Iceland's rugged east is more accessible than ever thanks to new direct flights... and with hobbit homes and fabulous food, it makes for a perfect family adventure

New direct flights have launched from Gatwick to Egilsstadir, the biggest town in east Iceland, so accessing this area is now much easier. 


Its delights include the 'elves castle' and hobbit homes of Borgarfjörður Eystri (top left), fantastic food and achingly beautiful landscapes. Views are staggering, with vast plains, jutting mountains, and so many waterfalls the hills resemble colanders, says MailOnline Travel's Rachel Shields. The main and top right pictures show Seydisfjordur, a pretty town in east Iceland that's clustered at the end of a huge fjord. Pictured bottom left is the Godafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland that Rachel gazed upon. Bottom right are the Myvatn nature baths - a fairly tourist-free geothermal spa that's 'perfect for soothing tired muscles'.