What is around us
Breiðdalsvík is the perfect home base for exploring East Iceland. Here are the highlights with GPS coordinates, driving distance from Hótel Breiðdalsvík and practical information. All hiking trails and waterfalls are accessible from the hotel.
Flögufoss waterfall
The highest waterfall in Breiðdalur, more than 60 metres tall. The waterfall is in the Flögu river which flows through Flögudalur, bounded by Smátindar and Slötti peaks. From the main road there is a short and easy walk to the falls. Perfect for photography in summer.
Beljandi waterfall
Just outside the farm Brekkuborg sits Beljandi in the Breiðdalsá river. There are actually two falls, the outer and inner, each with a deep pool of the same name. A very beautiful area for hiking, with a great picnic spot for families.
Breiðdalsá salmon river
Breiðdalsá is a strikingly beautiful 6 to 8 rod salmon river. It rises high in the mountains where Tinnudalsá, Suðurdalssá and Norðurdalsá rivers merge, then runs out to sea at Breiðdalsvík. The fishing season is June to September. Many anglers say there are few rivers as beautiful as this one. Our reception can help arrange permits and guides.
Meleyri beach
A beautiful beach just inside the village. The area is excellent for walks and birdwatching with rich bird life. Hotel Post by Meleyri is part of Hótel Breiðdalsvík, a great morning walk with coffee in hand.
Streitishvarf lighthouse
A beautiful view from the Streitis lighthouse south of Breiðdalur, out across the sea. A pleasant marked hiking trail leads around the headland. This is an outdoor area for the whole family with seabird watching opportunities.
Jórvíkurskógur forest
Jórvík in Breiðdalur is an abandoned farm with large shrublands. About 600 hectares are owned by the Icelandic Forest Service and the forest was protected in 1960. This is one of the few places in Iceland where aspen grows naturally, the tallest trees about 4 metres. The land is mostly natural birch with some planted forest. The area is open to the public and a marked trail leads from Jórvík over to Norðurdalur.
Heydalakirkja church
A church has stood at Eydalir since the earliest days of Christianity in Iceland. The parish was long considered one of the better livings, with many highly regarded priests. The most famous of them is the hymn poet Reverend Einar Sigurðsson (1538 to 1626), best known for the Christmas hymn Kvæði af stallinum Krists, popularly known today as Nóttin var sú ágæt ein. A memorial to Reverend Einar stands on the foundations of the old church in the cemetery.
Breiðdal central volcano
The Breiðdal central volcano is an ancient eruption site that became the focus of extensive research by the English geologist George D.L. Walker. The volcano features large rhyolite intrusions with striking and unusual peaks, Flögutindur, Smátindar, Röndólfur, Slötti and Stöng. The southern slopes of Breiðdalur are especially colourful and the rock layers irregular, marked by extensive tephra formations.
Djúpivogur village
A small and pretty village with 460 inhabitants and a vibrant art scene. The Eggs of Gleðivík by Sigurður Guðmundsson are 34 giant cast eggs standing at the harbour. Djúpivogur is also the departure point for trips to Papey island and whale watching.
Egilsstaðir town
Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland with about 2,500 inhabitants and home to Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS), the only airport in East Iceland with scheduled flights. The town sits by Lagarfljót and from here it is easy to reach Vök Baths, Stuðlagil, Hengifoss and Seyðisfjörður.
Stuðlagil canyon
Stuðlagil is one of the most magnificent basalt column canyons in Iceland. Previously hidden beneath Jökulsá á Brú river, it was revealed after the Kárahnjúkar hydropower plant was built. Two hiking trails lead to the canyon, the western route is easier, the eastern requires a longer walk but offers closer views.
Vök Baths geothermal lagoon
Vök Baths is a new geothermal lagoon at Urriðavatn lake, opened in 2019. Two warm floating pools on the lake with natural geothermal water. There is a bar in the water, a sauna and a cold water shower.
Hengifoss waterfall
Hengifoss is the third tallest waterfall in Iceland at 128 metres. The hike from the car park takes about 1 hour each way. Along the way is Litlanesfoss with basalt columns, one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Iceland.
Vestrahorn mountain
Vestrahorn is one of Iceland’s most striking mountains, rising 454 metres above the black sand beach at Stokksnes on the south coast. It is a private nature reserve and among the most photographed locations in Iceland, especially at sunset and during the northern lights season. A great day-trip combination with Jökulsárlón further south.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Jökulsárlón is Iceland’s largest glacial lagoon, filled with massive icebergs that have broken off from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and slowly float toward the open sea. Just next to it is Diamond Beach, where the icebergs wash up on black volcanic sand, creating one of the country’s most iconic photography spots. Boat tours run from May through October. Easily combined with Vestrahorn as a south-coast day trip.
Klifbrekkufossar waterfalls
Klifbrekkufossar is one of Iceland’s most beautiful series of waterfalls, with seven cascades flowing into the remote Mjóifjörður fjord in a staircase formation. The scenic mountain pass to Mjóifjörður (rising 771 m) is only open in summer, making this a special seasonal trip.
Ready for the East Fjords adventure?
Book direct with us and make East Iceland your home base. Free parking, 2 electric vehicle chargers, and a peaceful village of 139 residents.