Egilsstadir Airport Mini Guide
What can you tell me about Egilsstadir?
Egilsstadir is a tiny but fascinating town in the east of Iceland. Quite remote, even by Icelandic standards, the 2,200 inhabitants live in an idyllic world of mountains, lakes and forests. The lake even has its own mythical monster called the Largafljotsormurinn and is thought to be along the lines of the Loch Ness Monster. Iceland’s highest waterfall at over 380ft, Hengifoss, drops into the lake.
Hallormsstadarskogur, nearby, is the largest forest in Iceland. One of Iceland’s best authors, Gunnar Gunnarson lived nearby and his mansion, a delightful tribute to the man and his works can be visited. Finally, if you’ve hired a car, the road known as Oxi which takes you to Djupavogur is an incredibly scenic one and well worth the hour and a half it takes to drive.
How do I get to Egilsstadir?
Egilsstadir has its own tiny airport set in shrubby fields close to the village. There is no public transport into the town but passengers either arrange to be collected from the airport before flying, telephone for a taxi or arrange for a hire car to be ready for them. The only flights there are the daily Air Iceland flight from
Reykjavik. The airport is actively looking to add flights in response to the town’s authorities’ plans to build on the tourism potential of Egilsstadir.
What is the airport Like?
The former runway which was made from grass is now covered in crops of barley during the summer months. In 1993 a new runway was created and the terminal was enlarged in 1987 and again in 1999. The new arrivals hall was opened four years ago in response to growing traffic to the area. It has now added 50% capacity to the terminal building meaning less of a squash for passengers whilst arrivals and departures are now separated, improving security arrangements. The airport is arranged on two levels with check in and baggage reclaim on the ground floor with the first floor hosting offices and the airport’s cafeteria.
What can I expect when I land at Egilsstadir Airport?
The approach to the airport is spectacular and has been carefully planned to account for the difficult terrain - it’s not unusual for passengers to applaud the captain and crew upon a safe landing! As you’d expect, you’ll have to come off the plane via steps and walk to the terminal but surprisingly for an airport of its size, the arrivals procedure is well organised. There are no passport checks so you may have a little wait before your baggage makes it to the carousel.
If you need any help, you must ask the airport personnel as there’s not enough room for an information point. The single car hire desk sorts out your vehicle very quickly as most people arriving here are locals or visiting family and friends. You will need to wait until you get into the town for banking facilities.
Departing Egilsstadir
Check in is very quick and you’ll have plenty of time in the airport. The only shop is a small kiosk but there is a cafeteria upstairs if you want food. It’s a good place to while away the time with great views out over the countryside.