Legend
Lake Serpent
Home to the Lagarfljótsormurinn, first documented in 1345.
Lagarfljót: Lake of the Serpent Legend in East Iceland
A long, narrow glacial lake in East Iceland stretching 25 km near the town of Egilsstaðir. Famous for the legendary Lagarfljótsormurinn lake serpent and bordered by Iceland's largest forest.
Location
East Iceland
25 km long · Max depth 112 m · Near Egilsstaðir
Quick Answer
Lagarfljót is a 25 km glacial lake near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, up to 112 m deep, tied to the Lagarfljótsormurinn legend and Iceland's largest forest.
Lagarfljót is a glacial lake fed by meltwater from Vatnajökull, giving it a distinctive murky blue-green color. The lake has been a central feature of East Iceland for centuries, both as a vital waterway and as the home of one of Iceland's most enduring legends: the Lagarfljótsormurinn, a serpent-like creature first described in medieval manuscripts. The surrounding area holds some scenery unusual for Iceland, including Hallormsstaðaskógur, the country's largest forest, and Hengifoss waterfall with its red clay stripes.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-09
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
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Official sources to check
Nature
Largest Forest
Hallormsstaðaskógur on the eastern shore is Iceland's largest national forest.
Access
Year-Round
On Route 1 at Egilsstaðir, East Iceland's main town with airport.
What to Expect
Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
Iceland's largest national forest covers the eastern shore with birch, larch, and spruce. Walking trails, camping, and picnic areas sit in a rare stretch of real woodland.
Hengifoss Waterfall
a tall waterfall, with red clay stripes in the surrounding basalt cliffs. A 2.5 km uphill hike from the road.
Lagarfljótsormurinn Legend
Keep an eye on the murky waters for the legendary lake serpent. Information boards around the lake share the centuries-old folklore and reported sightings.
Skriðuklaustur Cultural Center
An archaeological monastery site and a cultural centre associated with author Gunnar Gunnarsson, set on the lake's western shore with a cafe serving traditional food.
Litlanesfoss Waterfall
En route to Hengifoss, pass this waterfall framed by tall hexagonal basalt columns.
Lake Loop Drive
Drive the full circuit around the lake on the local lakeside roads, passing forest, farmland, and waterfall viewpoints according to your chosen itinerary.
Getting There
Lagarfljót is located at Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, about 660 km from Reykjavik via Route 1 (the Ring Road). The drive takes approximately 8 hours, so the lake is best visited as part of a multi-day Ring Road trip. Egilsstaðir has a domestic airport with regular flights from Reykjavik (about 1 hour), which skips the long drive. The town provides all services including accommodation, restaurants, fuel, and a supermarket. The lake is visible from the town center.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit Lagarfljót, with the warmest weather, full daylight, and all hiking trails and forest paths accessible. The Hengifoss trail is best in dry conditions. Autumn (September to October) brings fall colors to Hallormsstaðaskógur, one of the few places in Iceland with true autumn foliage. Winter has northern lights and few visitors, though some trails may be snow-covered. The lake and main roads are accessible year-round.
Lögurinn is the lake within Lagarfljót
Visit Austurland uses Lagarfljót for a larger river-and-lake system, and Lögurinn for its largest lake section between Fljótsdalur and the bridge near Egilsstaðir. This distinction explains why descriptions of “Lagarfljót” can give very different lengths.
For a lake day, choose stops on the shores of Lögurinn: forest walks, the Hengifoss approach and visits farther into Fljótsdalur. Plot those stops individually; the Ring Road does not provide a complete circuit around the lake.
Planning help
Lagarfljót FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the Lagarfljótsormurinn?
The Lagarfljótsormurinn (Lagarfljót Worm) is a legendary lake serpent said to inhabit Lagarfljót, comparable to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster. The first written account dates back to 1345. In 2012, a viral video appeared to show a serpent-like creature in the lake, reigniting international interest in the legend.
How long is Lagarfljót?
Lagarfljót stretches approximately 25 km in length and is about 2.5 km at its widest. Despite its narrow shape, it reaches depths of up to 112 meters and is one of Iceland's deepest lakes.
What can I do around Lagarfljót?
Visit Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland's largest national forest, on the east shore. Explore the Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls nearby. The town of Egilsstaðir on the northern end has full services. The lake also connects to good hiking trails and the Skriðuklaustur cultural center.
Can you drive around Lagarfljót?
Yes, you can drive a loop around the lake. Use a current map to connect your chosen stops; do not assume Route 1 follows the western shore. Allow separate time for walks and visits.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.