Egilsstadhir: Forest, Water and Culture

Egilsstadhir offers a wide range of experiences: walks by the water, forest trails, an outdoor swimming pool and insights into the culture of East Iceland. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can start by asking yourself what you want your holiday to be about: nature and quiet moments by the lake, activities or exhibitions and cultural events. These different interests offer a concrete starting point for deciding whether Egilsstadhir is the right destination for your holiday.

Forest Trails, Lakeshores and a Park in the Centre

Egilsstadhir lies directly beside Lagarfljót, a long, narrow glacier-fed lake and river system. Along its shores near Egilsstadhir, you can enjoy peaceful walks, lakeside picnics and leisurely fishing. Those who like to combine being by the water with a walk will find a different experience here than on the trails in Selskógur forest, which lies by the Eyvindará River.

In Selskógur, woodchip-covered paths lead through the forest. There are shorter and longer options for walks, as well as picnic spots; a free map is also available. This makes it possible to tailor your time in the forest to the length of walk you want, without needing to follow a specific route.

Tjarnargarðurinn is a wooded park in the centre of Egilsstadhir, surrounding a pond. The park also has a six-hole disc golf course that is open to everyone. It offers both a place for a round of disc golf and a green setting by the water. The East Iceland Heritage Museum is near the park’s southeastern corner.

Water and Activity

The Egilsstadhir swimming pool is a 25-metre outdoor pool. Two hot tubs, a children’s pool and a waterslide complement the main pool; the facility is next to the town’s sports centre. This offers a specific water-based activity for your day, while Lagarfljót and the walking options along the shore offer another way to spend time outdoors.

Golf is another option in Egilsstadhir: the local golf club operates a course with a par-70 layout. If you would like to add an excursion to the surrounding area, a marked trail leads from the car park at Fardagafoss waterfall to the falls. The route is just under a mile, or about 1.3 kilometres, long. Nearby, you can also explore the arboretum in Hallormsstaðar via a wide wooden boardwalk.

Cultural History and Performing Arts

The East Iceland Heritage Museum focuses on the permanent exhibitions “Reindeer in East Iceland” and “Sustainable Unit.” The first exhibition covers the lives and survival of reindeer, natural and human-caused hazards, reindeer research and the history of hunting. It also shows how reindeer products are used in food and handicrafts. “Sustainable Unit” is devoted to objects relating to rural life in East Iceland up to the mid-20th century. These include a traditional baðstofa from the farm Brekka in Hróarstunga.

The museum preserves and presents the region’s cultural history, traditions and community life. Visitors with a particular interest in theatre and dance may also want to visit Menningarmiðstöð Fljótsdalshéraðs, or MMF for short: it is located in Egilsstadhir and is one of four cultural centres in East Iceland with this focus. The Slaughterhouse Culture Center is housed in a restored former meat-processing facility and offers artistic experiences, talks, workshops, performances and exhibitions.

Local Beer and Brewing

The Askur Taproom serves local craft beer and offers beer tastings. The microbrewery uses Icelandic water and ingredients from local producers. Groups can book a brewery tour, which includes tasting local beer straight from the tank and learning about the brewing process. The tours are led by experienced brewers. This adds an insight into local brewing to the area’s nature and cultural offerings.

Whether walks along Lagarfljót, a museum visit, a swim at the outdoor pool or cultural events are what shape your trip, Egilsstadhir offers various starting points for planning your holiday. You can look for a holiday rental in Egilsstadhir that suits the experiences you want to make the focus of your stay.

More destination pages: Bjarnanes, Hámundarstaðir, Stöðvarfjörður, Eiðar, Berunes, Höfn Í Hornafirði, Seyðisfjörður, Reydarfjördur.

For the broader travel overview: Austurland.