Lagarfljót is a glacial river flowing through the
Fljótsdalshérað region in East Iceland. The river is approximately
140 km long, stretching from the sources of Jökulsá in Fljótsdal to its
mouth in Héraðsflói. For centuries, it has been one of the most prominent
natural features of the area and has played an important role in shaping
both the landscape and local settlement.
Within Lagarfljót lies the lake Lögurinn, which is about 35 km long.
Its depth reaches up to 112 meters, making it the second lowest point in
Iceland. According to Icelandic folklore, the mysterious
Lagarfljót Worm is believed to inhabit the lake, and stories
of the creature have been part of the cultural heritage of East Iceland
for generations.
The towns of Egilsstaðir and Fellabær are located along the banks of
Lagarfljót. The river therefore holds both natural and social significance
and has influenced settlement patterns and livelihoods in the region.
As a result of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Project, water from the river
Jökulsá á Brú has been diverted into Fljótsdalur. This has affected both
the flow and the color of Lagarfljót, drawing the attention of local
residents and researchers alike.
In deep, biologically active lakes such as Lagarfljót, plant material that
accumulates and decomposes on the lakebed can produce marsh gas. When
released, this gas may rise to the surface in dark, curved plumes.
Such natural phenomena, together with submerged rock ridges that cause
unusual wave patterns, are believed to help explain the legends and
sightings associated with the Lagarfljót Worm.
Lagarfljót is the third largest lake in Iceland by surface area; only
Þingvallavatn and Þórisvatn are larger.
Source: See here
Image: Jón Ingi
Lagarfljót / Lögurinn er áhugaverður staður á Íslandi sem vert er að heimsækja.