Lyngdalsheiði

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Lyngdalsheiði is a moorland plateau above the south coast between the Westman Islands ferry terminal and Vík. The area is open heathland — primarily dwarf birch, crowberry and moss — offering a different texture to Iceland's more dramatic volcanic landscapes. The plateau gives good elevated views over the South Coast's coastal plain, the glacier Mýrdalsjökull to the north, and the sea. It is crossed by old sheep-track routes that pre-date the Ring Road and is best explored on foot. Particularly atmospheric in autumn when the heather and crowberry turn vivid red-purple.