Stays in Egilsstadir
Egilsstadir, located in East Iceland, serves as a central hub for exploring the region's natural wonders. It offers a range of accommodations, from modern hotels to guesthouses, catering to various travel styles. The town is known for its proximity to Lake Lagarfljót and its access to hiking trails and outdoor activities.
Egilsstadir is the largest town in East Iceland, often considered the gateway to the region's dramatic landscapes and serene fjords. It's a practical base for travelers looking to explore the area, offering essential services and a comfortable place to stay after days spent adventuring. The town itself is set amidst beautiful scenery, with Lake Lagarfljót nearby, rumored to house a mythical worm-like creature. Accommodations here range from cozy guesthouses to well-equipped hotels, many providing easy access to the natural attractions that define this part of Iceland.
Egilsstadir in numbers
CoastalHengifosslodge Tiny Houses
Beachfront chalets with lake and mountain views, and a private beach
Why guests love itHengifosslodge Tiny Houses are chalets by the water near Egilsstaðir, each with a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace, a terrace and a balcony. A family gets its own space and can cook, and the garden has lake and mountain views, with a private beach area and a sun terrace. WiFi is free. The setting is quiet and the emphasis is on nature rather than services. Guests rate it 9.8 across 389 reviews.
FamilyKaldá Lyngholt
Private holiday homes with a hot tub, sauna, and waterfall views
Why guests love itKaldá Lyngholt offers holiday homes with wooden interiors, private bathrooms, kitchenettes with complimentary coffee and tea, and private terraces with barbecue facilities. Guests can use a sauna, a hot tub and yoga mats, all beside a river with a waterfall. The setting suits hiking and bird watching. A 9.5 rating across 85 reviews is strong. I would choose it for a family or couple who want a quiet riverside stay near Egilsstaðir.
CouplesSkipalaekur Farm Apartments
Spacious farm apartments with mountain views and easy access to waterfalls
Why guests love itI recommend Skipalaekur Farm Apartments to families who want space and a kitchen of their own in East Iceland. Each apartment has a private bathroom, a kitchenette and a terrace, with garden and mountain views, so breakfasts and dinners are easy to sort out between outings. Egilsstaðir Airport is close, and Hengifoss and Gufufoss are within reach by car. Guests rate it 9.4 across more than 400 reviews, which says a lot about how well it works for self-catering stays.
FamilyHengifosslodge Skáldahús
Elegant apartment with a private beach area and waterfall views
Why guests love itI recommend Hengifosslodge Skáldahús to couples and small families who want an elegant apartment near Egilsstaðir. Each apartment has a well-equipped kitchenette, a private bathroom and a dining area, and the property adds a private beach area, a sun terrace and a garden, with lake, garden and mountain views. Hengifoss waterfall is 6 km away. Guests rate it 9.4 across more than 370 reviews, a top score.
FamilyGreystone summerhouse
Family-friendly summerhouse with mountain views and a private terrace
Why guests love itThis Greystone Summerhouse in Egilsstaðir is a family apartment with a terrace, a kitchenette and a patio, plus free WiFi. Garden and mountain views come with the terrace, and a barbecue and an outdoor dining area suit summer evenings. The listing places it near Egilsstaðir Airport and local waterfalls. Guests rate it 9.2 across 369 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a well-reviewed, self-catered base for a family exploring the east.
CouplesHotel 1001 Nott
Modern hotel with hot tubs overlooking Lake Lagarfljót
Why guests love itHotel 1001 Nott opened in 2018 near Egilsstaðir, and its outdoor hot tubs look over Lake Lagarfljót. Rooms have mountain views and private bathrooms, there is an on-site bar, and pets are welcome. Horse riding and fishing are available nearby. Guests rate it 9.2 across 1,005 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a modern, well-reviewed hotel for couples and families who want to soak in a lake view after a day in the east.
FamilyFinnsstaðir Holiday Home with Hot tub
Spacious family holiday home with a hot tub and play areas
Why guests love itI recommend the Finnsstaðir Holiday Home to families and groups who want a whole house near Egilsstaðir. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a hot tub, an open-air bath, a sun terrace and a garden, with free WiFi and private parking. Play areas keep children busy, and ski equipment hire is available. Guests rate it 9.1 across more than 230 reviews, a very high score for a roomy house built around outdoor time.
