Iceland review - 2015, Qupperneq 85

ICELAND REVIEW 83
Iceland project manager María Hjálmarsdóttir specifically men-
tions the abundant mountains, forests and the ever-present high-
lands: “Anyone who likes hiking, outdoor adventures or simply just
filling their lungs with unbelievably fresh air will love a visit to the
east,” she says.
WHERE EVERYONE IS A STORYTELLER
More than just landscape, a region is really characterized by its
people, and the people of East Iceland will not disappoint. Centu-
ries of living in small fishing villages have left the locals with a rich
culture of storytelling and vivid local folklore to go with it.
Easterners are famous for their hospitality; welcoming friends
and strangers alike with open arms and hearty meals of fresh local
ingredients. East Iceland boast all the fresh fish you’d expect, but
is also the place to go for fresh langoustine, also known as Norway
lobster. Combine this with lamb, local dairy and fresh wild herbs
and vegetables and you begin to understand the region’s gastro-
nomic prowess as well.
THE PERFECT PLACE TO RECHARGE
Having covered the landscape and the people, what else is there?
The animals, of course! East Iceland is home to one of Northern
Europe’s most iconic creatures: reindeer. These iconic creatures of
the far north were introduced to Iceland in the late 18th century
and can only be found in the east of the country, where they freely
roam highland pastures and live as wild beasts.
The untamed landscape of East Iceland is also home to Arctic
foxes, countless sheep and horses, puffins, and an unending array
of other birdlife. All those steep-sided, sheltered fjords provide
unbeatable habitat for millions of seabirds, while the water and
shores are alive with ducks, geese and waders.
THE BEST-KEPT SECRET
While East Iceland is proud of being off-the-beaten-track, the
people don’t mind one little bit that their region is actually
pretty easy to get to. There are flights several times a day from
Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir, Húsavík and Höfn í Hornafirði, with
Egilsstaðir being one of Iceland’s only four international airports.
Talking of international connections, the East Iceland town of
Seyðisfjörður is the only international ferry port in Iceland, with
weekly sailings to mainland Europe and the Faroe Islands. So why
not explore the region in your own car?
Those arriving from the west of Iceland will find the paved road
a joy and journey times from Reykjavík to Höfn are just five hours
or a little longer by bus.
east.is
PEACEFUL EAST
THE PEACEFUL EAST
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Egilsstaðir camping ground.
Neskaupstaður swimming pool.