Region
East Iceland
650 km from Reykjavik
Fljotsdalsherad, East Iceland
A former municipality now within Múlaþing, and a name you may still find in older East Iceland guides.
Current municipality
Múlaþing
East Iceland • Former municipality
Fljótsdalshérað became part of Múlaþing in 2020. Use this page as a starting point for the wider area around Egilsstaðir and Lagarfljót, rather than as a map of one current municipality. Nearby attractions can lie across municipal boundaries.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The regional name covers scattered destinations. Choose a specific trailhead and check current road access before setting out.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Current municipality
Múlaþing
Former municipality; part of Múlaþing since 2020
Known for
Hengifoss & forests
Lagarfljot worm legend
Attractions around Egilsstaðir and Lagarfljót
Hengifoss Waterfall
Waterfall with red clay layers in the cliff
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 brings long daylight for walking. Check individual highland roads and trails for opening and conditions.
Autumn: September-October brings changing colors in Hallormsstadaskogur; daylight and weather still determine how much walking to plan.
Minjasafn Austurlands 80 ára (source checked 2026-09-09)
Use the regional name to find walks
Múlaþing’s municipal history identifies four predecessors in the 2020 merger: Fljotsdalsherad, Borgarfjardarhreppur, Djupavogshreppur and Seydisfjardarkaupstadur. That explains why the current municipal website also covers coastal towns well beyond the inland area you may have intended to visit. For a lakeside trip, search for the individual destination around Egilsstadir and Lagarfljot.
The older name remains useful in Perlur Fljotsdalsherads, or the Pearls of Fljotsdalsherad: a collection of 30 walks selected by the local touring association across Herad, Jokuldalur and Fljotsdalur. The municipal overview names very different outings, including Hengifoss waterfall, Storurd’s boulder field below Dyrfjoll, Skumhottur mountain and Stapavik’s former landing place. It is a list of separate walks, not one continuous trail.
Choose the landscape first, then check that walk’s trailhead, distance and current access with Ferdafelag Fljotsdalsherads. A broad regional attractions list cannot tell you whether a mountain walk fits the same afternoon as a forest stop. The municipal overview’s older stamp-card scheme is another detail to confirm with the association before planning around it.
Planning help
Fljotsdalsherad FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Fljotsdalsherad?
Fljótsdalshérað joined the municipality of Múlaþing in 2020. A historical population for Fljótsdalshérað must not be presented as the current population of Múlaþing; specify the year and boundary when comparing figures.
What is Fljotsdalsherad?
Fljótsdalshérað is a former municipality in East Iceland that became part of Múlaþing in 2020. Historical names and present municipal boundaries are not interchangeable.
What is the Lagarfljot worm?
Lagarfljot lake is said to harbor Iceland's version of the Loch Ness Monster, with sightings dating back to 1345.
Is Hengifoss in Fljotsdalsherad?
Hengifoss is a nearby Lagarfljót-area destination. Do not infer its municipal boundary from this regional travel guide; use the dedicated waterfall guide for planning the walk.
What is Hallormsstadaskogur?
Hallormsstadaskogur is Iceland's largest forest, covering about 740 hectares along Lagarfljot lake, popular for camping and hiking.
How far is it from Reykjavik?
Egilsstadir, the main town, is about 650 km from Reykjavik, roughly 7-8 hours by car or a 1-hour domestic flight.
What outdoor activities are available?
Hiking to Hengifoss, walks in the forest, kayaking on Lagarfljot, and highland trips to Snaefell and Vatnajokull.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer offers longer daylight for walking. Check each road and trail separately; autumn brings changing woodland colors.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.