Discover Fljótsdalur: Culture and Waterfalls

Fljótsdalur: Valley, Waterfalls and Cultural History

Fljótsdalur is the valley through which Lake Lagarfljót flows. Hiking trails, waterfalls, gorges, woodland and historic estates give the area a variety of highlights. When planning your trip, you can choose between marked routes, longer hikes, seasonal cultural offerings and other activities. This will help you find what interests you most in Fljótsdalur.

Hiking Trails and Waterfalls

Tröllkonustígur is a marked, five-kilometre hiking trail between Skriðuklaustur and Végarður in Fljótsdalur. The marked trail to Hengifoss is also about five kilometres long. The climb takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes; conditions may vary by season. When choosing a hike, consider not only its length but also the stated walking time and the route itself.

For a longer hike, the Waterfall Trail follows the glacial river through the Fljótsdalur valley for about 20 kilometres. The route takes approximately six hours to complete on foot and runs through a deep gorge for much of the way. It therefore differs considerably from the roughly five-kilometre trails in both length and time required. Hengifoss in Fljótsdalur is about 128 metres high and is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls.

Gorges and Woodland

At Hengifossgljúfur, you can see basalt and red interlayers dating from volcanic activity in the Tertiary period. Another striking natural feature is Gjárhjalli in Norðurdalur, Fljótsdalur, where fissures and gorges reach depths of up to 20 metres.

Ranaskógur is a birch forest with unusually level ground and tall, straight birch trees. The concentration of large rowan trees is also notable. A mountain biking route also runs through the old forest. Check its status locally before setting out. Those interested in sagas and landscapes will find Hrafnkelsstaðir, a farm associated with the saga hero Hrafnkell Freysgoði Hallfreðarson.

Estates, Monastery History and Church Art

Skriðuklaustur is a historic estate in Fljótsdalur. A monastery operated on the site from 1493 to 1552. Today, Skriðuklaustur serves as a centre for culture and history. Various exhibitions and cultural events are held there in summer, and guided tours of the writers’ house and archaeological site are also available. As the programme is seasonal, it is advisable to check current dates before visiting.

Valþjófsstaður is also a historic estate deep in Fljótsdalur, with a church history dating back to the 13th century. The present-day church was consecrated in 1966. A replica of the famous Valþjófsstaður door is inside the inner doorway. The original was carved by Halldór Sigurðsson in the 13th century at Miðhús. The estate’s history and its church offer different perspectives on the local past: a former monastery on the one hand, and a long church history with a distinctive work of art on the other.

More Activities

“The Search for the Lost Fire” is a family-friendly mobile orienteering game in Fljótsdalur. It has ten stations and takes an estimated three to five hours. The game is available only in Icelandic. Check in advance whether the app is available and supported on your device.

A mountain biking route in Norðurdalur follows the glacial river to Glúmstaðarsel and is rated moderate. Take care at river crossings and cliffs. The Kelduá in Fljótsdalur is suitable for fishing for native trout and char; fishing permits are sold at Hengifoss Guesthouse. As fishing access and permit rules may change, check the current conditions before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Hámundarstaðir, Vopnafjörður, Disastaðir, Borgarfjörður, Egilsstadhir, Neskaupstadur, Höfn Í Hornafirði, Hoffell.

For the broader travel overview: Austurland.