A view of the lake
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Lagarfljót Lake

4.3
·113 reviews·, Iceland

A vast glacial lake in East Iceland, famed for its legendary serpent and surrounded by dramatic waterfalls and a vibrant forest.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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A view of the lake

Lagarfljót Lake

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast glacial lake in East Iceland, famed for its legendary serpent and surrounded by dramatic waterfalls and a vibrant forest.

4.3
(113 reviews)

"An experience brimming with natural splendor and not to be missed!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Drive Both Sides

To fully appreciate Lagarfljót, drive around the entire lake. Roads are generally good. 🚗

Waterfall Wonders

Don't miss Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss! Hiking trails lead to these stunning falls. :hiking_boot:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 · 116 reviews

Type

River

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lagarfljót Lake Serpent

Lagarfljót Lake Serpent

Legendary lake monster sightings add a layer of mystery to this stunning glacial expanse. Keep an eye out!

Hengifoss Waterfall

Hengifoss Waterfall

Eastern Iceland

Iceland's third-highest waterfall, featuring striking red strata in its basalt cliffs. A must-see natural wonder.

Litlanesfoss Waterfall

Litlanesfoss Waterfall

Near Hengifoss

Known for its dramatic hexagonal basalt columns, creating a unique and picturesque scene.

Hallormsstaður Forest

Hallormsstaður Forest

Eastern shore of Lagarfljót

A beautiful woodland offering a serene escape with colorful trees and walking trails.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Mystery

Lagarfljót Lake is famed for its legendary serpent, but its true magic lies in its stunning glacial beauty. Plan for a scenic drive around its shores, with roads generally in good condition. Don't rush; allow ample time to explore the surrounding natural wonders.

Beyond the Lake

While the lake itself is captivating, the surrounding area offers much more. Factor in time for hikes to the impressive Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls and a stroll through the Hallormsstaður forest. These natural attractions are often highlighted as trip essentials.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
October afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, colorful trees
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Located in the Nordfjord region, this is one of the most insane Gatorade bodies of water I’ve ever seen. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and towering glaciers 360 degrees. I LOVE IT HERE #norwaytiktok #norway #nordfjord #loen #stryn #lodalen #placestogo #glacierlake #norwaytravel #solotravel
@travelingwithtals
94.8K likes • 1M views

Drive Both Sides

To fully appreciate Lagarfljót, drive around the entire lake. Roads are generally good. 🚗

Waterfall Wonders

Don't miss Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss! Hiking trails lead to these stunning falls. :hiking_boot:

reddit.com

A mass of regional resources for planning your first summer adventure in Iceland.

Planning a trip to Iceland is already overwhelming. If you have 3 days or 30, there are endless options for how you spend that time. Wading through social media and blog/vlogspam can be aggravating and very often misleading. Plan the trip *you* want. FOMO can be real, but…

reddit.com

A couple ideas if you're stuck in Egilsstadir on Wednesday like me

Lunch buffet at Klausturkaffi - take road 931 south from town along then across the lake, turn left at the T junction. You'll go by the parking lot for Hengifoss. Klausturkaffi is on the bottom floor of a small museum. The food was good and staff was very pleasent.…

Forest Serenity

Explore Hallormsstaður forest for a peaceful walk amidst colorful trees. :evergreen_tree:

Legendary Lake

Keep an eye out for the Lagarfljót Serpent! The mystery adds to the charm. :mag:

Tips

from all over the internet

Drive Both Sides

To fully appreciate Lagarfljót, drive around the entire lake. Roads are generally good. 🚗

Waterfall Wonders

Don't miss Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss! Hiking trails lead to these stunning falls. :hiking_boot:

Forest Serenity

Explore Hallormsstaður forest for a peaceful walk amidst colorful trees. :evergreen_tree:

Legendary Lake

Keep an eye out for the Lagarfljót Serpent! The mystery adds to the charm. :mag:

Check Location

Google Maps can sometimes be inaccurate; verify your route to avoid private property. :round_pushpin:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(113 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lagarfljót Lake for its stunning glacial beauty, the impressive Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls, and the serene Hallormsstaður forest. The legend of the lake serpent adds a unique charm. Some reviewers noted that Google Maps can sometimes direct to private property, and dining options are more limited directly at the lake compared to nearby Egilsstaðir.

