Discovering Iceland's Untamed Eastfjords: A Journey Beyond the Crowds
While Iceland's popularity as a travel destination continues to rise, with iconic sites like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle drawing significant crowds, a growing number of travelers are seeking a more authentic and less congested experience. This shift in preference has led to the discovery of Iceland's hidden gems, and among them, the Eastfjords stand out as a region of unparalleled natural beauty and tranquility.
The Eastfjords offer a stark contrast to the bustling tourist hotspots, providing a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with nature amidst dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. This remote region, stretching nearly 121 kilometers along the coastline from Borgarfjörður Eystri in the north to Berufjörður in the south, remains one of Iceland's most sparsely populated areas, promising an escape from the ordinary.
Embracing Slow Travel and Untouched Beauty
Forget the crowded bus tours and endless queues. The Eastfjords invite visitors to embrace slow travel, offering ample opportunities for peaceful exploration and solitude. Imagine kayaking along remote fjords like Mjoifjordur and Leirufjörður, where rugged mountains meet lush valleys and pristine waters, creating breathtaking scenes for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Hikers will find themselves captivated by the region's diverse trails, including the majestic Hengifoss Waterfall and the otherworldly Stórurð Boulder Fields. For those seeking a deeper immersion in nature, Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormsstaður Forest, awaits exploration.
Beyond hiking, the Eastfjords offer a wealth of experiences. Relax and rejuvenate in the Vök Baths, natural geothermal pools with floating platforms, or witness the stark beauty of Vestrahorn Mountain and its black sand beaches. A journey further south leads to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can embark on a boat tour amidst colossal icebergs.
A Haven for Wildlife: Puffins and Reindeer
The Eastfjords are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The puffin colonies in Hafnarhólmi, Borgarfjörður Eystri, offer a unique opportunity to observe these charming birds up close. Viewing platforms and boardwalks provide easy access to observe thousands of puffin pairs during nesting season, alongside other seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes. For another unique experience, take a short boat ride from Djúpivogur to Papey Island, where you can spot puffins amidst historical ruins.
Adding to the region's allure, the Eastfjords are home to Iceland's only wild reindeer population. These magnificent creatures can be spotted near Seyðisfjörður, Breiðdalsvík, the eastern part of the Vatnajökull National Park, and around Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the Eastfjords. The best time for reindeer viewing is between October and April.
Other activities in the region include horseback riding, sea angling, and even ice cave tours, catering to a wide range of interests.
Community-Led Tourism: A Sustainable Approach
East Iceland, particularly the Eastfjords, embodies a community-led approach to tourism, rooted in a deep appreciation for the region's natural and cultural assets. This approach encourages travelers to extend their stay and explore the region throughout the year, moving beyond the typical summer rush.
Local stakeholders collaborate to attract visitors, highlighting lesser-known attractions and extending the tourist season into autumn and winter. The region boasts a diverse range of accommodations, from gourmet local restaurants and beautiful hotels to cozy hostels, guesthouses, and farm stays. A wide array of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, jeep tours, rib safaris, and kayaking, ensure there's something for everyone.
Charming Fishing Villages and Untouched Wilderness
The Eastfjords are dotted with charming fishing villages nestled in picturesque fjords. Seyðisfjörður, known for its colorful wooden houses, thriving art scene, and numerous hiking trails, is a prime example. The village has implemented restrictions against fish farming to protect its stunning environment and has focused on preserving historic buildings, maintaining its unique heritage character. Don't miss the rainbow street leading to the iconic Blue Church, craft shops selling hand-knitted Icelandic sweaters, and the local pub, Kaffi Lara, where you can sample El Grillo, a locally brewed beer.
Stöðvarfjörður offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Eastfjords and boasts a rich Viking history.
For those seeking ultimate solitude, the remote and now-deserted fjords like Loðmundafjörður, Vöðlavík, Húsavík, and Brúnavík offer untouched wilderness. Rustic hiking cabins, maintained by local Touring Associations, provide ideal accommodations for those seeking to disconnect and experience Iceland in its purest form.
The Eastfjords exemplify how tourism can be sustainable and beneficial for both travelers and locals by prioritizing quality over quantity, supporting local businesses, and protecting local communities and nature.
Sustainable Stays and Local Flavors
The Eastfjords are home to several sustainable, family-owned guesthouses, farms, and heritage hotels. Vallanes Organic Farm, located just outside Egilsstaðir, is a pioneer in biodiversity and regenerative agriculture. Guests can stay in beautifully designed eco-apartments and tiny houses, built from local wood and powered by renewable energy. Breakfasts feature organic produce from the farm, and visitors are invited to explore the gardens and learn about the farm's sustainable practices.
Other family-owned stays include Skorrahestar, a farm stay in Nordfjörður, where guests can hike, ride horses, and participate in farm activities, and Mjóeyri in Reyðarfjörður, offering various tours, cottages, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
Hotel Breiddalsvik offers a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace, Finnish-style sauna, local cuisine, Northern Lights wake-up calls, and easy access to waterfalls. For a unique heritage experience, choose Fosshotel Eastfjords in Fáskrúðsfjörður, housed in historic French fishing buildings and a restored French hospital, featuring beautifully restored rooms with vintage interiors and a museum about the area's French fishing history.
Throughout the Eastfjords, indulge in delicious local cuisine, including Icelandic lamb, known for its distinctive flavor from grazing on herb-dotted mountain slopes, as well as reindeer meat and fresh cod.
No comments:
Post a Comment