Frequently Asked Questions About East Iceland
When is the best time to travel to East Iceland?
The best time to visit East Iceland is generally between the months of June and August. These months offer the warmest temperatures and longest days, making them ideal for exploring the region's natural beauty. During these months, visitors can enjoy long hikes, scenic drives, and a variety of outdoor activities such as beachcombing or kayaking. Additionally, there are numerous cultural attractions in East Iceland that can be explored during this time period. For those looking for a more relaxed holiday experience, spring (April-May) may also be an ideal choice due to its mild temperatures.
What are popular activities to do in East Iceland?
East Iceland is a beautiful region that offers a variety of activities for visitors. Some of the best things to do in East Iceland include:
1. Take a scenic drive along the east coast and enjoy the breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains and fjords.
2. Explore Vatnajokull National Park, an area filled with incredible nature trails, waterfalls and glacier lagoons.
3. Visit Hofn or Seydisfjordur towns to experience Icelandic culture and history.
4. Go whale watching off the coast of Höfn or stroll along Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon beach to admire its icebergs.
5. Experience some of Iceland's most stunning landscapes while hiking across Mývatn lake and its surrounding area.
6. Take a trip to the Vestmannaeyjar Islands to explore their spectacular cliffs, birdlife and natural beauty.
7. Spend some time at the small fishing village of Stöðvarfjörður and visit its picturesque harbour.
8. Try your hand at fishing in one of East Iceland's many rivers or lakes.
9. Go horse riding along the black sands of Seydisfjordur beach or take an evening boat tour on Skjalfandi bay for some incredible views of the Northern Lights (if visiting during winter).
What are the best places to visit in East Iceland?
East Iceland is home to some of the most beautiful and unique places in the country. Here are some of the best places to visit in East Iceland:
1. Vatnajökull National Park – This expansive area offers visitors numerous activities from glacier hikes to kayaking. It also contains some of Iceland’s most spectacular ice caves, waterfalls and landscapes.
2. Hofn – Located on the east coast, this charming town is known for its picturesque harbour and its seafood restaurants which offer some of the freshest fish dishes in the country.
3. Seydisfjordur – A small town located at the end of a fjord that has an interesting mix of Icelandic and European influences. It’s known for its colourful houses and attractive harbour.
4. Mývatn – A stunning area of pristine lakes, volcanoes and lava fields that offers various outdoor activities such as birdwatching, fishing and horse riding.
5. Vestmannaeyjar Islands – A group of islands located off the coast of East Iceland with unique wildlife, stunning cliffs and beautiful beaches.
6. Stöðvarfjörður – A small fishing village located at the end of a fjord in east Iceland offering visitors some incredible views of the surrounding landscape from atop its hillside church.
7. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – An amazing glacier lagoon filled with icebergs and home to some of the best whale watching in Iceland.
8. Skjálfandi Bay – A bay located off the east coast of Iceland offering visitors breathtaking views of the Northern Lights during winter months.
9. Dettifoss Waterfall – A spectacular waterfall located in the north of Vatnajökull National Park, and one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
10. Hofsós Swimming Pool – An outdoor swimming pool with views of a picturesque beach and fjord. It also contains a large hot tub offering a relaxing experience after exploring the area.