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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

Other Travel Routes

Coastal Experience
Drive from Egilsstaðir to Reyðarfjörður. Stop at the Wartime Museum to learn about the relations of soldiers and local residents during World War II. Opt whether to drive to Fáskrúðsfjörður through the tunnel or on the old, partly gravel road near Skrúður Island. Enjoy a meal at L’abri Restaurant in Fáskrúðsfjörður village, as well as the museum devoted to French fishermen and their heritage.
Fjord to Fjord
Start your day in Egilsstaðir and drive towards Seyðisfjörður. Where you start climbing the slopes onto Fjarðarheiði pass, you should stop and walk up to Fardagafoss waterfall. You can even clamber behind it and view Egilsstaðir from the trail.
Highland Circle
Start bright and early visiting Vallanes Organic Farm for breakfast. Then drive through Iceland’s biggest woods, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and hike up to Hengifoss, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall.
On the Edge
We recommend you take 2-3 days to enjoy this route to its fullest. You won't regret taking your time to become on with the Icelandic landscape and heritage.
The Ring of Riverdale
The Ring of Riverdale is one of the most popular travel routes in Austurland, as it is probably the most popular among locals. You will find historical connections everywhere and many hiking trails. Sustainability and food from the region are highly valued. One of Iceland's highest waterfalls, Hengifoss, is located in Fljótsdalur.