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
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 last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
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.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
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
Iceland's third-tallest waterfall at 128 meters, 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
A restored medieval monastery site and museum dedicated to 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 Routes 1 and 931, passing forest, farmland, and waterfall viewpoints along a 70 km route.
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.
Planning help
Lagarfljót FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.