Háifoss waterfall was one of the places that was on my radar when we first moved to Iceland.
After seeing the spectacular photographs showcasing the scenery and its impressive height, I knew I had to see it.
If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful waterfalls that’ll take your breath away, this is it!
Háifoss towers just behind Glymur on the list as one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, falling 122 meters; hence its name means “high waterfall.”
And guess what?!
It has a neighboring fall called Granni – I love two-for-one deals! 👏
The falls are not too far from the famous Golden Circle route, but despite how impressive it is, it isn’t as crowded because it’s a little off the beaten path.
So, if you’re visiting Iceland, and love waterfalls, please don’t skip this one!
Find out everything you need to know about visiting Háifoss waterfall in Iceland – from navigating the rugged terrain, to when to visit and how to get there.
Are you ready for an amazing experience away from all the crowds?
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Háifoss Waterfall Location
- Best Time of Year to Visit Háifoss, Iceland
- Do I Need a 4WD?
- Háifoss Waterfall Parking & Restrooms
- Háifoss Waterfall Hike
- Things to Do Around Háifoss
- Accommodation Near Háifoss
- Interested in More Waterfall Hikes in Iceland?
- Highlands Guide
Háifoss Waterfall Location
This waterfall is located in South Iceland in the Þjórsárdalur valley and it’s in a more secluded spot at the edge of the Highlands.
However, its proximity to the Golden Circle route makes it an excellent detour and one I highly recommend you take.
Directions from Reykjavík to Háifoss Falls
The distance from Reykjavík to Háifoss, Iceland is roughly 88 miles or 142 km. The drive should take you around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
From Reykjavík, head South on Route 1 (the Ring Road).
You’ll drive through the adorable towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss. I suggest stopping for a bite to eat or a delicious ice cream!
About 15km after Selfoss, you will see a sign for Route 30 towards Flúðir, turn left.
Drive for 11 miles (18km) and turn right onto Route 32.
At this point, continue for 25 miles (40km) and just soak in the unbelievably beautiful scenery!
Just as you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, you will see a gravel road on your left with a small sign for Háifoss and Stöng. Turn here.
The bumpy gravel road leading back to the waterfall is further than you think – keep driving and you will eventually end up at a parking lot.
From here you’ll need to walk a short distance to the viewing point of the falls. No hiking or climbing is required to see them.Take a look at the Háifoss waterfall map.👇
Best Time of Year to Visit Háifoss, Iceland
If you want to fully enjoy the beauty of the falls and spend as much time as you’d like there, make it a summer trip!
Although the falls are beautiful to see with snow, I would highly recommend visiting from June to September.
Be prepared for a very different adventure if you decide to visit Háifoss in winter.
Due to its location in the valley, the winds can be very strong and really affect your overall experience. It’s also possible that gravel road to get back could be closed/inaccessible.
I’ve been here in both seasons and trust me, the drive back is difficult enough in the summer!
Adding snow, cold, and possible drifts makes it quite risky, especially if you don’t have a big 4×4 vehicle.
Do I Need a 4WD?
I’ve heard whispers and legends of brave people getting to Háifoss with a 2WD car…😉
But honestly, I highly recommend a 4WD!
The first time we visited, we were faced with standing water across the gravel path we had to cross.
If it wasn’t for our SUV, we wouldn’t have been able to pass it.
If you are traveling in a small car, I would NOT advise the route from the main road to Háifoss.
Rental companies have strict regulations on where you’re allowed to go with your rental vehicle.
It is best to respect their advice rather than force the route and risk additional fines. You want to be on the safe side, especially because of the remote location.
If your car breaks down or gets stuck, it’ll be a while until help arrives.
If you’re driving in Iceland, you need a reliable car!
Blue Car Rental is my number one choice for car rentals in Iceland, and here’s why:
- They offer the best selection of 4×4/AWD vehicles – approved for F-Roads.
- With their 24/7 roadside and breakdown assistance, you can explore with confidence.
- The insurance is already included in their prices!
