Visiting The Wilderness Center, in Fljótsdalur valley,  is an adventure. As soon as guests park their cars and cross the old wooden bridge at the center, they step into the past.  Every detail at the premises has been remade in the original style to make the visitor feel as if taking part in an adventure of the past. The buildings, interior decorations, food, activities and hosts all play a vital role in this experience.

Sleep in a unique environment, enjoy old-fashioned hospitality and country fare, relax in a hot pool and gaze at the auroras and stars. Experience a visually stunning award-winning exhibition where you can walk into the adventures of the Icelandic wilderness and be touched by the dramatic struggle between the forces of nature and the Icelander´s fight to survive. Go hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and hunting, and travel across a roaring glacial river in a tiny, hand-powered cable-car. Adventures are aplenty and the tranquillity absolute. You may never want to leave.

The Wilderness Center offer various day tours, escorted tours (2-6 days)  and tailor-made tours.

Ten ideas for recreation in East Iceland:

1. Walk up to Hengifoss, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country, which tumbles down extraordinary striped cliffs.
2. Visit the Wilderness Center further up in Fljótsdalur and learn about outlaws in the highland and the challenges faced by past residents in an award-winning exhibition.
3. Explore Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest, which has surprisingly tall trees and idyllic lakeside campsites. Look out for the famous Lagarfljót wyrm monster.
4. Stuðlagil canyon in Jökuldalur valley has proven a big hit on Instagram with its distinct basalt columns and striking blue river – it used to be a gushing glacial river hiding the rock formations.
5. Another new attraction in the east is Vök Baths, unique floating geothermal pools in Urriðavatn lake near Egilsstaðir. Take a dip in the cold lake, too, if you dare. You can also try the hot springs in Laugarfell on the way to Mt. Snæfell.
6. Try the unique craft beers brewed by Austri in Egilsstaðir and Beljandi in Breiðdalsvík.
7. Go on a tour searching for herds of wild reindeer and learn more about these resilient creatures at the East Iceland Heritage Museum in Egilsstadir town.
8. Snæfellsstofa is a visitor centre with a fun and informative exhibition about Vatnajökull National Park. It also serves as an information center and is located at Skriðuklaustur.
9. Delight in the organic homegrown grain and vegetables produced at Vallanes and the authentic Icelandic skyr made at Fjóshornið, cowshed café in Egilsstaðir.
10. If you are visiting in the summer, don’t miss out on a dinner at Norð Austur Sushi & Bar in Seyðisfjörður, which serves fresh local fish and locally grown wasabi.

Find more information about these destinations and tips on www.east.is