East Iceland

East Iceland travel at your fingertips

East Iceland is home to nature on a grand scale. This extraordinary and colourful landscape gathers together into enormous ice-capped peaks that include the largest glacier in all of Europe. Volcanoes locked behind ice floes present an eerie juxtaposition of fire and ice which keep visitors entranced while visiting.

Attractions

The region of Vatnajökull has often featured in films and advertisements in light of its stark contrast of colours, reaching from deep dark volcanic soil to brilliant white snow caps, all interspersed with lush green forests.

The mountains of Eastern Iceland have wild herds of reindeer that can be seen grazing from afar. These marvellous animals stick to the mountains during the summer months, though hunger drives them much closer to residential areas during the winter.

For more natural wonder, head to Skaftafell National Park which was the first of its kind in Iceland and is very popular with tourists. Attractions include expeditions to the glacier and breathtaking cruises in and among the ice floes on the glacial lagoon.

Heading to the far eastern stretches, you’ll find a rugged landscape cut out with long fjords through steep mountainsides. Amazing zeolites can be viewed along the coast at Teigarhorn. These unique formations occurred during the Ice Age when the glaciers cut into chambers of molten rock and magma more than a mile beneath the surface of the earth.

Hérað is to the north of this part of Iceland and has a sunnier climate, with lush vegetation terminating in rolling hills criss–crossed by cool rivers that are fed by the glaciers. Fishing is popular in the East Fjords, where you’ll also find the most museums and art galleries.

Hotels in East Iceland

Though East Iceland is sparsely populated, quality hotels can be found near areas of prime interest. Almost all of these hotels in East Iceland can be booked online before you leave home, which will usually get you a fantastic rate which wouldn’t otherwise be available on the spot.

East Iceland hotels range from budget to five–star accommodation and cater for both holiday and business visitors with a variety of offerings. Some very rustic hotels in East Iceland can be found in quaint locations throughout the countryside of East Iceland.

Out and about – car hire in East Iceland

The broad, expansive countryside of East Iceland demands that you hire a car to truly enjoy it. Travelling from Skaftafell National Park to the volcanoes in the east makes for a wonderfully scenic drive. You can secure your car hire in East Iceland online before setting out to East Iceland.

Many reputable car hire companies are located in East Iceland, and you’ll find them well represented in major cities with satellite offices in the more remote regions. Booking online will get you the best deals on car hire in East Iceland and you may wish to act well in advance if travelling during the summer when demand for car hire is much higher.