Unique rock formations and magnificent waterfalls set a stunning backdrop to Lake Lagarfljót. The lake is famous for a serpentine monster whose sightings have been recorded since the 14th century.
The water in the 38 kilometre-long (24 mi) lake comes from glacial runoff. The surrounding area has several hiking trails, as well as campgrounds. The largest forest in Iceland, Hallormsstaður, is near the lake, as well as a waterfall, Hengifoss.
The Lagarfljót monster
The Lagarfljótsormur is a serpentine lake monster that Icelandic legends state lives in Lake Lagarfljót near the town of Egilsstaðir. Locals believe it is related to the Scottish Loch Ness monster, who is also a lake monster. Icelanders have reported sightings since 1345 AD.
Indeed, sightings continue into modern times. The head of the Icelandic National Forest Service, Sigurður Blöndal, reported seeing the monster in 1963. Furthermore, contractors laying a telephone cable in 1983 measured a large shifting mass nearLagarfljót’s eastern shore when they were making preliminary depth measurements. They later discovered that the cable had been destroyed. In addition, a teacher and students Hallormsstaðir School reporting spotting the monster in 1998.
According to eyewitness accounts and written documents, the aquatic creature has been described as resembling a snake, dragon, giant worm, horse, or seal. There is even a sighting that describes the monster as resembling a house!
Sightings continue into the 21st century. Indeed, there is a a 2012 video that supposedly shows the creature swimming in the lake.
GPS: 65.175146 N, -14.61703 W
