Despite its high concentration in natural wonders, and the variety of activities for everyone, East Iceland remains somewhat more confidential than the other regions of Iceland. To fully experience the wilderness and tranquillity that characterize the region, we recommend dedicating some part of your stay to explore the East. Much of the success of your trip is attributed to the choice of accommodation along your itinerary. This is where we come in!
With over 180 carefully selected accommodations around the country each with a unique experience to offer, we at Hey Iceland want to help you find the perfect place to stay during your time in Iceland. In East Iceland, we offer cosy bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, hostels and charming farm cottages, where you can get a first-hand experience at Icelandic farming. Staying in a Hey Iceland accommodation is a unique experience that allows you to discover the real Iceland in its rugged beauty. Our hosts will take good care of you and make you feel right at home!
Blábjörg Guesthouse in Borgarfjörður Eystri
Blábjörg Guesthouse is an ancient fish factory that has been turned into a beautiful guesthouse, offering a selection of rooms, some of which with magnificent sea views, a haven of tranquillity located in Borgarfjörður Eystri. Everything there has been designed to offer you the most relaxing stay in connection with Nature, from the inside hot tub and sauna to the outdoor wooden barrel hot tub and sauna. Equipped with a children’s playground and a wide range of activities within reach from fishing, hiking and birdwatching, Blábjörg is ideal for families.
Hótel 1001 Nótt by Lake Lagarfljót
1001 Nótt family-run Hotel holds the promise of a magical tale during your stay in the East, set in the stunning background of Lake Lagarfljót. You might have heard of this lake for the alleged serpentine monster said to be living there, Lagarfljótsormurinn, Iceland’s very own Loch Ness. Lagarfljót, also Iceland's 3rd largest lake, features spectacular mountains reflections in the water. On-Site is a bar/restaurant offering traditional dishes from the Icelandic cuisine for all appetites, with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal products and awe-inspiring views.
Kaldá-Lyngholt Holiday Homes
A short distance from Lake Lagarfljót also lies Kaldá-Lyngholt, three comfortable wooden cottages in a forest shelter where you typically want to spend a cosy winter night gazing at northern lights from the patio… or from the open-air hot tub! Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby “Alps of East Iceland”, Stafdalur and Oddskarð, where skiing and snowmobiling are popular. The area boasts many hiking and outdoor opportunities, turning into a real birdwatcher’s paradise after the Winter, so it works just as well in Summer.
Gistihúsið - Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir
Conveniently located 300 meters only from Egilsstaðir town, Gistihúsið - Lake Hotel is a delightful place by the banks of Lake Lagarfljót. From the room, one wakes up to the most beautiful view over the lake, with the luxury of observing rich birdlife without the worry of disturbing the species. We can safely say you will be delighted by the breakfast buffet, the up market local restaurant, the hotel’s ground floor bath tub and sauna facilities, and the overall relaxing atmosphere. The area boasts very diverse landscapes, and just as many outdoor opportunities in every season.
Sólbrekka Cottages in Mjóifjörður
Sólbrekka offers accommodation in two fully-equipped wooden cottages along with sleeping bag accommodation in a guesthouse, in Mjóifjörður narrow fjord. Guests can also pitch their tent on the water’s edge, not your average campsite! Isolation, serenity, infinite views, Sólbrekka has all the ingredients for an exceptional and energizing stay, starting with a scenic drive to reach the cottages. Light the barbecue, take a relaxing dip at dusk in the bath tub, and reconnect with Nature, to the sound of waterfalls tumbling down from the steep mountains to the ocean. Did you just see a whale?
Skorrahestar in Norðfjörður
If you are looking for authentic rustic country charm, we’ve got you covered. Skorrahestar is a family-run farm stay in a renovated barn, set on the most eastern fjord, Nordfjördur. Taking full advantage of their stunning location, Doddi and his family offers a variety of horse riding tours, hiking tours, and soon to be meditation tours! Farm animals are often seen roaming the place, and guests are welcome to help with the farm tasks, from sheep feeding to wool shearing, very popular among little ones… and grown-ups. From Neskaupstaður, only 7 kilometers from Skorrahestar, depart many boat and kayak excursions, and much more!
Mjóeyri in Reyðarfjörður
Mjóeyri is a peaceful place at the eastern end of Eskifjörður, consisting of a charming guesthouse and 10 comfortable cottages varying in size. On the ground floor of what was once a herring station, is the restaurant Randulf´s Seahouse, your chance to try local delicacies including fish caught straight from the fjord. Mjóeyri offers a wide range of organized tours from sailing, hiking, diving, golfing in Summer, and ice climbing, skiing in Winter, and even reindeer watching. You might consider extending your stay to enjoy it all!
Glacier World near Hoffellsjökull
How often do you get the chance to spend the night at the foot of a glacier? Glacier World offers accommodation in a charming old renovated house, only 3 kilometers from Hoffellsjökull, one of Vatnajökull's 30 glacier tongues. After a day of sightseeing and exploring the area, soak in one of the five hot tubs, marvelling at a very diverse scenery, from black sand deserts and steep mountains, to glacial rivers and glacier domes. The adventuresome can go on a thrilling guided Jeep Tour on the glacier or hike from the guesthouse up the mountain Geitafell, just East of the glacier!
Did you like this article? You might want to read our Hey Iceland guide to Places to Stay in North Iceland, and Places to Stay in West Iceland! See you soon!
Be sure to book your accommodation in East Iceland now, because they are selling out fast!