The Legendary Lake Lagarfljót
Tucked into the east coast of Iceland, Lagarfljót Lake is a 112m deep lake that is home to an eerie underwater creature. If you are planning a trip around Iceland's ring road, make sure you stop and dive into the folklore that surrounds this lake.
For a place to stay nearby, discover Fosshotel Eastfjords, conveniently located in East Iceland and boasting phenomenal views across the fjords. A perfect place to unwind and refuel.
About Lake Lagarfljót
If you are visiting the east of Iceland, you are guaranteed to stumble upon Lagarfljót. The largest town in East Iceland, Egilsstaðir, is located on the bank of the lake and boasts incredible views across the water. The lake water is supplied by the surrounding glacier, which gives it a grey colour.
Lagarfljót Lake is not particularly wide, only 2.5 km across, which means it is sometimes mistaken for a river by travellers passing by. However, this lake is popular with people embracing the natural calming atmosphere, fishing on the banks, and, most importantly, searching for the infamous Lagarfljót worm.
Lagarfljót Lake Monster
Embedded deep in Icelandic legend, Lagarfljótsormur (Lagarfljót worm) is a sea monster said to live in the waters of this hidden lake, dating back to 1345. According to local folklore, the waters in the east of Iceland are home to what locals believe is the cousin of the Loch Ness monster. Although no one has been able to prove the existence of Lagarfljótsormur, the legend has become a popular tourist attraction in the region, inspiring works of art and literature and capturing the minds of visitors and locals alike.
Sightings of the alleged giant worm seem to have continued, with the head of the Icelandic national forest reporting a sighting in 1963. In 2012, a video emerged showing what some believe to be a serpent-like shape swimming in the water. The popularity of the myth has led to the creation of sculptures of the Lagarfljót worm around the lake, pinpointing locations where the monster has been reportedly seen from. Visitors can explore the area to see the sculptures and immerse themselves in the legend of Lagarfljótsormur.
Sites nearby
Hallormsstaður forest - Iceland's largest national forest holds some of the most beautiful hiking trails and showcases the success of reforestation projects in Iceland. During June, Hallormsstaðaskógur hosts a fantastic Forest day filled with competitions and music.
Hengifoss - Hengifoss is a popular hiking trail to Iceland's third-largest waterfall, fed by the river Hengifossá. The rock behind the waterfall has captured the interest of geologists as it has red layers within the dark rock.
Litlanesfoss - Litlanesfoss is an impressive two-tiered waterfall located on the trail towards Hengifoss. However, the waterfall has a completely unique geological feature: basalt columns.
If you're heading north from the legendary Lake Lagarfljót on the ring road, discover 10 things to do in Northeast Iceland.