Exploring East Iceland: Hiking, Hot Springs, and Hidden Gems
East Iceland is where the crowds begin to thin, but the views remain just as stunning as in the rest of the country! In this area, you’ll find breathtaking hikes, relaxing geothermal baths, and a few hidden gems waiting to be explored. Keep reading for all the details on the wonders of East Iceland!
Other resources to help you plan the perfect trip to Iceland!
- 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip
- How Much a 2 Week Trip to Iceland Really Costs
- Is 2 Days Enough Time to Explore the Golden Circle?
- Vik, Iceland: A Complete Travel Checklist for 2024
- Ultimate Guide to Vatnajökull National Park: Must-See Sights and Activities
- If you are planning a trip to Iceland, I recommend booking your rental car through Go Rental and use my code Caitlyn5 for 5% off your car!
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Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is a major city in the east, located along the Lagarfjot river. It is a great base for exploring the eastern part of Iceland. The town itself is small but charming, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area.
Borgarfjörður eystri
Borgarfjörður is a small village on a fjord in eastern Iceland. This area is most known for being one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins! The puffins are in the area around mid-April to mid-August to nest on the cliffs. The area has viewing platforms that allow you to get pretty close to the birds without disturbing them. Hafnarhus Café is near by, serving coffee and pastries in the summer months.
Before heading here I recommend checking the road conditions to make sure they are open and safe. The last 20 minutes before reaching Borgarfjörður is on a paved mountain pass, with steep roads and blinds corners. This can be scary/dangerous for people not used to driving on these roads and especially if weather conditions are poor.
Hengifoss/Litlanesfoss
Hengifoss, a popular waterfall near Egilsstaðir, stands at an impressive 420 feet, making it the third tallest waterfall in Iceland. It is renowned for its striking red and black hues, created by layers of basalt columns and red clay sediment. While stunning, the red tones are more subtle in person than they may appear on social media.
On the way to Hengifoss, you’ll pass Litlanesfoss, a smaller but equally captivating waterfall at 98 feet, surrounded by dramatic basalt columns.
The trail to Hengifoss is 2.7 miles long and moderately difficult, primarily uphill, and can become slippery after rain. Proper hiking boots and plenty of water are recommended for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Vök Baths
Just a few minutes from the main town of Egilsstaðir, Vok Baths offer a unique geothermal experience with pools floating on Lake Urriðavatn. The main pool features a swim-up bar, and two additional floating pools offer progressively warmer waters. Inside, you’ll find a restaurant and tea bar, the tea bar is included with your admission. Your ticket grants access to all the pools, a sauna, and a cool mist area. For the adventurous, there are stairs leading into the lake for a refreshing cold plunge.
Vok Baths are open year-round, though hours vary by season. Admission costs around $50 for adults and includes access to shared locker rooms. It’s recommended to bring your own towel, as rentals are about $10.
Rjúkandafoss
This waterfall is 305 feet tall and consists of two main drops where it cascades over the rocky cliff. It’s located right off of the ring road, with just a small pullover for parking. You can view this waterfall from the road, or if you want a closer look you can follow the short trail uphill to the viewing area. This accessible vantage point allows you to fully appreciate the waterfall’s impressive height and natural beauty.
Stuðlagil Canyon
Just up the road from Rjúkandafoss is the Stuðlagil Canyon. This area has become popular in recent years because of its turquoise water and stunning basalt columns along the canyon!
You can view the canyon from both sides, the east and the west. The west is the main side that has a viewing platform and bathrooms. It’s a short walk down stairs to the viewpoint that overlooks the canyon, this side is great for those who are short on time and just want to see the canyon
The east side is better for those who would have a little more time and want to hike to the canyon floor. The hike will take around 1 hour and is rated moderate. If you decide to do the hike, be sure to watch your step as you make your way down the basalt columns into the gorge.
Things to Know about East Iceland
We visited in mid May and was surprised that it snowed during our stay.
Egilsstaðir has lower elevation than the surrounding areas, so the town didn’t get as much snow. However, surrounding roads were icy/snowy and we had to wait until the roads cleared up before we continued on the ring road for the day.
Remember to check the weather and Safe.is app for weather and road conditions to keep you and others on the road safe!
