Even though Egilsstadir is a very young urban center, it has grown by leaps and bounds to become the largest city in eastern Iceland. An interesting historic point for visitors is Skriouklaustur, the home of writer Gunnar Gunnarsson. More history can be found at the East Iceland Heritage Museum, officially called Minjasafn Austurlands.
The Museum has approximately 10,000 objects in its collection that are focused primarily on everyday objects used by eastern Icelanders over the past few centuries. One of the most fun attractions of Egilsstadir though is the beautiful Lagarfljó Lake which is supplied by the Lagarfljó River that flows through it.
The locals of the area believe the Lake is the home of a worm-like monster called Lagarfljotsormurinn similar to the monster of Loch Ness. Next to the Lake is one of the country's highest waterfalls called Hengifoss which has a smaller waterfall named Litlanesfoss just below it.
