Fljotsdalur & Lagarfljot

We start the tour by driving over a spectacular mountain pass to the town of Egilsstadir. A winding road surrounded by steep mountains, this route was used as one of the filming locations for ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’, as well as closing during a fictional winter storm to give the acclaimed Icelandic crime drama series ‘Trapped’ its name.

Our brief stop at Gufufoss waterfall allows for beautiful views over Seydisfjordur. Translated as steam waterfall, Gufufoss resembles the famous Skogafoss waterfall on the south coast, but with far fewer crowds.

Egilsstadir, the biggest town in East Iceland, is set on the banks of Lake Lagarfljot, Iceland’s third largest lake. It’s rumoured to be home to a monster: Lagarfljotsormurinn (or the Lagerfljot Worm).

The road from Seydisfjordur offers some of the best views of the lake and Fljotsdalur valley. As we drive around the lake, your guide will tell you more about the region and folk tales about the monster.

The area surrounding the lake is particularly scenic, thanks in part to the serene Hallormsstadur forest and the picturesque bay of Atlavik. Furthermore, if you’re lucky you might even see reindeer!

Next, we stop at the nearby Skriduklaustur area. There is plenty to see here: the Cultural Centre housed in a beautiful stone building next to the ruins of an old monastery, the Snaefellsstofa Visitor Centre where you can learn more about Vatnajokull National Park, or grab a coffee and cake at Klausturkaffi cafe.