east-iceland · Iceland
Djúpivogur Village & Eggin í Gleðivík
Djúpivogur is a small fishing village on Iceland's east coast, known for its colourful harbour and the famous Eggin í Gleðivík egg sculpture sculpture walk — 34 large granite eggs representing bird species found in the area, placed along the shoreline.
About Djúpivogur Village & Eggin í Gleðivík
Djúpivogur is a small fishing village on Iceland's east coast, known for its colourful harbour and the famous Eggin í Gleðivík egg sculpture sculpture walk — 34 large granite eggs representing bird species found in the area, placed along the shoreline.
History & Background
The town's most distinctive feature is the Eggin í Gleðivík sculpture walk — 34 large stone eggs placed along the shore, each polished from a different stone type and representing a bird species native to the area. The walk takes about 20 minutes to complete and is accessible year-round at no charge. Djúpivogur also has a small harbour, a hotel, and a museum with exhibits on the area's natural and cultural history. The nearby mountain Búlandstindur is a popular hiking destination with exceptional panoramic views over the fjord and ocean.
Did You Know?
- ✔Population: ~400
- ✔34 bird-egg sculptures along harbour
- ✔Art installation by Sigurður Guðmundsson, 2009
- ✔Near pyramid-shaped Búlandstindur mountain
- ✔Free to visit year-round
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Book NowAbout Djúpivogur Village & Eggin í Gleðivík
Djúpivogur is a small town of about 400 residents on the shores of Berufjörður in East Iceland. Surrounded by dramatic mountains including the pyramid-shaped Búlandstindur, the town serves as a base for exploring the southern part of East Iceland and the Eastfjords. The town's most distinctive feature is the Eggin í Gleðivík sculpture walk — 34 large stone eggs placed along the shore, each polished from a different stone type and representing a bird species native to the area. The walk takes about 20 minutes to complete and is accessible year-round at no charge. Djúpivogur also has a small harbour, a hotel, and a museum with exhibits on the area's natural and cultural history. The nearby mountain Búlandstindur is a popular hiking destination with exceptional panoramic views over the fjord and ocean.
History & Background
The town's most distinctive feature is the Eggin í Gleðivík sculpture walk — 34 large stone eggs placed along the shore, each polished from a different stone type and representing a bird species native to the area. The walk takes about 20 minutes to complete and is accessible year-round at no charge. Djúpivogur also has a small harbour, a hotel, and a museum with exhibits on the area's natural and cultural history. The nearby mountain Búlandstindur is a popular hiking destination with exceptional panoramic views over the fjord and ocean.
Story & Folklore
In 2009, artist Sigurður Guðmundsson created Eggin í Gleðivík — The Eggs in Joy Bay — placing 34 oversized stone eggs along the harbour walk of Djúpivogur. Each egg represents a species of bird that lives or nests in the Berufjörður area. The installation has given this quiet fishing village a unique artistic identity and become one of the most photographed locations in East Iceland.
Visitor Information
Best Time
Summer (June-August) for the best conditions
Duration
1-2 hours
Access
Check specific attraction for access details.
Why Visit
Walk among 34 giant stone bird eggs in a unique outdoor sculpture installation beside a beautiful East Iceland harbour.
Did You Know?
Each of the 34 eggs in Djúpivogur is made from a different type of stone — and each one represents a real bird species that lives in the area.
The Elves of the Eastern Fjords
The steep mountains and narrow fjords of East Iceland are considered one of the most enchanted regions of the country. Local tradition holds that entire communities of elves (álfar) live inside the mountains, with their own towns, churches, and social structures mirroring human society. Fishermen in eastern fjord villages have long reported seeing lights in the mountainsides on dark winter nights — the windows of elf houses, they say. Some families maintain that their ancestors had regular contact with the elf-folk, trading goods and sharing knowledge. The belief is so persistent that construction projects in the region still sometimes account for known elf dwellings.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Best Time of Day
Visit Djúpivogur Village & Eggin í Gleðivík during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for the most beautiful light.
Iceland's low-angle sunlight creates long shadows and warm colors that transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones.
Local Knowledge
Ask locals for their favorite nearby spots — Icelanders are friendly and love sharing recommendations.
The best experiences often come from local tips about lesser-known viewpoints, cafés, or hidden natural features.
Weather Changes
Don't leave if the weather is bad — wait 15 minutes and it often changes dramatically.
Iceland's rapidly changing weather can transform a gray scene into a spectacular display of light and clouds in minutes.
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer (June-August) for the best conditions
Duration
1-2 hours
Access
Check specific attraction for access details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Djúpivogur Village & Eggin í Gleðivík?▾
Check the location on a map app and verify road conditions at road.is. A regular car is sufficient for most paved roads, but a 4x4 may be needed for gravel or highland roads.
Is there an entrance fee?▾
Entry fees vary by site. Many natural attractions in Iceland are free, while museums and organized tours typically charge admission.
When is the best time to visit?▾
Summer (June-August) offers the best weather and longest days. Winter brings possible Northern Lights but shorter daylight hours and potential road closures.