Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail
About Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is the largest town in east Iceland and the regional hub for the country's most dramatic and least-visited landscapes. The town sits on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót — Iceland's longest lake, which according to local legend hides the Lagarfljótsormurinn, a worm monster said to have been sighted as recently as 2012. The surrounding East Fjords offer some of Iceland's most rugged coastal scenery, with fjords cutting deep between dramatic mountains and reindeer roaming the highlands — the only wild reindeer in Iceland. Aurora viewing is excellent from October through March: east Iceland benefits from lower rainfall than the west and south coasts, making clear-sky aurora nights more frequent. The Vatnajökull glacier, the largest in Europe by volume, is accessible from the south of the region, offering ice cave tours in winter. Egilsstaðir offers a genuine slice of rural Icelandic life rarely seen by tourists who stick to the Golden Circle, with local restaurants, petrol-station culture, and warmth.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -3°C | 16h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -2°C | 12h | High |
| Mar★ Best | 0°C | 8h | Med |
| Apr | +3°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +7°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +10°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +7°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +3°C | 10h | High |
| Nov★ Best | 0°C | 14h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -2°C | 16h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (45min, Icelandair or Eagle Air). Also reachable by Ring Road (Route 1) from Reykjavik (5h east). Car rental essential.
Cost Breakdown
Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations. Self-drive rental is a common transport choice.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Lakeside hotels
- ✓Guesthouses
- ✓Farm stays
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $130/day in Egilsstaðir. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
Official Channels
Packing List for Egilsstaðir
Interactive checklist with clothing layers, gear, and activity-specific items — based on real weather data.
View packing list →Get Aurora Alerts
Egilsstaðir is rated 7/10 for aurora. Get a free email alert the moment Kp hits 5+ — so you never miss the lights.
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See how Egilsstaðir stacks up against other top aurora destinations.
Compare Now →🏨Where to Stay(10)
View all on Google Maps →
Tehúsið - Café, Bar, Guesthouse & Hostel
Kaupvangur 17, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
guest house
Stormur Cottages
Stormur, Vallanes, 701 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
lodging
Gistihúsið - Lake Hótel Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir 1-2, Þjóðvegur 2, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
hotelHotel Eyvindará
Eyvindará 2, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
hotelSnæfell - Hotel by Aldan
Austurvegur 3, 710 Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
hotelHérað - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Miðvangur 1-7, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
hotelLyngás Guesthouse
Lyngás 5-7, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
guest houseHotel Valaskjalf
7J74+4CH, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Kjot&fiskur Fresh Fish
7H4Q+J2W, Kaupvangur, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
fish and chips restaurant
Tehúsið - Café, Bar, Guesthouse & Hostel
Kaupvangur 17, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
guest house
Askur Pizzeria
Fagradalsdraut 25, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
pizza restaurant
Kol Bar & Bistro
Hotel Hallormsstadur, 701 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
restaurantGistihúsið - Lake Hótel Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir 1-2, Þjóðvegur 2, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
hotelRestaurant Gistihúsið
Egilsstaðir, Þjóðvegur 2, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
restaurantLyng restaurant
Miðvangur, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
restaurantSalt Café & Bistro
Miðvangur 2, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
restaurantGlóð Restaurant
Skógarlönd 3, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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East Highlanders
Unalækur, 701 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
point of interest
Stuðlagil Canyon
5M6Q+HP, 701 Eiriksstadhir, Iceland
tourist attraction
Rjúkandi Waterfall
8WM9+PHW, 701 Hofteigur, Iceland
tourist attractionVök Baths
8H33+G5 Fellabær, Iceland Vok vid Urridavatn, 701 Egilsstadir, Iceland
public bathFardagafoss
7M9M+CWW, 93, 701 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
tourist attractionEast Iceland Heritage Museum
Laufskógar 1, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
tourist attractionGálgaklettur
Lagarás 26, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
tourist attractiondaytourtaxi
Dalbrún, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
point of interestPopular Activities in Egilsstaðir
Explore activity guides for everything you can do here
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