Háifoss
Iceland's third-highest waterfall, plunging into a dramatic canyon. A remote, powerful natural spectacle offering stunning views and photo ops.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical sunset light, fewer crowds
Háifoss
Best Time
Magical sunset light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iceland's third-highest waterfall, plunging into a dramatic canyon. A remote, powerful natural spectacle offering stunning views and photo ops.
"Wow, that must be the most majestic waterfall in Iceland!!"
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Drive
The road can be rough. A 4x4 is best, especially for the final stretch.
🚁 Drone for Epic Shots
Capture the waterfall's scale and power from above.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Háifoss Waterfall
Southern Iceland
Iceland's third-highest waterfall, plunging 122 meters into a dramatic canyon. A truly majestic sight.
Granni Waterfall
Adjacent to Háifoss
Often overlooked, this smaller but equally beautiful waterfall is right next to Háifoss.
Canyon Views
Edge of the canyon
The surrounding canyon offers stunning perspectives and photo opportunities, especially with the vibrant green hues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Best Time for Photography & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Drive
The road can be rough. A 4x4 is best, especially for the final stretch. +1
🚁 Drone for Epic Shots
Capture the waterfall's scale and power from above. +1
🥾 Hike to the Base
Trek down for a closer, more immersive experience.
🅿️ Paid Parking & Toilets
Parking is now paid, but toilets are available in the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Drive
The road can be rough. A 4x4 is best, especially for the final stretch. +1
🚁 Drone for Epic Shots
Capture the waterfall's scale and power from above. +1
🥾 Hike to the Base
Trek down for a closer, more immersive experience.
🅿️ Paid Parking & Toilets
Parking is now paid, but toilets are available in the museum.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit around sunset for stunning light and fewer people.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Háifoss is widely praised as one of Iceland's most majestic and impressive waterfalls, offering a powerful natural spectacle. Visitors are captivated by its height, the dramatic canyon, and the magical atmosphere, especially during sunset. The challenging drive adds to the adventure for many, though a 4x4 is often recommended. Some find the parking fee and the steepness of the hike down to be minor drawbacks.
"Beautiful green canyon you can walk up. The waterfall itself is tall and powerful and you can walk behind it. As with many popular sites in Iceland across the past year, parking is now paid for but there are toilets in the museum you can use in return."
Hugo Burgess
"Drive there was really interesting. Would recommend to do it with a 4x4. Stunning view. Maybe this is the tallest waterfall I have seen around Iceland."
Benita Buff
"One of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland
Don't expect to see it in winter unless you have maybe a 4x4 with 35 inch tires"
Kustom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Háifoss is located in southern Iceland, accessible via road 32. The final approach is a dirt road that can be challenging. While some visitors have managed with non-4x4 vehicles in good weather, a 4x4 is strongly recommended to avoid damage to your rental car. +1
Yes, the road can be rough, especially the last section. It's a dirt road that requires careful driving. Many advise against attempting it without a 4x4, especially in less than ideal weather conditions. +1
It's possible in good weather, but risky. Some reviews suggest it's doable with caution in a non-4x4, but others warn of potential damage and recommend a 4x4. +1
Háifoss is about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik, making it a feasible day trip for those with a suitable vehicle and time.
The road to Sigöldugljúfur is generally considered more difficult and definitely requires a 4x4, whereas Háifoss is more accessible, though still challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking at Háifoss is now paid. However, you can use the toilets in the nearby museum in return for the parking fee.
Háifoss is a natural attraction and is accessible year-round. However, winter access can be difficult and dangerous without proper equipment and a 4x4.
No, tickets are not required in advance as it's a natural site. You pay for parking upon arrival.
Yes, there are toilets available in the museum near the parking area.
You can see the main waterfall from the top viewpoint relatively quickly. However, to fully appreciate it and hike down, allow at least 1-2 hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, especially around sunset, offers magical light. Early mornings can also be beautiful with fewer crowds. Drones are popular for unique aerial shots. +1
Yes, many visitors use drones to capture the waterfall's grandeur from above. Be mindful of local regulations and safety. +2
From the top, you get panoramic views of the canyon and waterfall. Hiking down allows for closer shots of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Absolutely! In winter, Háifoss can be partially or fully frozen, offering a mystical and unique photographic subject.
The main viewpoint at the top offers a classic perspective. Hiking down to the base provides different angles and a sense of scale.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can admire the waterfall from the viewpoint at the top, or hike down to the base for a more immersive experience. The surrounding canyon also offers beautiful scenery.
While some reviews mention walking behind waterfalls in Iceland, it's not explicitly stated for Háifoss. The primary experience is viewing from the top and hiking down.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully experience Háifoss, including the drive on the dirt road, viewing from the top, and hiking down.
The hike down can be steep and challenging for some, especially if the ground is wet or icy. It's not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues.
As with most of Iceland, the weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Expect wind, rain, and potentially cold temperatures, even in summer.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you have adventurous older children, the hike can be a rewarding experience. However, for families with very young children, it might be best to enjoy the view from the top and focus on other, more accessible attractions in Iceland. Always supervise children closely near the canyon edges.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
For those looking to capture epic content, Háifoss offers incredible opportunities for drone photography and dramatic landscape shots.
📸 Photography Buffs
Beyond the main viewpoint, the hike down to the base offers a different perspective, allowing for shots that emphasize the power and mist of the falls.
Remember to check local drone regulations and always prioritize safety when exploring the area. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive to Háifoss: A Traveler's Tale
Some visitors find the drive 'quite a treat,' especially with the low-lying sunlight in the sky, creating a picturesque scene.
For those venturing further, the road to Sigöldugljúfur is generally considered more challenging than the one to Háifoss, reinforcing the need for a robust vehicle for the latter.
Capturing the Majesty: Photography at Háifoss
Many visitors utilize drones to capture the waterfall's immense scale and the surrounding landscape from unique aerial viewpoints. Beyond the main viewpoint at the top, the opportunity to hike down to the base of the waterfall offers a completely different perspective. This allows for more intimate shots, capturing the power and mist of the falls up close.
When planning your photography session, consider the time of day for optimal lighting and the potential for dramatic skies. The remoteness of Háifoss means you can often find moments of solitude to compose your shots without interruption.
The Power and Presence of Háifoss
The sheer force of the water and the echoing sound as it crashes into the abyss create an immersive natural experience that many describe as magical. The waterfall is situated near the infamous Hekla volcano in southern Iceland, adding a layer of geological drama to the landscape.
The surrounding canyon, often described as beautiful and green, provides a stunning contrast to the white, powerful cascade. Whether viewed from the top or experienced up close after a hike down, Háifoss leaves a lasting impression. It's a place where the sheer scale and beauty of the natural world are on full display, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to connect with Iceland's wild heart.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit