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The perfect year-round travel route, The Ring of Riverdale circumnavigates Lagarfljót lake from Egilsstaðir, giving you the chance to stop and explore countless gems along the way. As you travel, be on the lookout for the Wyrm of Lagarfljót, the mythical creature said to inhabit the lake – it’s Austurland’s version of the Loch Ness monster!

This travel route has plenty of noteworthy highlights, including waterfalls, forest and lakeshore. There are great places to stay overnight (including hotels, campgrounds, and family-run guesthouses), and your taste buds will be happy too. You’ll encounter some incredible local flavors on the route, from organic farm-to-table produce at Vallanes farm to a buffet spread with traditional dishes and delicious homemade cakes at Klausturkaffi café at Skriðuklaustur.

Nature comes with superlatives here: Hallormsstaður National Forest is Iceland’s largest forest, and it’s perfect for outdoor activities including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, ATV touring, or just relaxing at a lakeside campground.

Nearby Hengifoss is among the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, and it’s a beauty. It attracts thousands of visitors, for good reason. Its 128-meter cascade into a colorful canyon is a photographer favorite!

This pocket of Fljótsdalur (River Valley) is rich in places to stop: from Hengifoss it’s a short trip to Snæfellstofa Visitor Center for great displays on the region’s natural wonders, and to Skriðuklaustur cultural center. Continue deeper into the valley to reach the unique Wilderness Center, where you can enjoy a hands-on experience of Icelandic history and hear the stories of Icelanders at the edge of the highlands.

Return to Egilsstaðir via Lagarfljót’s western shore, and round out your exploring with a memorable soak in the warm geothermal waters of Vök Baths.

You may not have time to see everything we include on this travel route. We recommend you plan your trip using the 'Add to favorites' tool on our page. By bookmarking your favorite attractions and experiences in this way, you can tailor a route through Austurland that's perfect for you!

For great information on the area, visit the Hengifoss website.

 

 

Places of Interest

Egilsstaðir
Vallanes
Hallormsstaður National Forest
Hallormsstaður
Atlavík
Lagarfljót and Lögurinn
Lagarfljót Wyrm monster
Hengifoss Waterfall
Snæfellsstofa Visitor Centre, Skriðuklaustur
Wilderness center
Valþjófsstaður
Fellabær Golf Course
Vök Baths

Stories

Exploring The Ring of Riverdale with the entire family
Exploring The Ring of Riverdale with the entire family
N4: Ring of Riverdale on TV

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