Region
East Iceland
650 km from Reykjavik
Fljotsdalsherad, East Iceland
Iceland's largest municipality by area, home to Hengifoss waterfall, the country's largest forest, and the Lagarfljot worm legend.
Population
~3,500
East Iceland • Largest municipality
Fljotsdalsherad is a vast municipality stretching from the eastern coastline deep into Iceland's highland interior. Centered on the Lagarfljot lake and river system, it holds several of East Iceland's main natural attractions, from the red-striped cliffs of Hengifoss to Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest forest.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Fljotsdalsherad covers a large area. Allow extra travel time between attractions. Highland roads are only open in summer (typically June-September).
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Official sources to check
Population
~3,500
Iceland's largest municipality by area
Known for
Hengifoss & forests
Lagarfljot worm legend
Top Attractions in Fljotsdalsherad
Hengifoss Waterfall
Iceland's third-tallest waterfall with red clay stripes
Hallormsstadaskogur
Iceland's largest national forest for hiking and camping
Lagarfljot Lake
Glacial lake home to the legendary worm
Litlanesfoss
Basalt column waterfall en route to Hengifoss
Skriduklaustur
Historic monastery ruins and cultural center
Snaefell Mountain
Highest freestanding mountain in Iceland at 1,833m
How to Get to Fljotsdalsherad
From Reykjavik: 7-8 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), or fly to Egilsstadir airport in approximately 1 hour with domestic airlines.
From Seydisfjordur ferry: The Smyril Line ferry from Europe arrives in nearby Seydisfjordur, just 25 km from Egilsstadir.
Best Time to Visit Fljotsdalsherad
Summer: June-August for full access to highland roads, the best hiking conditions, and long daylight hours.
Autumn: September-October brings fall colors in Hallormsstadaskogur, one of the few places in Iceland with real autumn foliage.
Planning help
Fljotsdalsherad FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.