Hengifoss Waterfall Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Hengifoss Waterfall. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Hengifoss Waterfall in Iceland rises above Fljótsdalur, revealing red rock strata, Litlanesfoss, basalt cliffs and East Iceland’s dramatic geology.

A Waterfall Written in Rock

Hengifoss rises 128 metres above the valley of Fljótsdalur in East Iceland, making it one of the country’s highest waterfalls. Its narrow stream drops over a dark cliff marked by conspicuous red layers of clay-rich rock between bands of basalt. These horizontal strata record volcanic activity and ancient landscape change, giving the waterfall a geological character as distinctive as its height. The path also passes Litlanesfoss, a smaller waterfall framed by tall basalt columns that demonstrate the orderly cooling of Icelandic lava.

Fljótsdalur and the Eastern Highlands

Hengifoss is reached from the road around Lagarfljót, near the rural settlement of Fljótsdalur and within reach of Hallormsstaður and Egilsstaðir. The surrounding landscape combines broad mountain valleys, birch woodland, pasture and highland plateaux. Nearby Lagarfljót is one of East Iceland’s defining lakes, while the Hallormsstaður area contains Iceland’s largest national forest, a notable contrast to the treeless landscapes found across much of the country. The waterfall itself lies in a sparsely settled environment, with views opening across the valley rather than towards an urban centre.

Walking and Local Character

The principal experience is the uphill walk from the parking area to the waterfall, following a marked trail across open ground and rocky sections. The first part leads towards Litlanesfoss; continuing uphill brings Hengifoss into view as the valley gradually widens below. Conditions can change quickly, and the terrain is more demanding than the short distance may suggest. Visitors generally use Egilsstaðir as the region’s main service centre, while the surrounding farms, woodland and historic sites provide a broader understanding of East Iceland’s rural character. The attraction is best approached as a geological and landscape excursion rather than as a developed resort, with limited facilities immediately beside the falls.

When is the best time to visit Hengifoss Waterfall?

Best: June–August · 17–18°C

2° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -4.5°C, High: 2.4°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 50 mm, High: 90 mm J

2° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -4°C, High: 2.2°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 40 mm, High: 80 mm F

3° Temperature Range for MarchLow: -3°C, High: 3.4°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 30 mm, High: 70 mm M

7° Temperature Range for AprilLow: -1°C, High: 7.4°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 25 mm, High: 65 mm A

13° Temperature Range for MayLow: 2°C, High: 13.2°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 20 mm, High: 60 mm M

Best 17° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 6°C, High: 17.4°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 15 mm, High: 55 mm J

Best 18° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 8°C, High: 18.2°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 10 mm, High: 50 mm J

Best 17° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 7°C, High: 17.4°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 15 mm, High: 55 mm A

13° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 4°C, High: 13.4°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 20 mm, High: 60 mm S

9° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 0.5°C, High: 8.8°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 30 mm, High: 70 mm O

5° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: -2°C, High: 4.6°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 40 mm, High: 80 mm N

2° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -4°C, High: 2.4°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 50 mm, High: 90 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	2	70
February	2	60
March	3	50
April	7	45
May	13	40
June (best)	17	35
July (best)	18	30
August (best)	17	35
September	13	40
October	9	50
November	5	60
December	2	70

Getting to and around Hengifoss Waterfall

How to get there

Hengifoss is reached by road in East Iceland, using Route 1 and then the local roads around Lagarfljót, including Route 931, depending on the direction of approach. The waterfall lies within reach of Egilsstaðir, the region’s principal transport and service centre, and can be visited as part of a circuit including Hallormsstaður and the eastern shore of Lagarfljót. Egilsstaðir Airport has domestic connections, although routes and schedules vary. Visitors arriving by long-distance bus normally need to use a regional settlement as their base and arrange onward transport, as the waterfall itself is not an urban transport hub.

Transportation

A car is the most practical way to reach Hengifoss and combine it with other attractions around Fljótsdalur and Lagarfljót. The final approach uses rural roads, where weather, surface conditions and seasonal maintenance can affect driving. From the parking area, Hengifoss requires a marked uphill walk of roughly 2.5 kilometres each way; the route is uneven and has a substantial ascent. Public transport options near the waterfall are limited, so visitors without a car may need to arrange a guided excursion or taxi from a nearby service town. Cycling is possible for experienced riders, but distances and gradients require careful planning.

