Hengifoss
Hengifoss, Iceland's third-highest waterfall, plunges 128m over striking red and black striped cliffs, a testament to volcanic history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Hengifoss
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hengifoss, Iceland's third-highest waterfall, plunges 128m over striking red and black striped cliffs, a testament to volcanic history.
"The red rings surrounding the cliff side it comes out of make Hengifoss extremely unique."
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trail can be steep and icy, especially in winter. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Allow 3 hours for the loop :stopwatch:
While the hike is 3.1 miles, take your time to explore other waterfalls and enjoy the views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hengifoss Waterfall
End of the main trail
Iceland's third-highest waterfall, cascading 128 meters over striking red and black striped cliffs.
Striated Red Cliffs
Behind Hengifoss
Unique geological formations with layers of red clay and dark lava, telling a story of volcanic activity.
Basalt Column Canyon
On the trail to Hengifoss
A scenic canyon with impressive basalt columns and a smaller waterfall, offering a preview of the main attraction.
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Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trail can be steep and icy, especially in winter. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Allow 3 hours for the loop :stopwatch:
While the hike is 3.1 miles, take your time to explore other waterfalls and enjoy the views.
Where is this in hengifoss?
Drone footage is amazing :camera_with_flash:
Capture the scale of Hengifoss and its surroundings from above.
Clockwise offers great views :arrow_heading_up:
Starting on the left side of the loop provides a challenging but rewarding ascent.
Skipping Hengifoss and spending more time in the Eastfjords?
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trail can be steep and icy, especially in winter. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Allow 3 hours for the loop :stopwatch:
While the hike is 3.1 miles, take your time to explore other waterfalls and enjoy the views.
Drone footage is amazing :camera_with_flash:
Capture the scale of Hengifoss and its surroundings from above.
Clockwise offers great views :arrow_heading_up:
Starting on the left side of the loop provides a challenging but rewarding ascent.
Food truck treats :ice_cream:
Grab a waffle or ice cream at the food truck after your hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hengifoss's unique beauty, particularly the striking red-striped cliffs and the impressive waterfall itself. The hike is considered moderately challenging but rewarding, with many appreciating the scenic trail and smaller cascades along the way. Some note the steepness and potential for icy conditions, advising caution and proper footwear.
"This place was amazing! The trail is uphill no matter which side you start from. We went clockwise starting from the left. It’s steep but if you take breaks to see the other waterfalls along the trail, it’s easy to get to the end. Just allow about three hours to see them all. You can walk all the way up to the base of Hengifoss. We did not. Hubby sent up his drone to get some video. I thought the last waterfall, which we got from the east side, was the prettiest.
There was a food truck, cafe, nice restrooms, picnic tables and a pay parking lot."
Terri Sanne
"Really interesting waterfall at the very end of the trail. It’s definitely worth going all the way to see it. Just be careful with the path—especially in winter—as it can get icy. I nearly slipped myself, so take your time and wear good shoes. The scenery makes the effort worthwhile, but a bit of caution goes a long way."
Marc Roca
"Pretty 3.1 mile loop trail hike. Up is very challenging, and pretty steep if coming up the left side. Well worth it though. You can get really up close to the waterfall, but you have to climb on rocks to get there. It was a beautiful waterfall, and the layers of red rock behind it make it even more beautiful. The food truck at the end had waffles, ice cream, and souvenirs, and we are there on our way down"
Henry Southworth
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hengifoss is located in East Iceland, about a 45-minute drive from Egilsstaðir. Take Route 1 south and then turn onto Route 910 towards the waterfall. The road is generally accessible for normal vehicles, though some parts might be gravel.
Public transport options to Hengifoss are very limited. It's best to have a rental car for easy access.
The main access road to Hengifoss is not an F-road and is typically accessible with a regular car. However, if you're exploring further into the highlands, some F-roads might be involved, requiring a 4x4 vehicle.
There is a pay parking lot at the trailhead for Hengifoss. It's well-maintained and includes amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.
Yes, Hengifoss can be visited in winter, but caution is advised. The trail can be icy and slippery, so proper footwear is essential. Check road conditions before you go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee at the Hengifoss trailhead, but the waterfall and the hike itself are free to access.
Hengifoss is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, daylight hours are limited in winter, and the trail conditions can be challenging.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for Hengifoss. It's a natural attraction, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The trail is generally open year-round, but it can be closed temporarily due to severe weather conditions. It's always a good idea to check local conditions before your visit.
The parking fee at Hengifoss is a nominal charge, typically a few hundred Icelandic Króna.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Hengifoss is a 3.1-mile (approximately 5 km) loop trail. It's considered moderately challenging due to some steep sections.
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at Hengifoss to complete the hike, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. Some may spend longer if they explore off-trail or use a drone.
Yes, you can walk very close to the base of Hengifoss, but it requires some scrambling over rocks. Many visitors choose to view it from the designated trail.
Yes, the trail to Hengifoss passes by several other smaller waterfalls and a canyon with basalt columns, making the hike itself a scenic experience.
The trail is moderately challenging and has steep sections, so it might be difficult for very young children or those with mobility issues. Older children can likely manage with supervision.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are generally in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and creates beautiful shadows on the striated cliffs.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially if there's mist.
Drones are generally allowed at Hengifoss, and many visitors use them to capture unique aerial shots. However, always be mindful of any local regulations or restrictions.
The striking red and black layers of clay and lava create a visually dramatic backdrop for Hengifoss, making it a photographer's dream.
The loop trail offers various vantage points. For a full view, consider hiking to the top of the canyon or using a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting the hike on the right side of the loop for a slightly less strenuous ascent. Ensure everyone has water and snacks. The unique red-striped cliffs behind Hengifoss are also a fascinating visual for children, sparking curiosity about geology and nature.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive guided tours, rent a car and explore at your own pace. The hike itself provides a full day's worth of stunning natural beauty without any additional entry fees. This makes Hengifoss a fantastic value for experiencing Iceland's dramatic landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Hengifoss
Visitors can observe these geological layers clearly from the hiking trail. The hike itself winds through a landscape shaped by volcanic forces, offering a tangible connection to the earth's powerful history. It's a reminder of the dynamic processes that continue to shape Iceland's dramatic scenery. The visual appeal of these layered cliffs is a major draw for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Understanding this geological context enhances the appreciation of Hengifoss. It transforms a beautiful waterfall into a living testament to geological time and the raw power of nature. The accessibility of these formations via the hiking trail makes it an educational and awe-inspiring experience for all visitors.
Hiking the Hengifoss Trail
Along the way, you'll encounter a canyon with basalt columns and a smaller waterfall, providing a beautiful prelude to Hengifoss. The trail surface varies, and in winter or wet conditions, it can become icy or muddy, making sturdy hiking shoes with good grip essential.
While you can get quite close to the base of Hengifoss, reaching it might involve some rock scrambling. Many visitors opt to view the waterfall from the designated trail, which still offers spectacular perspectives. The effort is widely considered worthwhile for the unique scenery and the impressive sight of the waterfall against its striated backdrop.
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