Eyvindará

Background

History & Background

Eyvindará has both natural and documented cultural significance. The river flows through the Hérað landscape near Egilsstaðir and is closely associated with local outdoor recreation. Visit Austurland records a local tradition that the burial mound of Helgi Droplaugarson lies in the land of Eyvindará, and protected ruins nearby are thought to relate to an old farmstead. These documented traditions replace the unsupported claims about elves, trolls and hidden spirits that previously appeared in the record.

Eyvindará is a broad, scenic river near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland. It is formed by tributaries flowing from the Fagridalur, Gagnheiði and Fjarðarheiði areas before winding across the lowlands of Hérað and eventually joining Lagarfljót. Visit Austurland describes Eyvindará as one of the natural gems around Egilsstaðir and a popular local outdoor area. The river corridor lies beside Selskógur, where paths and wooded surroundings make the area useful for walking and informal recreation. In warm summer weather local young people have also traditionally used parts of the river for swimming and diving, although visitors should always judge water conditions carefully. The area also has a historical and saga connection. Local tradition places the burial mound of Helgi Droplaugarson in the land of Eyvindará, and protected ruins in the area are believed to be associated with the old farmstead. These cultural elements are part of the wider Eyvindará landscape rather than evidence for invented hidden-people stories. For visitors, Eyvindará works best as an easy nature stop close to Egilsstaðir, especially when combined with Selskógur or other nearby walks.