Best attractions in Hengifoss Waterfall

The main attraction is the walk through the layered cliffs of Fljótsdalur to Hengifoss, where the 128-metre fall descends over dark basalt and distinctive red strata. Lower on the route, Litlanesfoss provides a contrasting sight, with water framed by tall basalt columns created as lava cooled. The trailhead also opens towards broad views of the valley and surrounding mountains, whose appearance changes with weather and season. Around the wider area, Lagarfljót offers a large lake landscape shaped by wooded shores, farms and open hills, while Hallormsstaður National Forest introduces established woodland trails and a very different side of East Iceland. The nearby Fljótsdalur valley is best explored at a measured pace, with rural roads linking the waterfall to farms, forest and other eastern landscapes rather than to a dense cluster of attractions.

Tourist attraction 4.6 (672 reviews)

Rjúkandafoss Parking

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Rjúkandafoss Waterfall in Hofteigur, Iceland – a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Scenic spot 4.8 (363 reviews)

Folaldafoss

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Folaldafoss Waterfall, a serene escape in the heart of Iceland, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Tourist attraction 4.6 (217 reviews)

Fardagafoss

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Fardagafoss, a stunning waterfall in East Iceland, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Tourist attraction 4.7 (190 reviews)

Stuðlafoss Waterfall

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Stuðlafoss Waterfall, a stunning natural attraction in Iceland, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Hengifoss Waterfall

Hengifoss is the defining natural landmark, recognised by its tall drop and alternating basalt and red sedimentary-looking layers exposed in the cliff. Litlanesfoss is an equally instructive geological feature, with a pair of falls set among prominent columnar basalt formations. Together, the two waterfalls show how volcanic layers and erosion shape the ravines of East Iceland. Beyond the trail, Lagarfljót is the area’s major geographical landmark, a long inland lake bordered by wooded slopes, farms and mountains. Hallormsstaður National Forest is significant as a landscape of managed and regenerating woodland in a country more commonly associated with treeless terrain. The broad valley of Fljótsdalur links these features, making the relationship between waterfall, lake, forest and highland particularly clear.

Tourist attraction 4.7 (720 reviews)

Hengifoss

Explore the awe-inspiring Hengifoss Waterfall in Iceland, a breathtaking natural wonder with stunning geological features and picturesque hiking trails.
Tourist attraction 4.6 (680 reviews)

Nykurhylsfoss (Sveinsstekksfoss)

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Nykurhylsfoss, a stunning waterfall in Djupivogur, Iceland, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Tourist attraction 4.7 (582 reviews)

Litlanesfoss

Experience the stunning beauty of Litlanesfoss Waterfall, an Icelandic treasure surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and scenic hiking trails.
Tourist attraction 4.7 (194 reviews)

Rjúkandi Waterfall

Experience the stunning Rjúkandi Waterfall in Hofteigur, Iceland, where nature's beauty meets tranquility in a breathtaking setting.

Show more landmarks

Explore Hengifoss Waterfall on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Hengifoss Waterfall

There is no substantial dining scene at Hengifoss itself, so visitors normally eat before or after the walk in Egilsstaðir, Hallormsstaður or other nearby settlements around Lagarfljót. Egilsstaðir has the region’s broadest choice of cafés, restaurants and food shops, while rural accommodation and service businesses around the lake may provide meals or refreshments according to their arrangements. Icelandic dining commonly features lamb, fish, dairy products, rye bread and locally sourced seasonal ingredients, with coffee and baked goods important in cafés. Provisions for a day in Fljótsdalur are best bought in a larger settlement, particularly when visiting outside the main travel season. Farm-based and countryside dining should be treated as locally organised rather than assumed to be available at every stop.

Restaurant 4.6 (73 reviews)

Hengifoss Food Truck

Discover delicious local cuisine at Hengifoss Food Truck while enjoying breathtaking views in Egilsstaðir's picturesque landscapes.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Hengifoss Waterfall

Hengifoss has no nightlife infrastructure, and evenings in Fljótsdalur are principally quiet, rural and dependent on the plans of individual accommodation providers. Visitors seeking a drink or a more conventional evening meal generally use Egilsstaðir, where the region’s hotels, restaurants and pubs provide the most reliable concentration of hospitality. Hallormsstaður and other settlements around Lagarfljót may offer a more peaceful evening atmosphere through guesthouses, cafés or seasonal community activity, but availability varies. The area is better suited to walking, reading, photography and enjoying long northern light than to late-night entertainment. Any cultural events, live music or seasonal gatherings should be checked locally rather than assumed to operate on a fixed schedule.

