Is East Iceland good for northern lights?

Yes, East Iceland offers excellent aurora conditions with almost zero light pollution, a position at 65.25°N needing only KP 2, and diverse landscapes for viewing. The region is far less visited than south or west Iceland, providing a peaceful and authentic aurora experience.

How do I get to Egilsstadir?

Fly from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (about 1 hour) or drive Route 1 (7-8 hours depending on direction). The drive is a major undertaking in winter but passes through spectacular scenery. Winter driving conditions require a 4WD and careful monitoring of road.is.

What is the Lagarfljot Worm?

Lagarfljot lake is said to harbor a legendary creature called Lagarfljotsormurinn (the Lagarfljot Worm), similar to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster. The legend dates back to 1345. While sightings are reported periodically, the lake's aurora viewing credentials are far more reliable than monster encounters.

Can I see Iceland's forests near Egilsstadir?

Yes, Hallormsstadaskogur on the east shore of Lagarfljot is Iceland's largest forest - though modest by continental standards. The forest includes both native birch and planted species. It's one of the few places in Iceland where you can photograph aurora framed by trees.

Northern Lights Destination

Northern Lights in Egilsstadir, Iceland

Egilsstadir is East Iceland's aurora gateway - enjoy the northern lights over vast highland landscapes and the mysterious Lagarfljot lake far from the tourist crowds.

Updated January 15, 20258 min read

Egilsstadir: Aurora in the Remote East

Egilsstadir is the service hub for East Iceland, a town of about 2,500 people on the banks of the Lagarfljot river near the lake of the same name. The town sits in a broad valley surrounded by mountains, with the vast Vatnajokull glacier to the south and the remote highland interior to the west. This is one of the least-visited regions of Iceland, meaning aurora seekers will enjoy solitude and authenticity.

At 65.25°N, Egilsstadir needs only a KP index of 2 for aurora activity. The sparse population of East Iceland means light pollution is virtually non-existent outside town. The surrounding landscapes - forested valleys, highland plateaus, and dramatic fjords along the east coast - provide diverse and unique aurora viewing environments.

Lagarfljot lake, said to harbor a monster similar to Scotland's Nessie, provides atmospheric aurora viewing with its dark, still waters. Check the aurora forecast for optimal conditions.

Aurora Viewing Near Egilsstadir

Lagarfljot Lakeshore: The 25-km-long lake offers dark, still waters perfect for aurora reflections. Drive along either shore for numerous viewpoints. The forested east shore (Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstadaskogur) provides unusual tree-framed aurora compositions - rare in treeless Iceland.

Hengifoss Area: The road to Hengifoss waterfall (Iceland's third highest) passes through open highland terrain with excellent dark-sky views. The waterfall itself is a 2.5 km hike, best done in daylight, but the surrounding area offers excellent roadside aurora viewing.

East Coast Fjords: The fjords east of Egilsstadir (Seydisfjordur, Reydarfjordur, Faskrudsfjordur) offer sheltered water views with dramatic mountain walls. Seydisfjordur, about 25 minutes from Egilsstadir via a mountain pass, is particularly photogenic with its rainbow-painted street.

Highland Road (Route 910): The road toward the interior highlands offers increasingly remote and dark terrain. In the shoulder months (September-October, March), accessible stretches provide vast open views ideal for aurora panoramas.

When to Visit Egilsstadir

The aurora season runs from September through March. East Iceland's position on the leeward side of the highlands sometimes gives it clearer conditions than the west:

September-October: The forested areas around Lagarfljot display autumn colors, making this a uniquely photogenic time for aurora in Iceland. The Hallormsstadaskogur forest in golden autumn colors under green aurora is an extraordinary combination.

November-January: Deep winter with long dark nights. East Iceland can experience cold, clear continental-type weather when high pressure builds over the highlands. These clear periods are excellent for aurora, though temperatures drop to -5°C to -15°C.

February-March: Improving conditions with more daylight for exploring the dramatic east coast fjords. Aurora remains active, especially around the March equinox.

Getting to Egilsstadir

Getting There: Egilsstadir Airport (EGS) has daily flights from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (about 1 hour). Driving from Reykjavik takes about 8 hours via Route 1 (north route) or 7 hours (south route through Vik and Hofn). Both routes are spectacular.

Accommodation: Hotel Edda, Gistihusid Lake Hotel, and Icelandair Hotel Herad are the main options. Guesthouses and farm stays in the surrounding area offer more remote experiences. Wilderness lodges like the Wilderness Center (Odadahraun) provide unique off-grid stays.

Seydisfjordur Side Trip: The drive from Egilsstadir to Seydisfjordur (25 km, 25 minutes) crosses a mountain pass and descends into one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords. The town's artistic character and rainbow street make it a highlight. In summer, it's the terminal for the Smyril Line ferry from Europe.

Combining with Ring Road: Egilsstadir is a natural overnight stop on an Iceland Ring Road trip. Combined with Hofn and Akureyri, it forms the eastern leg of a comprehensive aurora road trip around Iceland.

Plan the trip

Getting to Egilsstadir

Aurora trips need three things booked together: a flight into the right airport, somewhere dark to stay, and usually a car, because the sky you get is the sky above wherever you can drive to that night.

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Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, East Iceland offers excellent aurora conditions with almost zero light pollution, a position at 65.25°N needing only KP 2, and diverse landscapes for viewing. The region is far less visited than south or west Iceland, providing a peaceful and authentic aurora experience.
: Fly from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (about 1 hour) or drive Route 1 (7-8 hours depending on direction). The drive is a major undertaking in winter but passes through spectacular scenery. Winter driving conditions require a 4WD and careful monitoring of road.is.
: Lagarfljot lake is said to harbor a legendary creature called Lagarfljotsormurinn (the Lagarfljot Worm), similar to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster. The legend dates back to 1345. While sightings are reported periodically, the lake's aurora viewing credentials are far more reliable than monster encounters.
: Yes, Hallormsstadaskogur on the east shore of Lagarfljot is Iceland's largest forest - though modest by continental standards. The forest includes both native birch and planted species. It's one of the few places in Iceland where you can photograph aurora framed by trees.