The Official Tourist Guide - East Iceland

40
NATURE HIGHLIGTS
⌘ Laugarvalladalur A few kilometers north
from Kárahnjúkar is Laugarvalladalur, a grassy
valley where steam rises from hot pools that give
the valley its name. There travellers enjoy bathing
in the warm brook at an old farmhouse site. The
small warm brook cascades from a cliff in a small
waterfall making a natural shower only perfect
for bathing. The remote valley was only inhabited
for a few years as the site of a great tragedy at
the beginning of the 20th century.
⌘ Selskógur, the village woods east of Egilsstaðir
contain mainly birch but also numerous rowans.
Woodchip trails of varying length invite one to
stroll through the peaceful surroundings. There ia
a playground in the forest. A nice way to enjoy
an arctic woodland.
⌘ Fardagafoss waterfall is situated near where the
road starts climbing on the way to Seyðisfjörður
some 5 km from Egilsstaðir. From the parking
area there is a short walk to the waterfall. On
your way you can enjoy the beautiful gorge and
view over the whole of Hérað. Don’t forget the
shallow cave behind the fall, make a wish and
search for the hidden pot of gold.
⌘ Eiðar used to be one of its locality’s most
important farms and church. The agricultural
school founded here in 1883. The dormitories
formerly occupied by the pupils are used as
a summer hotel, and efforts are being made
to develop a centre for arts and culture here.
Around Eiðar are attractive trails towards