FamilyHúsey Hostel & Horsefarm
A horse farm hostel with family rooms and outdoor activities near Egilsstadir
Why guests love itHúsey Hostel & Horsefarm is 55 km from Egilsstaðir and sets itself up as an outdoor stay, with hiking and horse riding in and around Húsey. Family rooms are available, though bathrooms are shared, so it suits families who are comfortable with hostel-style facilities. There is a picnic area and free private parking. It is a remote farm base, not a place to stay for restaurants and shops. Guests rate it 9.0 across 446 reviews.
CouplesLagarfell Studios
Comfortable studios with kitchenettes, garden access, and free parking
Why guests love itLagarfell Studios offers self-catering rooms in Egilsstaðir with a private bathroom, a kitchenette and parquet floors. For a family that means breakfast and simple dinners without a restaurant, plus a garden, a terrace and free private parking. The property sits near Egilsstaðir Airport and local waterfalls, so it works for a flight in or out of the East as well as for a few days of exploring. It is a set of studios, not a full-service hotel. Guests rate it 9.0.
CouplesSkipalaekur Guesthouse
Comfortable guesthouse with shared facilities and easy access to nature
Why guests love itSkipalaekur is a plain, well-liked guesthouse for people who want a base rather than a destination. Rooms have private bathrooms, work desks and parquet floors, and guests share a kitchen, a lounge and a TV room, with a garden outside and free WiFi. Egilsstaðir Airport is close, and hiking trails and waterfalls are within easy reach. A rating of 9.0 across 897 reviews says guests rate the basics highly. I would choose it for a budget-minded family that cooks some meals.
FamilyOrmurinn Cottages
Lakeside cottages with panoramic views and self-catering convenience
Why guests love itOrmurinn Cottages are self-catering cabins in Egilsstaðir with panoramic views of Lake Lagarfljót. Each has a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and a terrace, with barbecue facilities available during summer. WiFi and private parking are free, and Egilsstaðir village is a short drive away. Guests rate them 9 across 896 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a well-reviewed lakeside base for a couple or small family who like to cook and drive.
FamilyLakeside Apartments - A
Spacious apartment with a private entrance and garden near Egilsstadir
Why guests love itLakeside Apartments A is a one-bedroom apartment with a living room in Egilsstaðir, enough for a couple or a small family with one or two young children. The fully equipped kitchen and washing machine make a few nights easy, the private entrance simplifies arrivals, and the garden gives children room outside. It is close to Egilsstaðir Airport and several waterfalls, handy for exploring east Iceland. Families wanting separate bedrooms for the children will need more space.
FamilyOrmurinn Guesthouse
Comfortable guesthouse with family rooms and scenic views near Egilsstadir
Why guests love itOrmurinn Guesthouse in Egilsstaðir has family rooms, each with a private bathroom and parquet floors. Views take in the garden, the lake or the mountains depending on the room. A shared lounge and a kitchen sit alongside a garden, free WiFi and free private parking, a combination that suits families watching their budget. Guests rate it 8.9 across 636 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a sound, sociable base for a family in east Iceland.
FamilyGistihúsið - Lake Hotel Egilsstadir
Modern comfort in a renovated farmhouse by Lake Lagarfljót
Why guests love itGistihúsið sits in a renovated farmhouse beside Lake Lagarfljót, and the lakeside setting is the draw. Rooms are bright and modern with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi and tea and coffee facilities. The in-house restaurant, a communal lounge and a spa mean a family does not have to drive out every evening. Guests rate it 8.9 across 1,056 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a calm, rural base near Egilsstaðir.
FamilySetberg
Spacious apartment with lake views and easy access to waterfalls
Why guests love itSetberg is a self-contained apartment in Egilsstaðir that gives families more room than a hotel bedroom. It has a private bathroom, a well-equipped kitchenette and parquet floors, plus a terrace, a patio and a balcony with lake views. Free Wi-Fi is included. Hengifoss and Gufufoss are within easy reach, which makes day trips simple, and an 8.7 rating from 471 reviews is encouraging.
