Langisjór lake is part of the vast outback area in Iceland, called Fjallabak. The lake is located deep into the Icelandic Highland and is often viewed as a bit mysterious. Moreover, it is one of the largest natural lakes in the country and not a reservoir for a hydroelectric plant, unlike many lakes in the Highland. The lake is a bit difficult to view unless you either travel to the edge of the water or climb a nearby steep mountain. However, this challenge only enhances the lake's charm. It is in my view the most beautiful lake in Iceland.
Hidden until the 19th century:
Owing to the distance from the shoreline and lowland, throughout history, no one traveled this deep into the Highland or ever wrote about this lake until the middle of the 19th century, when it was discovered. The lake is 20-kilometer long and only two-kilometer wide, which is the reason for the name Langisjór (the long sea). On both sides of the lake, two long mountain ridges, Fögrufjöll (beautiful mountains) and Tungnaárfjöll, embrace the lake. In the late 19th century, the first geologist in Iceland, the prominent Þorvaldur Thoroddsen, traveled to Langisjór and viewed the lake from the same place where this photo was taken (on top of the mountain Sveinstindur [Sveins peak]). Later, in his report, he named the lake and the mountain; it is noteworthy that he named the mountain after his friend and travel companion, who was a physician.
A difficult place to visit:
Sitting on top of Sveinstindur, viewing the turquoise-colored lake, the term "natural wonder" enters your mind. The lake is enclosed by small islands and unique surroundings with one end near the edge of a glacier shining white at the end of the horizon. The lake is quite difficult to visit and only accessible from the middle of July through September, like so many places in the Highland. A guided tour with local tour companies is recommended if you are interested, especially if you want to fully enjoy the whole surrounding area and get the most out of your tour. There is a mountain road for well-equipped 4X4 vehicles leading to the southwest end of the mountain road—Fjallabak Nyrðri. Another spectacular but more difficult 4X4 path is also on top of the mountain rig Fögrufjöll—called Breiðbakur. The whole experience of traveling, hiking, and mountain climbing in the Langisjór area is breathtaking.
If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the three important things you need to know and the type of car that would be best for your trip!
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