Fljótsdalur: Waterfalls, Canyons and Cultural Heritage

Waterfalls and Trails in Fljótsdalur

Fljótsdalur is the valley through which Lake Lagarfljót flows. One of its striking natural features is Hengifoss: at about 128 metres high, it is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. Basalt and red interlayers are exposed in Hengifossgljúfur. They originate from volcanic activity during the Tertiary Period and give the gorge a distinctive geological profile.

If you want to experience Hengifoss on foot, there is a marked hiking trail of about 5 kilometres; the ascent takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes. The Waterfall Trail offers a different scale: it follows the glacial river through the Fljótsdalur Valley for about 20 kilometres and takes approximately six hours to complete on foot. In many places, the route runs through a deep gorge. The marked Tröllkonustígur is 5 kilometres long and leads between Skriðuklaustur and Végarður in Fljótsdalur. The different trail lengths give you a guide when planning hiking days and comparing the routes.

Cultural History Between Historic Estates and a Church

Skriðuklaustur brings together the history of an estate and a monastery: a monastery operated there from 1493 to 1552. Today, Skriðuklaustur serves as a centre for culture and history. Various exhibitions and cultural events are held in summer; guided tours of the writers’ house and the archaeological site are also available. This offers a way to combine an interest in cultural history with a look at different aspects of the site.

Valþjófsstaður is also a historic estate deep in Fljótsdalur. Its church history dates back to the 13th century. The present-day church was consecrated in 1966. Inside its doorway is a replica of the famous Valþjófsstaður door. The original was carved by Halldór Sigurðsson in Miðhús in the 13th century. Hrafnkelsstaðir, in turn, is a farm in the Fljótsdalur Valley associated with the saga hero Hrafnkell Freysgoði Hallfreðarson. These places offer a variety of historical connections, from monastic history to the sagas.

Explore Nature and Get Active

Ranaskógur is a birch forest with unusually level forest floor, tall, straight birches and a striking concentration of large rowan trees. A mountain biking trail also runs through the old birch forest. Another mountain biking option is in Norðurdalur: the route follows the glacial river as far as Glúmstaðarsel and is rated as moderate. Gjárhjalli offers a very different impression of nature: this distinctive natural feature has fissures and ravines up to 20 metres deep.

For a family-friendly activity to enjoy together, Fljótsdalur offers the mobile-orienteering game “The Search for the Lost Fire”. It has ten stations, and the estimated playing time is 3 to 5 hours. The game is available only in Icelandic. If you would rather fish, you can catch native trout and char in the Kelduá; fishing permits are sold at Hengifoss Guesthouse. The options range from hiking and biking routes to an orienteering game and a fishing experience.

Discover More Places

More destinations: Kleppur, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Eiðar, Hoffell, Seyðisfjörður, Borgarfjörður, Hof and Egilsstadhir.

For the broader travel overview: Austurland.