FamilyDeluxe Family Apartment in Egilsstaðir
Spacious family apartment with modern amenities and a terrace in Egilsstaðir
Why guests love itThe Deluxe Family Apartment in Egilsstaðir lives up to its name for a family of five or six: three bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine, plus a private terrace for fresh air. Being in town means shops are close, and Egilsstaðir Airport is near if you fly in from Reykjavík. I would use it as a base for east Iceland, with waterfalls and the Lagarfljót lake area within driving distance.
GeothermalEyjólfsstadir Guesthouse
Peaceful guesthouse near Egilsstaðir with easy access to nature and local activities
Why guests love itEyjólfsstadir Guesthouse offers simple, modern rooms in a peaceful natural setting, a 10-minute drive from Egilsstaðir. Bathrooms are shared, and a communal lounge comes with complimentary hot drinks. Walking paths start from the property, a geothermal pool is nearby and horse riding is possible in the area. Guests rate it 8.7 across 1,389 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a quiet countryside base for families and couples who have a car and want calm over services.
CouplesSmabot - riverside cottage
A charming riverside cottage with a garden, terrace, and private parking
Why guests love itSmabot is a one-bedroom cottage, so I would suggest it for a couple or a small family rather than a group. The kitchenette handles simple meals, and the private garden and terrace give children somewhere to be outside without leaving the property. Private parking makes day trips easy, and the waterfalls Hengifoss and Gufufoss are within reach of Egilsstaðir for a morning walk. Larger families will want more bedrooms than this cottage offers.
FamilyTehúsið Hostel & Guesthouse
Family-friendly hostel with a restaurant and shared kitchen in Egilsstadir
Why guests love itTehúsið Hostel & Guesthouse in Egilsstaðir has family rooms, some on the ground floor, with shared bathrooms and private entrances. Guests can use a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a shared kitchen and a coffee shop. Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast options are available, and WiFi is free. Guests rate it 8.4 across 1,031 reviews, a good and well-tested score.
CouplesVið-Bót Riverside Cottage
A pet-friendly riverside cottage with mountain views and a garden
Why guests love itVið-Bót Riverside Cottage is a two-bedroom holiday home in Egilsstaðir with a garden, a terrace and views of the lake, the garden and the mountains. The kitchen and dining area are fully usable, and a barbecue, a picnic area, free WiFi and free private parking are included. Pets are welcome. Guests rate it 8.2 across 246 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a quiet cottage for a couple or a small family, with or without a dog.
CouplesÓbót 1 riverside cabin
A serene riverside cabin with mountain views, perfect for couples
Why guests love itÓbót 1 is a one-bedroom riverside cabin near Egilsstaðir, so it suits a couple best; a parent with a baby could manage, but a family of four would be cramped. The garden and terrace face the river and mountains, a calm place for a toddler to potter while you watch. There is one bathroom, with a bath or shower and toiletries provided. I would book it as a quiet stop in east Iceland rather than a family base.
GeothermalHótel Eyvindará
Family-run hotel with countryside charm and geothermal access
Why guests love itHótel Eyvindará is a family-run hotel in the countryside near Egilsstaðir, with rooms and cottages that have private bathrooms and private terraces. Garden views and free WiFi in the lobby come with the stay. A geothermal pool is nearby and a skiing area is a short drive away. Guests rate it 8.2 across 760 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a calm, family-run base for travellers with a car who like the countryside to the town.
CouplesEast Guesthouse
Renovated rooms with mountain views and a shared kitchen in Egilsstaðir
Why guests love itEast Guesthouse in Egilsstaðir has recently renovated rooms with mountain views. A terrace, a shared kitchen and a lounge give guests somewhere to cook and relax, and free WiFi and free private parking are included. The listing places it close to Egilsstaðir Airport, which is handy for early or late flights. Guests rate it 8.1 across 85 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a practical, budget-minded stop for a night or two in the east.
