As South Iceland becomes more and more crowded, people start to notice other regions. Places like East Iceland are in fact worth the visit. East Iceland is a place you appreciate more and more the longer you stay.
Here is a list of top 10 activities you can do to make the most of your stay in East Iceland.
- Hike around the East Iceland mountains or take a walk on the beach.
East Iceland has many options for hiking, ranging from short relaxing yoga hikes, longer treks. You can just step out of the car and take a short walk in nature. It is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning views of the area.
- Biking
In the last few years, it has become increasingly popular to travel around Iceland on a bicycle. In East Iceland, there is less traffic than in the South West of Iceland, and this makes the region a perfect place for traveling on a bike.
- Visit museums around the eastern fiords
There is an excellent variety of interesting museums with all sorts of different emphasis. Petras Stone museum in Stöðvarfjörður has a great collection of colorful stones and minerals. The French Museum in Fáskrúðsfjörður tells the story of French fishers that had their base in Fáskrúðsfjörður around 1900. The Icelandic War Time Museum in Reyðarfjörður retells the story of the British occupation in Reyðarfjörður during World War II and its effects on the community. In The East Iceland Maritime Museum in Eskifjörður, you can look into the life of Icelandic sailors over the decades. The Museum House in Neskaupstaður houses three museums. There is a collection of the natural world, an art collection and also a maritime and smithy collection. In Langabúð in Djúpivogur, there is a collection about an Icelandic sculptor. Breiðdalssetur in Breiðdalsvík is a research center for linguistic, geological and historical research. It also houses a museum on geologist George Walker and linguist Stefán Einarsson as well as other rotating exhibitions. In Burstafell in Vopnafjörður you can see how Icelanders used to live from the beginning of the 18th century to the mid-20th century. In The East Iceland Heritage Museum in Egilsstaðir, you can find a variety of exhibitions on Icelandic Culture and the Reindeer. And last but not least in the Technical Museum of East Iceland in Seyðisfjörður you can look into the technical and mechanical advances of the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Burstafell, Vopnafjörður - Super Jeep tours
When traveling around Iceland, there are many places that you are always told you have to visit. But if you look closely, you will find countless hidden gems all across the country. Some of those may be inaccessible by small cars or challenging to find without expert guidance. To go on a Super Jeep tours is a way to enjoy those places in a small group and adding in an extra feel of adventure.
- Catching a fish
For those interested in fishing you could also go trout or salmon fishing in the famous rivers of East Iceland. Both Breiðdalsá river and Jökla river are famous for good fishing and beautiful surroundings.
- Hallormsstaður forest
An excellent place for a relaxing walk surrounded by Iceland’s largest forest. As most may know, Iceland is not known for dense forests and towering trees. But in Hallormsstaður there is a beautiful forest due to decades of reforestation and dedicated work. The forest consists mainly of pines and birch. But it also includes a botanical collection along the walking path where there are samples of a variety of trees.
- Slow living in Djúpivogur
Lately, Djúpivogur has become the center of a Slow living movement and received a recognition into the Cittaslow movement. In the town, there are several places to visit such as the giant egg replicas by the docks and the old café/museum in Langabúð. But the real charm is in the Slow living atmosphere in the town and the beautiful harbor area.
- Creative center in Stöðvarfjörður
In recent years the village Stöðvarfjörður has gained itself a reputation as an artsy town. And from 2010 there has been an ongoing process of converting the old Fish Factory into a Creative Center into a place for anything between music, local craft, food and diverse arts. Now it is a place where artists can come to stay at while they work on their art. - Norðurljósahús Íslands
There is a Northern lights exhibition house in Fáskrúðsfjörður called Auroras Iceland. They have a constant display of Northern lights photographs taken by local photographers. It´s among the best places to experience the beauty of the Northern lights during summer.
- The Icelandic Wilderness Center
At the last farm deep in Fljótsdalur valley, you can stay the night in a renovated and well-preserved old house. There you will feel like you are stepping back in time. And with home-made traditional Icelandic food on the menu, it´s a great way to get to know Icelandic culture at its very best. At the Wilderness Center, they also offer a variety of tours, short or long, hiking, horse riding or by car.
You can also check out our post on 10 Reasons to visit East Iceland and Top 10 things to do in East Iceland this winter for more inspirations or take a look at our selection of tours.
