Lake Lagarfljót Serpent
There’s something ancient stirring in the fog-shrouded waters of East Iceland. Locals speak of it in hushed tones, weaving it into lullabies and campfire stories. Tourists catch fleeting glimpses on misty mornings and leave with a story their friends won’t believe. And deep below the surface of Lake Lagarfljót, some say, lives a monster that predates memory. For those with a thirst for the enigmatic, a spirit of adventure, and an unshakeable belief that the world still holds undiscovered wonders, the saga of this mythical beast offers a compelling call to explore one of Europe’s most captivating corners.
Fire and Ice: The Origins of the Worm
The story begins long before drone footage and social media. The earliest written account of the lake serpent dates back to 1345, when Icelandic scribes described a creature so long and strange it could encircle the entire lake. This wasn’t metaphor. Locals genuinely feared the beast and saw it as a warning of catastrophe—famine, floods, volcanic eruption. Much like Iceland itself, Lagarfljótsormurinn became a creature of elemental power.
The legend says a young girl was given a gold ring and told to place it under a heath worm, believing the serpent would grow and multiply the wealth. What she didn’t expect was that the creature would swell to a monstrous size, coiling around the treasure and refusing to release it. Panicked, she threw the whole thing into the lake—ring, worm, and all. It’s said that the creature grew larger still, absorbing the glacial waters into its cold-blooded mass.
What makes this myth extraordinary is its longevity. Most local legends die out. Lagarfljótsormurinn has not. It has evolved, resurfaced, and—according to some—been filmed.
Not Just a Legend: A Monster Caught on Camera?
Fast-forward to 2012, and Icelandic farmer Hjörtur Kjerúlf shot a shaky video of something undulating beneath the ice of the Lagarfljót river. The footage shows what looks like a serpentine form, gliding upstream against the current, half-submerged in freezing water. The video went viral.
Sceptics were quick to call it ice caught on fishing lines. But many in East Iceland didn’t need convincing. For generations, they’d heard similar stories, seen similar shapes. This wasn’t a fluke, they insisted. It was the ormur, surfacing again—like it always does before something bad happens.
Stranger still, a 2014 panel convened by the Icelandic truth commission (yes, that’s a thing) ruled that the footage was “in all likelihood” authentic. Not proof of a monster, but not a hoax either. In a country that embraces its folklore, that was more than enough.
Folklore Meets Field Research
What sets Lagarfljótsormurinn apart from other mythical beasts is how seamlessly it straddles folklore and pseudo-science. Cryptozoologists have tried to tie it to ancient sea creatures or misidentified oarfish. Historians have combed Icelandic sagas for references. Even modern biologists have weighed in, suggesting the creature could be an undiscovered species of eel that grew too large in the mineral-rich glacial lake.
But locals are less concerned with what it is and more fascinated by what it means. To them, the worm is a guardian of secrets, a silent observer that connects their land’s mystical past to its unpredictable future. Iceland is a country where nature writes the rules, and Lagarfljót is a place where those rules bend.
You’ll find shops in Egilsstaðir selling ormur souvenirs. The town square features a sculpture of the creature—coiled and elegant. But make no mistake: the fear is still there, buried just beneath the jokes. Ask an elder, and they’ll tell you not to walk too close to the lake when the mist rolls in.
What Keeps the Legend Alive?
The power of the Lagarfljót Worm lies not in proof but in possibility. Iceland’s rugged terrain resists full exploration. Lagarfljót itself is nearly 25 miles long and 367 feet deep in places—its waters cloudy with glacial silt that hides anything moving below.
This is a land of active volcanoes, boiling mud pots, and the constant hum of tectonic tension. Is it really that far-fetched that something unknown—prehistoric even—could be hiding there?
In the end, it’s not just the creature that draws curiosity. It’s the atmosphere. There’s a raw, lonely energy to the region. Standing at the edge of the lake, with the mountains crouched low behind you and mist snaking off the water like breath, you feel it. That whisper in the wind. That urge to believe.
Visiting Lagarfljót and the Land of the Serpent
Has the allure of the Lagarfljótsormurinn stirred your adventurous spirit? The journey to this enigmatic lake offers not only the chance to ponder an age-old mystery but also to experience some of Iceland’s most stunning natural beauty.
Lagarfljót lake is nestled in East Iceland, just outside the charming town of Egilsstaðir, the region’s largest settlement. It’s readily accessible and serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area.
How to Get There:
- By Air: The easiest way to reach Egilsstaðir from Reykjavík is by domestic flight, with several daily connections.
- By Car: If you’re undertaking a full Ring Road adventure, Egilsstaðir is a key stop. The drive through Iceland’s diverse landscapes is an experience in itself.
Exploring the Lake and Beyond:
- Lakeside Views: The shores of Lagarfljót are easily accessible by road. There are numerous viewpoints and picnic spots where you can stop, take in the serene atmosphere, and, of course, keep a watchful eye on the water.
- Boat Tours: For a closer look, consider a boat tour on the lake. While dedicated ”worm hunts” are rare, a boat trip offers a unique perspective on the lake’s vastness and the surrounding scenery.
- Hallormsstaður National Forest: Located on the eastern bank of the lake, Hallormsstaður is Iceland’s largest national forest. It offers well-marked hiking trails of varying difficulties, providing elevated views of Lagarfljót. Imagine hiking through dense trees, suddenly breaking through to a clearing, and gazing down upon the very waters where the serpent is said to dwell.
- East Iceland’s Charms: The region around Lagarfljót is rich in other attractions. Explore charming fishing villages, dramatic fjords, and unique geological formations. The nearby Hengifoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s tallest, is a breathtaking sight, easily combined with a visit to the lake.
- Local Lore: Engage with locals in Egilsstaðir and the surrounding villages. Many are proud of their serpent, and you might hear personal anecdotes or family stories that bring the legend even more to life.
Whether you’re a devoted cryptozoologist, a history enthusiast, or simply someone captivated by the wild and untamed corners of our world, a visit to Lagarfljót offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of an enduring Icelandic mystery. Come, and perhaps, the Lagarfljótsormurinn will reveal a sliver of its ancient secret to you.