FamilyÁbót - Riverside Cottage
A comfortable riverside cottage with outdoor spaces for families and couples
Why guests love itI recommend Ábót - Riverside Cottage to families and couples who want a whole two-bedroom holiday home near Egilsstaðir. It has a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace with outdoor seating, barbecue facilities and free WiFi, and pets are welcome. Hengifoss and Gufufoss are within reach for day trips. Guests rate it 8.0 across more than 250 reviews, a good score for a roomy, self-catering stay that gives a group its own space.
FamilyLakeside Apartments
Comfortable lakeside living with mountain views and a fully equipped kitchen
Why guests love itLakeside Apartments in Egilsstaðir is a comfortable one-bedroom apartment with a living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine. The garden and terrace look over the lake, the mountains and the garden. Free WiFi, an outdoor play area and free private parking are included. Guests rate it 7.9 across 61 reviews, a solid score rather than a standout one.
Waterfall viewVinland Cottage
A comfortable two-bedroom cottage with a terrace and easy access to nature
Why guests love itI would choose Vinland Cottage for a two-bedroom base near Egilsstaðir Airport, which suits an early flight or a late landing. The holiday home has a living room, parquet floors and a kitchenette with what you need to cook, plus free Wi-Fi, a terrace and barbecue facilities. Local waterfalls are within easy reach. It is rated 7.9 across 125 reviews, so I would expect a simple, comfortable cottage rather than polish, best for a small family or two couples.
FamilyCozy central apartment
Spacious, modern apartment with garden views and family-friendly amenities
Why guests love itThis recently renovated apartment in Egilsstaðir has one bedroom, a living room and a balcony with garden views. The kitchen is fully equipped, and air conditioning, a washing machine and free WiFi are included, with free private parking listed in its highlights. The listing puts it near Egilsstaðir Airport and suggests it for families exploring the region's waterfalls. Guests rate it 7.8 from 6 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a practical, modest base, not a showpiece.
Waterfall viewVinland Apartment 2
Spacious apartment with free parking and easy access to local waterfalls
Why guests love itI would choose Vinland Apartment 2 for a practical three-bedroom base near Egilsstaðir Airport. It has a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine, with free Wi-Fi and free on-site private parking, and local waterfalls are within easy reach. Guests rate it 7.3 across 57 reviews, a modest score, so I would expect a functional apartment rather than polish and would pick it for a family or group focused on space and price-conscious self-catering.
What to expect
- Strategic location for exploring East Iceland's fjords and highlands.
- Proximity to Lake Lagarfljót, ideal for walks and nature observation.
- Access to local amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cultural centers.
- A quieter alternative to the more bustling areas of Iceland, perfect for relaxation.
- Gateway to hiking, fishing, and horse riding opportunities in the surrounding nature.
Local tips
- Consider renting a car to fully explore the diverse landscapes around Egilsstadir, from coastal villages to inland wilderness.
- Visit the East Iceland Heritage Museum to learn about the region's history and culture.
- Take a stroll along Lake Lagarfljót; keep an eye out for the legendary Lagarfljótsormur.
- Pack layers, as the weather in East Iceland can be unpredictable, even in summer.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season, as options can be limited.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
What are the main attractions near Egilsstadir?
Near Egilsstadir, you can explore the Hallormsstaður National Forest, the largest forest in Iceland, and Hengifoss, one of the country's tallest waterfalls. Lake Lagarfljót is also a significant natural landmark, offering scenic views and local legends.
What types of accommodation are available in Egilsstadir?
Egilsstadir offers a variety of accommodations, including modern hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. Many options provide comfortable stays with amenities suitable for both short and longer visits, often with views of the surrounding nature.
When is the best time to visit Egilsstadir?
The summer months (June to August) are ideal for visiting Egilsstadir, with milder weather and longer daylight hours perfect for outdoor activities. Winter offers opportunities for northern lights viewing and snow-related activities, though some roads may be less accessible.
How do I get around Egilsstadir and the Eastfjords?
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Egilsstadir and the Eastfjords, as public transport options are limited. This provides the flexibility to visit remote natural sites and charming coastal villages at your own pace.