💥 Get an automatic 5% discount when you book using my VIP link. Find out what kind of vehicle you’ll need for your trip.👇
Háifoss Waterfall Parking & Restrooms
If you have a 4WD, the main parking lot is just about a 2-minute walk from the viewing point of the falls.
Parking is free, which is always nice. However, be aware that there aren’t any restrooms here, so be sure to stop before you arrive!
You’ll get spectacular views of both Háifoss falls and the waterfall next to it called Granni.
But if you’ve decided to visit with a 2WD or would like to hike to the falls, you can park at the turnoff and hike 4.5 miles (7.2km) to the waterfall.
Háifoss Waterfall Hike
I remember seeing Háifoss for the first time and couldn’t believe how big the gorge was!
You get an amazing view of both Háifoss and Granni waterfalls close to the main parking area, so hiking isn’t required. However, if you’re up for a little more adventure, you have the option to hike down to the base of the waterfall too.
The hike is 2.5 miles (4km) and will take about 1-1.5 hours to get to the waterfall and up again.
The hike is moderately difficult, but the surrounding landscape is gorgeous and perfect for taking photos.
The path is rocky, so wear sturdy hiking shoes.
If you plan on getting close to the waterfall, I suggest packing a rain jacket and pants to keep you dry from the spray.
There are other options for hiking to the falls. If you don’t have a 4×4 that’ll take you to the main parking area or would prefer a longer hike, you can hike the 4.5 miles (7.2km) to get to the waterfall.
You can also hike from Stöng farm along the Fossá River. This is roughly 6-8 km one-way.Háifoss and Granni waterfalls are obviously impressive and totally worth the trip to the middle of nowhere!
Háifoss and Granni waterfalls are obviously impressive and totally worth the trip to the middle of nowhere!
Things to Do Around Háifoss
Háifoss is only about an hour off the Golden Circle route, and on the edge of the Highlands, so you better believe that there are some really cool things to see and do in the area!
Nearby Waterfalls
You can never see enough waterfalls, and if you’re visiting Háifoss, there are a few more in the area worth seeing. Let’s check them out.
Gjáin Valley: It’s no surprise they say that elves live here because this scenic valley looks magical. This lush green gem in the Þjórsárdalur valley is only accessible in summer and there are waterfalls everywhere you look!
Hjálparfoss: This waterfall is accessible year-round and looks spectacular with the autumn leaves surrounding it. The water cascades down from two adjacent cliffs and down into a pool surrounded by rock formations. What’s great is that it’s only a short 30-minute drive away from Háifoss.
Seljalandsfoss: One of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and definitely one you’ll want to bring your camera along for. In the summer you can even walk behind the waterfall. I mean, is this place for real?!
If you want my top 10 picks of favorite waterfalls in Iceland, you need to check out the post below. Psst… Háifoss made the cut!
➡️ READ: Chasing Waterfalls in Iceland: Discover The Top 10 Breathtaking Waterfalls In Iceland
Landmannalaugar
If you’re an avid hiker you’ve probably done your research and found that Landmannalaugar has some pretty awesome hiking trails!
Pro tip: If you’re on your way to Landmannalaugar, Háifoss is right on your route! Curious to find out more about the spectacular hiking trails in the area? Find out more here.👇
➡️ READ: Landmannalaugar: What You Need To Know For An Epic Highlands Adventure
Hekla Volcano
Famous for being one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, Hekla is 30 miles (48.6km) from Háifoss.
With this tour, you’ll be able to visit Hekla, Hjálparfoss, and Landmannalaugar.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: DT 04 Landmannalaugar & Hekla volcano
The Secret Lagoon
Your trip isn’t complete without experiencing Iceland’s hot spring culture!
Located near Flúðir, a small town and geothermal area in South Iceland,the Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest natural swimming pool. Roughly an hour’s drive away from Háifoss, you can truly relax in the therapeutic waters.
