Egilsstadir with Kids: A Practical Base for East Iceland

A small East Iceland town with a pool, a lake and quick access to the fjords, Egilsstadir works well for families who want space between stops rather than a packed itinerary.

Why Egilsstadir suits families

Egilsstadir sits at the head of Lagarfljót, the long lake that runs south toward Hallormsstadur forest, and it is the largest settlement in East Iceland with roughly 2,600 residents. For families driving the Ring Road, that means fuel, a supermarket, a pharmacy and a health centre in one place, which matters when you have children in the car. The town itself is compact and flat enough to walk, and the airport at Egilsstadir connects to Reykjavík in under an hour if you would rather skip a long drive day.

Distances are the real argument. Seydisfjördur, the pretty fjord village with its rainbow-painted street, is about 27 kilometres east over Fagradalsheid pass, a 30 to 40 minute drive in summer. Eidar forest and the trout river Jökla are 15 minutes north. Hallormsstadur, Iceland's largest forest, is around 25 minutes south along the lake shore. Vatnajökull and the glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón are too far for a day trip, so treat Egilsstadir as a two-night stop rather than a base for the whole south-east.

Swimming, lakes and short walks

The town swimming pool on Tjarnarbraut has an outdoor hot tub and a shallow children's pool, and it is the kind of place local families use after school. Check seasonal opening hours before promising it to a child. South of town, the Lagarfljót lake shore and Hallormsstadur forest have gentle marked trails, picnic tables and a camping area, and the forest walks are short enough for young legs. The waterfall Hengifoss is a steep 2.5 kilometre climb each way from the car park; older children manage it in about 45 minutes up, but it is not suitable for pushchairs.

For wildlife, the East Iceland Nature Centre in Egilsstadir covers the region's birds, seals and geology with hands-on displays, and it is a sensible indoor option when the weather turns. Harbour seals gather at the mouth of Lagarfljót, and the Skriddalur valley west of town has reforestation trails. Wild reindeer roam the highlands east of Snæfell, and seeing them is a matter of luck rather than a booked excursion. Keep expectations modest and let the pool and forest do most of the work.

Where to stay and what to skip

Most family rooms in Egilsstadir are in guesthouses and small hotels along or near the main road through town, and the market is small enough that booking two to three months ahead in July and August is wise. Expect the widest choice of family rooms and self-catering apartments in the town centre within walking distance of the supermarket and pool. For a quieter stay, Seydisfjördur has character but fewer family-sized rooms and a steep road in winter, so I would book in Egilsstadir and visit the fjord as a day trip.

Skip the temptation to cover the whole east in one day. The drive from Egilsstadir to Höfn is around 260 kilometres and takes three and a half to four hours without stops, which is too much with small children. Better to split it with a night en route. Also skip the highland tracks unless you have a proven four-wheel drive and experience; the gravel roads toward Snæfell close seasonally and are not a family outing. Best months for this area are June to August, with late May and September offering fewer visitors and lower rates.

Getting there and around

Egilsstadir is roughly 380 kilometres from Akureyri via the Ring Road, about four and a half hours, and around 650 kilometres from Reykjavík, which most families split over a day with stops at Dettifoss or Mývatn. Buses run along Route 1 but are infrequent, so a car is close to essential with children. Fuel up in town before heading east toward Seydisfjördur or south along the lake, because services thin out quickly.

Weather changes fast even in summer, and the pass to Seydisfjördur can be foggy or windy. Build a spare half-day into the plan for a pool afternoon or a museum visit rather than squeezing in another waterfall. Supermarkets in town close earlier than in Reykjavík, so shop for picnic supplies the evening you arrive. With two nights in Egilsstadir, a pool visit, the forest and one fjord day, you get a realistic family stop without long drives in the dark.

Questions, answered

How many nights should a family spend in Egilsstadir?

Two nights suits most families. That allows an arrival afternoon, a pool or forest visit, and a day trip to Seydisfjördur without rushing. One night works if you are only breaking the Ring Road drive, but you will likely skip the lake and forest.

Is Egilsstadir a good base for visiting Vatnajökull?

It is workable but far. The glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón is roughly 300 kilometres south, too much for a comfortable day trip with children. Treat Egilsstadir as an East Fjords base and plan a separate night closer to Höfn for glacier sights.

What should families pack for East Iceland?

Layers, waterproof outerwear and sturdy shoes, even in July. Add swimwear for the town pool, insect repellent for forest walks around Hallormsstadur in summer, and a towel per person. Mornings near the lake are cool, so a warm fleece is worth the space.

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