Fljótsdalur is the valley through which Lake Lagarfljót flows. It offers different highlights for planning a trip: monastery history and the history of the old church, waterfalls and geological features, as well as hiking and cycling routes. The specific trail distances and time estimates help you distinguish shorter excursions from longer trips.
Monastery History and Church Art
Skriðuklaustur is a historic estate in Fljótsdalur. A monastery operated on the estate from 1493 to 1552. Skriðuklaustur serves as a cultural and historical centre and houses a museum about Gunnar Gunnarsson; the centre opened in 2000. Various exhibitions and cultural events are held there in summer. Guided tours of the writer’s home and the archaeological site are also available seasonally.
Another historical highlight is Valþjófsstaður, a historic estate deep in Fljótsdalur, whose church history dates back to the 13th century. The present-day church was consecrated in 1966. Inside the doorway is a replica of the famous Valþjófsstaður door, carved by Halldór Sigurðsson in Miðhús in the 13th century. The two places thus highlight different aspects of local history: the monastery history at the estate and the long church history of Valþjófsstaður.
Waterfalls, Geology and Hiking Trails
Hengifoss is about 128 metres high and is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. Basalt and red interlayers are visible in Hengifossgljúfur; they date from volcanic activity in the Tertiary period. The marked hiking trail to the waterfall is about five kilometres long, and the ascent takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Seasonal conditions can affect the walking time.
A longer hiking option is the Waterfall Trail. It follows the glacial river through Fljótsdalur Valley for about 20 kilometres and takes approximately six hours on foot. In many places, the route runs through a deep gorge. In Norðurdalur, Gjárhjalli is a remarkable natural feature with fissures and gorges up to 20 metres deep.
The marked Tröllkonustígur is five kilometres long and runs between Skriðuklaustur and Végarður in Fljótsdalur. When planning your time, it is important to note the difference between the hiking estimates: the stated duration for Hengifoss is for the ascent, while the Waterfall Trail estimate is for the entire route on foot.
Cycling, Games and Fishing
The mountain biking trail in Norðurdalur is rated moderate and follows the glacial river to Glúmstaðarsel. Caution is required at river crossings and near cliffs. Another mountain biking route passes through the old birch forest of Ranaskógur; check its current status before setting out.
“The Search for the Lost Fire” is a family-friendly mobile orienteering game in Fljótsdalur, with ten stations. The estimated playing time is three to five hours; the game is available only in Icelandic. App availability and support may change, so check beforehand.
The Kelduá in Fljótsdalur is suitable for fishing for native trout and char. Fishing licences are sold at Hengifoss Guesthouse. Before fishing, check current access conditions and licence sales, as both may change.
Forest and Sagas
Hrafnkelsstaðir is a farm in Fljótsdalur Valley associated with the saga hero Hrafnkell Freysgoði Hallfreðarson. Ranaskógur is a birch forest with unusually level forest floor, tall, straight birch trees and a striking concentration of large rowan trees. These features give the valley’s natural attractions a different character from its waterfall routes: here, the focus is on forest features and saga tradition.
Plan Your Stay
Use the trail times as a guide when choosing your activities: the ascent to Hengifoss takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes, while the Waterfall Trail takes about six hours on foot. This makes it easier to decide whether a shorter hike or a longer route should be the main focus of the day, and how much time to leave for cultural history. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Fljótsdalur, these planned highlights give your stay a concrete framework.
Discover more destinations: Stöðvarfjörður, Reydarfjördur, Svartiskogur, Neskaupstadur, Hof, Bjarnanes, Hámundarstaðir, Brekka.
For the broader travel overview: Austurland.
