easily accessible for travelers who prefer to fly. The airport is located just a few kilometers outside of the town center.