Flatus Lifir
Flatus Lifir is a large text-based public artwork seen from Vesturlandsvegur near Mount Esja.
At a Glance
Visit time
5–10 minutes (viewing from roadside or brief photo stop).
Best Season
Any time of day. The artwork is clearly visible from the roadside year-round and especially noticeable while driving along Vesturlandsvegur near Esja just north of Reykjavík.
Getting There
Located directly beside Route 1 (Vesturlandsvegur). The installation is best viewed while driving past; short stops are possible only where safe roadside pull-offs are available nearby. No entrance fee.
GPS
64.2069, -21.7376
About
About Flatus Lifir
Flatus Lifir is a large text-based public artwork seen from Vesturlandsvegur near Mount Esja.
An unusual roadside artwork on the route between Reykjavík and West Iceland.
Tours Near Flatus Lifir
Private Walking tour Reykjavik - CityWalk
CityWalk Reykjavik · 2 hours 30 minutes
Private Reykjavík Sightseeing Tour 4hrs
Your Transfer ehf · 4 hours
Private Reykjavík Sightseeing Tour 6hrs
Your Transfer ehf · 6 hours
Private Reykjavik Driving Tour
BT Travel · 2 hours
Visit Flatus Lifir by car
Driving here? Compare suitable vehicle types for the region, then check rental offers for your dates.
Search real availability here
Vehicle types are suggestions, not live prices or availability. GoIceTravel may earn a commission at no extra cost.
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Flatus Lífir was installed as a large-scale typographic public artwork along Vesturlandsvegur near the base of Esja, where thousands of vehicles pass daily between Reykjavík and the western regions of Iceland. Inspired by the well-known Latin saying traditionally attributed to Hippocrates, the installation reflects a contemporary approach to public art in Iceland—placing language-based artworks directly into the natural and everyday environment. Over time, it has become a recognizable landmark for both locals and visitors traveling along this major route.
Flatus Lifir is positioned beside Vesturlandsvegur north of Reykjavík, turning an everyday driving route into a public-art encounter. The work is best appreciated from a safe stopping point rather than by stopping on the road itself.
Did You Know?
Flatus Lifir is a large text-based public artwork seen from Vesturlandsvegur near Mount Esja
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Kjalarnes
Kjalarnes is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja, Laxdæla saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Kollafjörður
Kollafjörður is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Laxdæla saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Laugargnípa
Laugargnípa is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Kjalnesinga saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Location
Location
Discover
Explore Nearby
Places within 5.0 km
Loading nearby places…
0 places found within 5.0 km
Plan full itinerary →Explore More