"If you find yourself in the vicinity of Egilsstaðir, make sure to take a drive around the enchanting glacier-fed lake nearby. The roads are in good condition, offering a smooth journey around this natural wonder. A drive on each side of the lake is essential to fully appreciate the area's beauty. Along the way, you'll encounter a serene drive with minimal traffic, allowing you to soak in the sights at your leisure. Don't miss out on the Hallormsstaður forest for a touch of greenery, or the majestic waterfalls of Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss, which are sure to be the highlight of your trip. It's an experience brimming with natural splendor and not to be missed!"

lutz seidemann

"Nice little lake. We did not go around it so I will only review the first 1/4 and a nice little stop we took advantage of to have a little snack.

It's pretty standard, but what stands out are the colors of the trees, from yellow to green.

We went in October and the weather was nice enough to see the whole lake from the side."

Quentin Vaucelle-Auzel

"Private property, google must have the wrong location"

Leona Noble

What People Like

Stunning glacial lake
Impressive waterfalls
Colorful forest

What People Dislike

Inaccurate map directions
Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lagarfljót Lake is located near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland. The most common way to explore it is by car. You can drive around the lake on both sides, with roads generally in good condition, offering a scenic journey. Reddit

Yes, the roads around Lagarfljót Lake are generally well-maintained and offer a smooth driving experience. It's recommended to drive on both sides to get the full perspective of the lake and its surroundings. Reddit

While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging. Public transport options are limited in this region. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and to fully explore the lake and its nearby attractions. Reddit

The best way to experience Lagarfljót Lake is by taking a scenic drive around its perimeter. This allows you to stop at various viewpoints, access hiking trails, and appreciate the diverse landscapes on both shores. Reddit

While generally good, it's always wise to check local road conditions, especially outside of summer. The roads are paved for much of the route, but some sections might be gravel. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to visit Lagarfljót Lake itself. It's a natural attraction, and you can drive around it and access many of its viewpoints and trails freely. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required for Lagarfljót Lake as it's a natural landscape. You can visit at your leisure. Reddit

Lagarfljót Lake is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, daylight hours and weather conditions will significantly impact your experience, especially during winter. Reddit

While the lake itself is free to access, some specific attractions nearby, like certain visitor centers or guided tours if available, might have associated fees. However, the main natural sights are free. Reddit

While the main roads are clear, it's always good to have a map or GPS. Some reviews mention Google Maps directing to private property, so be mindful of your navigation. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Besides the lake itself, don't miss the impressive Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls, and take a walk through the colorful Hallormsstaður forest. The legend of the Lagarfljót Serpent also adds a unique element to the experience. Reddit

Yes, there are several hiking trails, particularly leading to Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls. The Hallormsstaður forest also offers walking paths. Reddit

While the famous serpent is legendary, you can expect to see various bird species around the lake and in the forest. The surrounding landscape is rich in natural beauty. TikTok

Absolutely! The glacial waters, surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and colorful forests provide stunning photographic opportunities. The changing light throughout the day offers diverse scenes. TikTok

Embrace the mystery! While there's no guarantee of spotting the serpent, the legend adds a fun, intriguing element to your visit. Enjoy the stunning scenery and imagine what might lurk beneath the surface. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options are more concentrated in the nearby town of Egilsstaðir. You might find limited services or cafes closer to the lake, especially during peak season. Packing snacks is a good idea. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are many scenic spots along the lake where you can stop and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Remember to pack out all your trash. Reddit

In East Iceland, you'll find traditional Icelandic cuisine, often featuring fresh seafood and lamb. Egilsstaðir will offer the most variety of restaurants. Reddit

The closest major town with grocery stores is Egilsstaðir. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before heading out to explore the lake and its surroundings. Reddit

In Egilsstaðir, you'll likely find more options. Smaller cafes or stops near the lake might have limited choices, so it's best to inquire or be prepared with your own food. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire perimeter offers stunning views. Look for spots with reflections of the mountains in the glacial water, the colorful foliage in Hallormsstaður forest, and the dramatic basalt columns at Litlanesfoss. TikTok

Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical. TikTok

For Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss, consider using a tripod for long exposures to capture the water's movement. The unique basalt columns at Litlanesfoss are also a key feature to frame. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the mountains or distant features. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and sky. TikTok

Use atmospheric conditions like mist or fog to create a sense of mystery. Focus on the vastness of the lake and the surrounding dramatic landscapes to evoke a feeling of the unknown. TikTok

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