Fodor's Expert Review Lagarfljót

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.