Lake Lagarfljot (Lagarfljót)
Lake Lagarfljot (Lagarfljót)
Lagarfljot has the interesting distinction of being both a lake and a river. With a surface of 53 sq km and 25km in length, this is Iceland's third largest lake.
Its milky water carries a suspension of glacial sediment from meltwater draining from the northern edge of Iceland's largest icecap. In fact, the river is so sediment-laden it is gradually silting up the southern end of the lake.
The 112m deep ribbon lake was formed in a glacially-scoured valley when glaciers retreated at the end of the last cold phase of the Ice Age.
With no chance of seeing the lake bottom, it is unsurprising that mythical monsters are believed to dwell there, the most famous being the Worm (serpent) of Lagarfljot.
With bridges in three locations, it is practicable to plan a drive around the lake, taking in the Hallormsstadur forest, Hengifoss waterfall, Vatnajokull National Park Visitor Centre and Skriduklaustur Cultural Centre.