Lagarfljót

Lagarfljót (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈlaːɣarˌfljouːt] ^ⓘ) also called Fljótið [ˈfljouːtɪθ] is a river situated in the east of Iceland near Egilsstaðir. Its surface measures 53 square kilometres (20 sq mi) and it is 25 kilometres (16 mi) long; its greatest width is 2.5 km (1.6 mi) and its greatest depth 112 m (367 ft). The 27 MW Lagarfossvirkjun hydropower station is located at its lower end.^[1]

Lagarfljót
Lagarfljót at Orurinn
Lagarfljót watershed (Interactive map)

The biggest forest in Iceland, Hallormsstaðaskógur is found near the river as well as a waterfall, Hengifoss. Hengifoss, at 128 m (420 ft), is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Below it is another waterfall called Litlanesfoss.

As with the Scottish lake Loch Ness, a cryptid serpent, called Lagarfljótsormurinn by locals, is believed by some to live in the depths of Lagarfljót.

See also

• List of rivers of Iceland
• Waterfalls of Iceland