A long, sandy beach on the shores of Lagarfljót lake in East Iceland, backed by forested slopes and offering a tranquil escape well off the standard tourist circuit. The lake is famous in local folklore as the home of the Lagarfljót Worm, Iceland's own lake monster.
Langisandur is a long, sandy beach on the shore of Lagarfljót, a glacial lake near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, offering fresh calm water rather than the cold surf found on Iceland's ocean beaches. The sand is pale and fine, and because the lake is sheltered by forested slopes and the surrounding valley, the water tends to lie flat and still compared to the exposed Atlantic coastline, making it noticeably calmer and better suited to wading and paddling than swimming in the sea elsewhere in Iceland. The setting is tranquil and largely undiscovered by international visitors, with a laid-back, local vibe rather than a party or surf scene, and the lake is famous in Icelandic folklore as home to the Lagarfljótsormurinn, a serpent said to live in its depths. Amenities are modest, limited to a car park and walking trails along the shore, with no cafe, lifeguard, or changing facilities on site; visitors typically stop for a picnic or short walk rather than a full beach day. Access is by car only, with the beach reached via a short drive from Egilsstaðir along roads bordering the lake, well off the standard Ring Road tourist circuit.
| Distance | 5.5 hours from Reykjavik |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Self-drive only |
| Best season | June-August |
Amenities
- car park
- walking trails
Good to know
- Best for
- families, couples, solo, beachcombers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
65.2600, -14.4040 View on map
Highlights
- Calm freshwater lake shore, unusually still compared to ocean beaches
- Forested Hallormsstaður woodland visible across the water
- Local folklore home of the Lagarfljótsormurinn lake serpent
- Quiet, uncrowded setting away from the main tourist circuit
Tips for visiting
- Bring a picnic, as there are no food vendors near the lake
- Visit on a calm, sunny day, when the lake water is at its clearest and most inviting
- Combine the stop with a walk in the nearby Hallormsstaður forest
- Self-drive is required, as there is no public transit to the beach
- Watch for calm evening light over the lake for the best photographs
When to visit
Visit on calm summer days between June and August for the stillest water and warmest air temperatures.
Accessibility
The car park and adjacent walking trails are relatively flat, but the shoreline itself is unpaved sand and grass, limiting wheelchair access.
Frequently asked questions
Is the water at Langisandur warm enough to swim in?
The lake water is cold for most of the year, though calmer than the ocean; wading and paddling are more common than full swimming, especially outside peak summer.
How far is Langisandur from Egilsstaðir?
It is a short drive from the town, along the roads bordering Lagarfljót lake.
Is there public transport to Langisandur?
No, the beach is reached by self-drive only, as there is no public transit service to the site.