Eastern Region (Iceland)

Eastern Region (Icelandic: Austurland, Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈœystʏrˌlant] ) is a region in eastern Iceland. Its area is 22,721 square kilometres (8,773 sq mi) and in 2020 its population was 13,173. The Eastern Region has a jagged coastline of fjords, referred to as the Eastfjords (Austfirðir [ˈœystˌfɪrðɪr̥]).

Austurland
Eastern Region
The Austurland area
The Austurland area
CountryIceland
SeatEgilsstaðir
Area
 • Total
22,721 km2 (8,773 sq mi)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
13,173
 • Density0.6/km2 (2/sq mi)
Websitehttps://www.east.is/

The largest town in the region is Egilsstaðir, with a population of around 2,600. The oldest municipality is Djúpivogur, which got their trading licence in 1589 and had a population of 470 in 2015.

The only car and passenger ferry that sails between Iceland and the European continent calls at Seyðisfjörður once a week except in the winter season.

The region is home to the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant. Among notable tourist destinations are the Helgustaðir mine, which is known for its Iceland spar, and Stuðlagil.

See also

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65°17′N 14°23′W / 65.283°N 14.383°W / 65.283; -14.383