Lagarfljot is a large lake by the town of Egilsstadir in East Iceland, set in a narrow glacial trough. It is one of Iceland's deepest lakes, reaching about 112 metres deep. The lake is also tied to folklore about the Lagarfljot Worm, with recorded sightings going back to 1345.
What and where Lagarfljot is
Lagarfljot is a large lake by the town of Egilsstadir in East Iceland. It sits in a narrow glacial trough, with Hallormsstadur forest along its eastern bank.
A deep glacial lake
Lagarfljot is one of Iceland's deepest lakes, reaching about 112 metres deep.
The Lagarfljot Worm
In folklore, the lake is home to the Lagarfljotsormur, a serpent-like creature often compared to the Loch Ness monster. The story tells of a heath-worm laid on gold that grew huge, was thrown into the lake, and kept growing there.
Centuries of sightings
The oldest recorded sighting dates to 1345, and reports have continued into modern times.
Seeing Lagarfljot in East Iceland
Lagarfljot is by Egilsstadir in East Iceland. To compare options in the area, see East Iceland tours.
Map the drive
Use the Driving Distance Calculator to see how Lagarfljot: lake and worm in East Iceland fits with the other places on your route.
