Lagarfljót
Austurland
Lagarfljót, located in the Austurland region of Iceland, is a unique river-lake system flowing through the Fljótsdalur valley into the Héraðsflói bay. It is fed primarily by the glacial river Jökulsá í Fljótsdal, originating from the Eyjabakkajökull glacier. The system consists of a series of connected lakes, with the largest called Lögurinn, stretching about 25 kilometers in length and up to 2.5 kilometers wide, covering 53 square kilometers. It is the third largest and sixth deepest lake in Iceland, reaching depths of up to 112 meters. The river system spans approximately 92 kilometers, or 140 kilometers including Jökulsá í Fljótsdal. The area around Lagarfljót includes settlements such as Egilsstaðir, Fellabær, Hallormsstaður, and Eiðar. A notable feature is the bridge on the Ring Road crossing Lagarfljót near Egilsstaðir, which was Iceland's longest bridge from 1958 to 1973. The hydrology of Lagarfljót has been significantly affected by the Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric project, which involved damming Jökulsá á Dal and diverting water flows, impacting the river's flow, sediment, and temperature. Lagarfljót is also culturally famous for the legend of the Lagarfljót Worm, a mythical water serpent said to inhabit the lake. The lake's natural beauty and folklore make it a captivating destination in East Iceland.
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Tip: The best time to visit Lagarfljót is during the summer months when the weather is milder and daylight hours are long. Visitors should consider exploring the nearby town of Egilsstaðir and enjoy the scenic views from the Ring Road bridge. While there are no entry fees, it is advisable to check local conditions and accessibility, especially in winter. No specific ticket reservations are needed. Discounts or special arrangements are generally not applicable as this is a natural site.
Interesting facts
- •Lagarfljót is the third largest and sixth deepest lake in Iceland by surface area and volume.
- •The Ring Road bridge over Lagarfljót was the longest bridge in Iceland from 1958 until 1973.
- •The lake is home to the legendary Lagarfljót Worm, a mythical serpent said to inhabit its waters.
- •The Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric project significantly altered the flow and ecology of the river system feeding Lagarfljót.
History
Lagarfljót has been shaped over centuries by glacial and riverine processes, with the Jökulsá í Fljótsdal glacier river feeding into it.
The area has historically been important for local settlements due to its water resources.
In 1958, the construction of a 301-meter-long bridge on the Ring Road marked a significant infrastructure milestone, making it the longest bridge in Iceland until 1973.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw major hydrological changes due to the Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric project, which altered water flow and ecology by damming Jökulsá á Dal and diverting water into Lagarfljót.
This development has had lasting impacts on the river's characteristics and surrounding environment.