Tourist attraction 4.7 (768 reviews)

Hengifoss

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hengifoss, Iceland's tallest waterfall, surrounded by stunning landscapes and unique geological formations.
Tourist attraction 4.7 (589 reviews)

Litlanesfoss

Explore the enchanting Litlanesfoss Waterfall, a stunning natural gem in Iceland, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and tranquility.
Restaurant 4.9 (254 reviews)

Klausturkaffi

Discover the flavors of Iceland at Klausturkaffi, where local ingredients meet a stunning natural backdrop in Skriduklaustur.
Restaurant 4.7 (183 reviews)

Randulf's Sea House

Experience the taste of Iceland at Randulf's Sea House, where fresh seafood meets stunning fjord views in Eskifjörður.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Hengifoss Waterfall

Public parking space 4.5 (187 reviews)

Hengifoss carpark

Explore the breathtaking Hengifoss Waterfall from its convenient carpark in Brekka, Iceland. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Show more nightclubs

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Hengifoss Waterfall, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Hengifoss Waterfall essentials

Currency and Payment

Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). Card and contactless payments are widely used in Iceland, particularly in established shops, accommodation and service businesses in Egilsstaðir and other larger settlements. Hengifoss is a natural attraction rather than a staffed commercial site, so there may be no payment point or facility at the trailhead. Carry a payment card and make any necessary purchases, including food, fuel and supplies, before leaving a larger settlement. A small amount of cash can still be useful for occasional rural transactions, although payment practices vary between businesses.

Safety

The walk to Hengifoss is uphill and includes uneven, sometimes slippery ground, so sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are important. Rain, wind, low cloud and rapid temperature changes can affect visibility and footing. Keep away from cliff edges, loose rock and the waterfall’s immediate drop, and do not leave the marked route to seek a closer view. The area is rural, with limited facilities and potentially patchy mobile coverage. Check weather and road conditions before travelling, allow more time than the distance suggests, and avoid crossing water or unstable ground merely to improve photographs.

Emergency Situations

The national emergency number in Iceland is 112, used for police, fire and medical assistance. When calling, describe Hengifoss, the trailhead or your position on the walking route as clearly as possible, and provide a visible landmark or map location if available. In remote terrain, rescuers may need time to reach the area, so remain with an injured person when it is safe and protect them from cold and wind. For non-urgent medical assistance, contact local healthcare services through an established settlement such as Egilsstaðir; visitors should confirm current local arrangements before setting out.

Do's and Don'ts

Do remain on marked paths, respect signs and closures, and treat the red geological layers and basalt formations as fragile natural features. Do keep the area free of litter, avoid disturbing birds and vegetation, and close or respect gates where rural land is involved. Do not climb the waterfall face, approach unstable cliff edges or enter watercourses in poor conditions. Keep dogs under control and follow any local requirements. In nearby farming communities, drive considerately, give way where appropriate and avoid blocking access roads, farm entrances or passing places.

Local Tips

Egilsstaðir is the most useful base for fuel, provisions, accommodation and onward travel, while Hallormsstaður provides access to woodland and the Lagarfljót area. Combining Hengifoss with Litlanesfoss makes the uphill walk more rewarding, and clear weather gives the best sense of the valley’s scale. Early or later visits may provide softer light for the rock layers, but daylight and weather should take priority over photography. Because the attraction has limited services, carry water, snacks and suitable clothing, and check road conditions before committing to the surrounding rural route.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Halló	[HAH-loh]
Goodbye	Bless	[bles]
Yes	Já	[yah]
No	Nei	[nay]
Please/You're welcome	Takk fyrir	[tahk fur-ir]
Thank you	Takk	[tahk]
Excuse me/Sorry	Fyrirgefðu	[FEER-ir-geh-thu]
How are you?	Hvernig hefur þú það?	[KVER-nik HEH-vur THOO THAHTH]
Fine. And you?	Fínt. Og þú?	[feent. oh THOO]
Do you speak English?	Talar þú ensku?	[TAH-lar THOO ENS-koo]
I don't understand	Ég skil ekki	[yeh-skil EHK-ki]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Ég væri til í að sjá matseðilinn, takk	[yeh VAIR-ee teel ee ath syah MAHT-seh-thil-inn, tahk]
I don't eat meat	Ég ét ekki kjöt	[yeh ayht EHK-ki k-yuht]
Cheers!	Skál!	[skowl]
I would like to pay, please	Ég væri til í að greiða, takk	[yeh VAIR-ee teel ee ath gray-tha, tahk]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Hjálp!	[hyowlp]
Go away!	Farðu í burtu!	[fath-thoo ee BUR-too]
Call the Police!	Hringdu í lögreglu!	[hring-thoo ee LUR-eg-loo]
Call a doctor!	Hringdu í læknir!	[hring-thoo ee LAYK-nir]
I'm lost	Ég er týndur	[yeh err teenth-ur]
I'm ill	Ég er veikur	[yeh err vay-kur]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Ég væri til í að kaupa...	[yeh VAIR-ee teel ee ath KOW-pa]
I'm just looking	Ég er bara að skoða	[yeh err BA-ra ath SKOW-tha]
How much is it?	Hvað kostar það?	[kvath KOS-tar thaht]
That's too expensive	Þetta er of kostlegt	[THET-ta err ov KOS-tlegt]
Can you lower the price?	Getur þú lækkað verðið?	[GEH-tur THOO LAY-kath VAIR-theeth]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Hvað er klukkan?	[kvath err KLOO-kahn]
It's one o'clock	Klukkan er eitt	[KLOO-kahn err ayht]
Half past (10)	Hálf tíu	[howlf tee-oo]
Morning	Morgunn	[MOHR-gun]
Afternoon	Síðdegis	[seed-thay-iss]
Evening	Kvöld	[kvulth]
Yesterday	Í gær	[ee gai-r]
Today	Í dag	[ee dahg]
Tomorrow	Á morgun	[ow MOR-gun]
1	Eitt	[ayht]
2	Tveir	[t-vay-r]
3	Þrír	[threer]
4	Fjórir	[fyoh-rir]
5	Fimm	[feem]
6	Sex	[sehx]
7	Sjö	[syow]
8	Átta	[ow-tha]
9	Níu	[nee-oo]
10	Tíu	[tee-oo]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Hvar er...	[kvar err]
What's the address?	Hvað er heimilisfangið?	[kvath err HAY-mil-iss-fan-gith]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?	[GEH-tur THOO seent mair (owr KOR-tin-oo)]
When's the next (bus)?	Hvenær er næsti (strætisvagn)?	[KVER-nihr err NEI-sti (strai-tis-vagn)]
A ticket (to ....)	Miða (til ...)	[MEE-tha (teel)]

History of Hengifoss Waterfall

Basalt Layers and Ancient Volcanism

The cliffs around Hengifoss were formed from successive layers of basaltic lava, deposited during Iceland’s long volcanic history and later exposed by erosion. The red bands between darker lava layers are a prominent feature of the waterfall and are widely interpreted as ancient soil horizons or sediment-rich material formed during pauses between eruptions. Their visibility makes Hengifoss an accessible place to observe the layered construction of Icelandic volcanic landscapes. Litlanesfoss, lower on the same route, offers a related geological lesson through its tall, regular basalt columns, created as cooling lava contracted and fractured.

Settlement in Fljótsdalur

Fljótsdalur has long been a farming valley, shaped by pasture, rivers and access to the wider eastern interior. As elsewhere in Iceland, settlement followed the country’s medieval colonisation, with farms occupying relatively sheltered ground below the mountains. The valley’s history is closely connected with seasonal agriculture and the practical use of a landscape divided between cultivated lowlands, woodland and highland grazing. Visitors exploring the waterfall are therefore moving through a lived rural district rather than an uninhabited wilderness, although individual farms and facilities are widely spaced.

Hallormsstaður and Woodland Management

The nearby Hallormsstaður woodland has an important place in Iceland’s environmental history. Hallormsstaður National Forest developed from efforts to protect and expand existing birch woodland, which had been reduced in many parts of Iceland through centuries of grazing and fuel use. Forestry experiments and planting introduced a wider range of tree species, while the area became an established destination for walking and outdoor recreation. Its wooded slopes provide a marked contrast to the open terrain surrounding Hengifoss and illustrate changing attitudes towards land management and restoration in Iceland.

Modern Access and Regional Tourism

Hengifoss became more readily accessible as Iceland’s road network developed around Lagarfljót and East Iceland’s main settlements. It is now one of the region’s recognised natural attractions, visited alongside Hallormsstaður, Lagarfljót and other sites near Egilsstaðir. Tourism has increased the importance of clear paths and responsible access, particularly on steep ground and beside fragile geological features. The waterfall remains a modestly developed rural attraction, with its appeal based on the exposed rock sequence, the walking route and the wider landscape rather than on extensive visitor infrastructure.