If you want to visit a hot spring in Iceland, but stick to a strict budget, check out the following post.👇
➡️ READ: Top 10 Free Hot Springs in Iceland: Unwind & Discover These Hidden Gems
Commonwealth Farm (Þjóðveldisbærinn)
Only a 30-minute drive south of Háifoss, the Commonwealth Farm was reconstructed near the site of the Viking farm Stöng that was destroyed by Hekla volcano and then reconstructed in the 1970’s.
They also offer activities like weaving on the loom. Oh, and for all you film buffs, a scene from Game of Thrones was also filmed here.
Geysir Golf Course
After visiting the majestic Háifoss, golf enthusiasts can try their luck on the greens in Iceland. You’ll be happy to know that the Geysir Golf Course isn’t too far from Háifoss and they also have a restaurant and bar.
Accommodation Near Háifoss
You can find accommodation options around the area that’ll suit your budget.
The cheapest one that also allows you to experience Iceland’s nature would have to be camping.
The facilities at Þjórsárdalur Valley camping grounds include hot water, electricity, and a restaurant. Dogs are also allowed, yay for furry friends on holiday!
If you’re not too keen on pitching a tent, you can always opt for the benefits of camping with the added comforts that a camper van offers.
My absolute favorite camper van company is Happy Campers.
They’re a family-owned business with over a decade of experience. I’ve used them on a number of trips and I’m always impressed!
💥Sign up for my newsletter and you’ll get a 10% discount when you book!
Camping not your thing? Hotel Geysir is a great option. It’s not the closest though; you’ll need to drive almost an hour and a half from the waterfall.
But if you’re exploring the geothermal area, it’s a great place to have as a base. Plus there’s a restaurant and many activities in the area.
If you plan on doing more hiking, consider staying at Landmannalaugar huts. Just be warned, you’ll need to book well in advance!
Interested in More Waterfall Hikes in Iceland?
In addition to fire and ice, Iceland may as well be called the land of waterfalls!
With over 10,000 estimated falls in the country, you better believe that there are some epic hiking trails to a lot of them!
Here are some you can add to your list of waterfall hikes:
- Glymur
👉 Why Glymur Waterfall Should Top Your Iceland Hiking Bucket List
- Goðafoss
👉 Goðafoss: Your Complete Guide to One of Iceland’s Most Famous Waterfalls
- Múlagljúfur
👉 Múlagljúfur Canyon | Waterfall Hike in East Iceland
- Fimmvörðuháls Hike
👉 Ultimate Guide To The Fimmvörduháls Hike In Iceland
- Brúarfoss
👉 The Magical Brúarfoss Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in Iceland’s Golden Circle
Highlands Guide
If you’ve ever tried planning a trip to a remote area, you know how stressful it can be.
Blindly trying to plan out where to stay, where to fuel up, and how much time to allocate for each place is no easy task.
And it doesn’t help that there’s so much conflicting information out there!
I had the same frustrations when I first planned a trip to the Highlands.
Through the years and after multiple trips, I’ve compiled all the information I wish I’d known into my handy dandy 👉 Highlands Travel Guide just for you!
✅ You’ll not only get firsthand tips on must-see places and hidden gems like Háifoss but also practical advice on planning a safe hike, capturing great photographs, budgeting (Iceland can be expensive!), and a whole lot more.
✅ There are packing lists, guided itineraries, and planning checklists – oh, how I love checklists!
✅ This guide also comes with a digital map of over 500 pinned locations, giving you the confidence needed to tour this remote area.
Don’t spend hours wandering the rough F-Roads looking for landmarks, or miss any hidden gem and must-see attraction.
Take a look at what Alice had to say about the Highlands Travel Guide:
“I like to know ahead of time exactly what I’m doing. This guide helped me plan how I was going to get there and what my options were once there. I used it in my itinerary. Great buy!”
So, ditch the overwhelm, pack your bags, and let’s hit the road!
Don’t travel to the Highlands without this.
Take the guesswork out of planning to Iceland’s most difficult area to travel to. This Travel Guide will help you plan an unforgettable Highlands trip from start to finish.
Happy Planning,
