Best for
Walk behind the falls
A small cave lets you stand behind the waterfall.
Fardagafoss Waterfall
A 25-meter waterfall near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland with a walk-behind cave and a treasure legend, reached by a moderate hike with valley views.
Region
East Iceland
Moderate hike required. Bring waterproof layers.
A waterfall near Egilsstaðir, reached by a moderate 2 km hike with views over the Fljótsdalshérað valley. You can walk behind the waterfall through a small cave, and a local legend says treasure is hidden behind the falls.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Moderate hike with some steep sections. Can be slippery near the falls. This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Check official forecasts before you hike.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Moderate hike (2 km)
Some steep sections. Trail starts near Egilsstaðir.
Pro tip
Bring a headlamp
Useful for exploring the cave behind the waterfall.
What to Expect at Fardagafoss
- A 25-meter cascade with a walk-behind cave
- Views over the Fljótsdalshérað valley along the trail
- Spray and mist near the falls; waterproof gear recommended
Nearby Attractions to Fardagafoss
- Egilsstaðir (largest town in East Iceland)
- Lagarfljót lake (home of the Icelandic Worm Monster legend)
- Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss (further south along the lake)
How to Get to Fardagafoss
- Located about 5 km from Egilsstaðir in East Iceland
- Trailhead is well-signed from the road
- The hike is approximately 2 km one way
- Allow 1.5–2 hours round trip including time at the falls
- No special vehicle required; a regular car is fine to the trailhead
Best Time to Visit Fardagafoss
- May to September: Trail is clear and daylight hours are long
- Spring snowmelt brings the strongest water flow
- Summer has the best hiking conditions and warmest weather
- Avoid winter visits; the trail can be icy and dangerous
- Morning visits tend to be quieter with softer light
Planning help
Fardagafoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.