Matkaopas: Brúardalir

Brúardalir is a series of valleys in Brúaröræfi in East Iceland. 

Explore this area on a self drive tour in Iceland.

Surroundings

The valleys that make up Brúardalir are Laugarvalladalur, Sauðárdalur, Sauðárdalur’s continuation Vesturdalur, as well as Fagridalur and a few other smaller glens and hollows. There are tracks that reach this area from the village Brú, the settlement Möðrudalur and the heathland of Jökuldalsheiði. Starting from Brúardalir, hikers can easily continue to Dimmugljúfur Canyon, which is close to the highlands of Kárahnjúkar. 

History and Folklore

The area boasts a rich history of ancient settlements and is dotted with historical ruins, such as those of the farmstead Bakkastaður and its county church. According to legend, the farm got destroyed when its residents danced wildly in the cemetery on Christmas Eve. The earth started shaking and the entire abode sank beneath the ground. The valleys also hold many stories of being haunted or inhabited by evil spirits.