9 Best Sights in Fljótsdalur Valley, East Iceland and the Eastfjords

Iceland’s first national forest was established in 1905 and now provides 740 hectares of leafy respite along the eastern banks of Lagarfljót. Home to 85 tree species, 40 km (25 miles) of marked trail paths, an arboretum, hotel, campsites, and children's play areas, Hallormsstaður is a delightful destination where you can even forage for wild berries and edible mushrooms, including the tasty larch bolete.

This waterfall plunges 128 meters (420 feet) over a sheer drop into a glorious gorge with an unusual striped appearance, thanks to its red clay and black basalt. The 2½ km (1½ miles) path from the car park (off Route 931) leads to the falls and takes around 40 to 60 minutes, with some relatively steep sections. The superb Litlanesfoss waterfall can be found halfway up the trail.

The legendary Lagarfljót river-lake is famous for its elusive Loch Ness–like resident “Lagarfljótsormurinn," part of local lore since the annals of 1345. The 140 km (87-mile) stretch of water, known as Lögurinn lake at its widest point, is fed by the glacial waters of Jökulsá í Fljótsdal river originating in Vatnajökull glacier; the glacier's sediment gives the water its milky appearance. With a bridge across the water on Route 931, it's possible to drive around the lake 70 km (44 miles), stopping at several impressive natural sites such as Hallormsstaður forest and Hengifoss waterfall, and cultural hot spots like Skriðuklaustur and the Wilderness Center, which is a few additional miles down the valley.

This striking two-story mansion with its distinctive basalt stone walls and turf top was the former home of beloved Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson. Designed by German architect Fritz Höger, the house was an ambitious and expensive project taking 64 construction workers 33,000 working hours to complete. When Gunnar moved to Reykjavík in 1948, he donated the building to the nation "to be forever owned by the Icelandic people." It is now run as an educational museum featuring exhibitions on the 16th-century ruins of the old monastery found on the property, as well as the life and works of Gunnar Gunnarson, along with rotating art exhibitions. Home to the fabulous Klausturkaffi restaurant, it’s also the best lunch option you will find for miles around.

This farm is home to Iceland’s premium organic brand “Móðir Jörð” (Mother Earth), which specializes in growing barley, fresh vegetables, and herbs. They also produce a range of preserves, chutneys, and fermented vegetables. On-site there’s a shop and a stylishly rustic café, generally open from May to September. They also offer accommodations in a private apartment or cottage.

A year-round haven on the edge of the eastern Highlands, complete with a hot spring spa and a restored barn dedicated to night-sky viewing, the Wilderness Center is a destination for the more determined explorer looking for an old-fashioned, authentic Icelandic experience. Services include unique accommodation and bespoke horseback riding and hiking tours, plus mountain bike rentals. The main draw of the center, however, is the award-winning exhibition on forces of nature and Iceland’s fascinating folklore.

A wooded cove on the shores of Lagarfljót, Atlavík is a popular picnic spot and summer destination, especially for young weekend revelers and those on the lookout for the legendary lake monster (the famous “Lagarfljótsormurinn," Iceland's version of the Loch Ness Monster). There’s a camping area on-site and pedal boats for hire during the summer months.

Located on the trail to Hengifoss waterfall, the Litlanesfoss waterfall plunges 100 feet (30 meters) over a wall of symmetrical basalt columns. It’s a perfect prelude to the area's star attraction, Hengifoss.

The 12th-century Valþjófsstaður door, a rare, beautifully carved Icelandic treasure that's now on display at the National Museum in Reykjavík, originates from Valþjófsstaður at the southern end of Fljótsdalur Valley, off Route 933. The door, which depicts a knight on horseback slaying a dragon to free an enslaved lion and an inscription of medieval runes, was installed in a stave church that stood for centuries at Valþjófsstaður before a new church was built there in 1966. The modern church features a perfect replica of the medieval artwork installed as an interior door.