Fardagafoss Waterfall
About Fardagafoss Waterfall
Fardagafoss is a waterfall on the Miðhúsaá river just east of Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, at the foot of the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass. The river drops over a dark rock ledge into a narrow gorge, and a short hike from Route 93 brings you right to the base.
It is a good choice when you want a waterfall near Egilsstaðir without a long detour. The trailhead is less than 10 minutes by car from the town center, on the road toward Seyðisfjörður, so it fits neatly into a day that also takes in the fjord or the Vök Baths on Lake Urriðavatn.
The Fardagafoss hike starts at a small parking area beside Route 93, next to a large boulder called Áningarsteinn. A path follows the river uphill for roughly half an hour each way, and the walk is easy until the last stretch, where you scramble over rocks and may need to cross the stream. Wear boots with good grip, and turn back if the water is high.
Behind the falls is a cave, and local folklore says a giantess once lived there with a cauldron full of gold. Before she died she supposedly hid the treasure in a deep pothole farther down the river, where its handle is said to show when the water runs low.
Summer and early fall are the best time to visit Fardagafoss, when the path is usually dry and the days are long. In winter the trail is often icy and the final rocks become dangerous, so most people see it from the lower path or skip it. Plan about an hour and a half for the round trip with time at the falls.
Good to know
Where is Fardagafoss waterfall?
Fardagafoss is on the Miðhúsaá river just east of Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, below the Fjarðarheiði pass on Route 93 toward Seyðisfjörður. The trailhead is less than 10 minutes by car from town.
How long is the hike to Fardagafoss?
Allow roughly half an hour each way from the parking area, or about an hour and a half round trip with time at the waterfall. The path is easy until the final rocky section near the falls.
Where do you park for Fardagafoss?
Park at the small parking area beside Route 93, next to the boulder Áningarsteinn, a few kilometers east of Egilsstaðir. The trail to the waterfall starts there.
Can you go behind Fardagafoss?
There is a cave behind the waterfall, but getting there means a wet, slippery scramble over rocks. Only try it in dry summer conditions with sturdy boots, and skip it when the river is high.
Is the Fardagafoss hike difficult?
Most of the walk is easy, but the last stretch involves rock scrambling and possibly crossing the stream. Families and casual hikers can still enjoy the lower part of the trail and turn back before the hardest section.
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