Best for
Solitude + volcanic terrain
Rarely visited; you may have it entirely to yourself.
Fagrifoss Waterfall
'Beautiful Falls': an 80-meter cascade over volcanic rock near the Laki craters, deep in the highlands.
Region
South Iceland (Highlands)
Remote highland F-road. 4x4 required. Rarely visited.
Quick Answer
Fagrifoss, meaning 'Beautiful Falls,' is an 80-meter cascade near Lakagígar (Laki craters) that tumbles over volcanic rock in one of Iceland's most remote highland settings. Few people make the trip, so you will often have it to yourself. The surrounding landscape still shows the effects of the 1783 Laki eruption.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Highland F-road access only; 4x4 required. No services nearby. Inform someone of your travel plans.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
F-road only (4x4 required)
Remote highland road near the Laki craters.
Pro tip
Combine with Laki
Visit the Laki craters on the same highland trip.
What to Expect at Fagrifoss
- An 80-meter cascade over dark volcanic rock
- Complete solitude in a remote highland setting
- Volcanic landscape from the Laki eruption
Nearby Attractions to Fagrifoss
- Lakagígar (Laki craters) volcanic row
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur (nearest town for services)
- Vatnajökull National Park
How to Get to Fagrifoss
- Located near Lakagígar in the South Iceland highlands
- Access is on F206, the highland road towards Lakagígar
- 4x4 vehicle absolutely required; river crossings possible
- No facilities at the site, so bring all supplies
- Allow extra time for slow highland driving
Best Time to Visit Fagrifoss
- July–August: best window when F-roads are open
- Road is closed most of the year due to snow
- Check road.is for current F-road status before departure
- Midnight sun allows flexible visit timing
- Weather in the highlands can change rapidly
F206 is part of the visit
Visit South Iceland places Fagrifoss on F206 and warns that rain and thaw can raise its rivers. Plan the waterfall as a highland-road outing, not a short detour justified by its distance from Route 1. Use an appropriate permitted vehicle or a guided trip, and confirm current conditions before departure.
The same regional guide identifies the river as Geirlandsá and describes basaltic pillow formations near the falls, which descend from thick hyaloclastite deposits. These volcanic rocks add something to look for from the established viewpoint without scrambling down towards the water.
Planning help
Fagrifoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall is Fagrifoss?
Fagrifoss is approximately 80 meters (262 feet) tall. It cascades over volcanic rock in a remote highland area near the Laki craters.
What does Fagrifoss mean?
'Fagrifoss' translates to 'Beautiful Falls' in Icelandic. The waterfall is a multi-stream cascade over volcanic rock.
Do I need a 4x4 to reach Fagrifoss?
Yes, Fagrifoss is accessed via highland F-roads only. A 4x4 vehicle is required. The road is typically only open in July and August.
How close is Fagrifoss to the Laki craters?
Fagrifoss is very close to Lakagígar (Laki craters) on the same F-road system. Many visitors combine both attractions in the same trip.
Is Fagrifoss free to visit?
Yes, there is no entrance fee. The area is remote with no facilities, so bring everything you need including food, water, and fuel.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.