Egilsstadir, Iceland 🇮🇸
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Egilsstadir is the hub of East Iceland and serves as the gateway to the stunning natural landscapes of the region. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps, suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 150 ISK; Major banks include Landsbankinn and Arion Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, sourced from surrounding mountains, known for its purity. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type F sockets commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Síminn, Vodafone, and Nova. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; transfer services like TransferWise too. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and local hotels like Hótel Egilsstaðir. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely across stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Vök baths and Egilsstaðir Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | East Iceland Coworking Space, offering desks and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaffi Egilsstöðum, known for its good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups hosted at local community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like Expats in East Iceland facilitate socializing. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services; no widespread ride-hailing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Stuttarshorn Beach, about 10 minutes drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Iceland Connect offers flights to Reykjavík. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Icelandair connects through Reykjavík. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 1 (Ring Road) is easily accessible. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Egilsstadir does not have a train station; bus services connect to major towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Available for local buses, but not widely used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by Strætó connect to nearby towns and regions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | East Iceland Hospital (Egilsstaðaskjól) provides healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local yoga classes at various community centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Egilsstadir Gym offers fitness and wellness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromat available in town. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local takeaway options; Ísland Pizzas provides home delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try lamb soup (kjötsúpa), a traditional Icelandic dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Edda offers vegetarian-friendly menu options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sandholt Bakery known for its pastries and bread. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local grocery store Krónan for budget food shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping available through Icelandic sites like Heimkaup. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local shops offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars like Egilsstaðir Bar serve a selection of drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Egilsstaðir Microbrewery offers locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; you can find wine in regular supermarkets. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks offering local snacks in summer. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and Asian restaurants are available in town. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the East Iceland Heritage Museum to learn about the local history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Egilsstaðir Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Stone Age Ruins near Egilsstadir. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The East Iceland Church is open for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Egilsstadir Music Festival held every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore local crafts at markets during the summer months. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Community theater hosts regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly market in town for fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Small live music events at local cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found near the town center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking workshops focusing on traditional Icelandic dishes available. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Ongoing exhibits in local community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the historic church of Egilsstaðir. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditions and folklore preserved in regional storytelling. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Skaftafell National Park provides stunning hikes and views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Vatnajökull National Park is a short drive away, famous for glaciers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails along the river and surrounding hills. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | There are picturesque viewpoints around Lake Lagarfljót. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Silfurberg Nature Reserve is popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated sites near rivers allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Available services include Iceland Post and DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can assist with computers and smartphones. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Learning Icelandic classes offered at local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Egilsstaðir Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural activities held at the local community center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; cafes provide some gaming spaces. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available in Egilsstadir; gambling is rare. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Any dividends are taxed at 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Iceland uses a worldwide income tax basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 46.24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 24%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply in Iceland. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value applies. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 0.5% of the purchase price. |