Travel Guide to Háifoss waterfall

Tucked deep in the edge of the rugged Highlands, Háifoss Waterfall invites you into a quieter side of Iceland. Dropping from a height of 122 metres, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. Yet despite its scale, it remains far less visited than the well-known stops along the Golden Circle or South Coast. For travellers seeking something beyond the usual stops, a visit here feels like a true step into Iceland’s wild interior.

In this guide, we explore everything you need to plan a visit to Háifoss. We cover how to get there and the best time to go. We also look at viewpoints, hiking options, and nearby attractions. Along the way, we share practical tips to help you travel safely and make the most of your experience.

One of the best things about Háifoss is how accessible the main view is.

From the parking lot, it’s just a short 5–10 minute walk to the canyon edge. Here, the views open up quickly, revealing both Háifoss and Granni waterfalls. On a sunny day, you may even spot a rainbow forming below, where the mist rises from the base. Many visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes here, simply enjoying the view.

Hiking into the gorge

For a closer perspective, you can follow a trail down into the canyon.

This hike starts from the parking lot and follows a visible dirt path along the left side of the cliff. The trail is generally easy to moderate, with some rocky sections as you descend. Orange trail markers help guide the way.

Along the route, you’ll pass a short fenced section and a small wooden stair before continuing down into the gorge. From there, the path leads towards the river Fossá and along the canyon towards the waterfalls.

• Distance: About 4.5 km (out and back)
• Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This route offers a quieter experience, with fewer visitors compared to the main viewpoint. Along the way, you can see smaller waterfalls feeding into the canyon and get closer to the mist rising from Háifoss.

You return the same way, following the trail back up to the parking lot.

Hiking from Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng

For a longer hike, you can start from the historic site of Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng (Commonwealth Farm). Then, follow the river Fossá upstream towards Háifoss. This route offers a deeper connection to the landscape, passing through open valleys and along the river.

• Distance: Around 6 km each way
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate

If you prefer a guided experience, try looking into Icelandia’s hiking tours. In these tours, we safely guide you through the country’s best trails while providing local insight.

Choosing the right time to visit Háifoss can make a big difference in the overall experience. Depending on your interests, the best time to visit Iceland’s waterfalls is during:

• Summer (June–August): The most reliable time to visit. Roads are generally accessible, the landscape is at its greenest, and conditions are more stable.
• Shoulder Seasons (September–October & April–May): Fewer visitors and softer light across the valley. Water levels can vary, and road conditions may change.
• Winter (November–March): Access is often limited due to snow and road closures. When conditions allow, the area transforms into a winter landscape of snow-covered ground and partially frozen waterfalls.

The area around Háifoss offers plenty to explore, making it worth spending extra time in the region. From waterfalls and valleys to historic sites and geothermal landscapes, there’s a wide range of attractions nearby, including:

• Gjáin Valley: A small, sheltered valley with streams, lava formations, and several smaller waterfalls.
• Hjálparfoss Waterfall: A unique double waterfall set in a lava field, easily accessible and visually striking.
• Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng (Commonwealth Farm): A reconstructed Viking-era farm that offers insight into Iceland’s early settlement history.
• Hekla Volcano: One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, offering scenic hiking trails.
• Sigöldugljúfur Canyon: Often called the “Valley of Tears,” known for its series of small waterfalls along mossy cliffs.
• Landmannalaugar: A well-known Highland destination with colourful rhyolite mountains and hiking trails.
• Secret Lagoon: A natural hot spring, ideal for a relaxing stop after exploring the area.
• Golden Circle: A popular route nearby, connecting some of Iceland’s most visited natural sites. This includes the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Þingvellir National Park.

These nearby spots reveal different landscapes across the Þjórsárdalur Valley and beyond.

With Icelandia’s Highland tours, we’ll take you to several of these attractions in one enjoyable trip.

A visit to Háifoss is rewarding, especially when you plan with care. Keep these things in mind when visiting this Icelandic waterfall:

• Check road conditions: Icelandic weather and road access can change quickly. So, it’s best to monitor updates (via road.is and vedur.is) before setting out.
• Use a suitable vehicle: A 4x4 is helpful for the gravel road, especially outside the summer months.
• Keep a safe distance: There are no barriers at the canyon edge, and it can be very windy.
• Wear sturdy footwear: The ground is uneven, with loose gravel and rocky sections.
• Dress for changing weather: Bring layers, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, especially if hiking into the gorge.
• Protect your camera: Mist near the falls can be strong, so a cover or protective gear is useful when hiking closer.

Always travel with awareness. Háifoss sits in a natural environment that remains largely untouched. By staying on marked paths and taking all waste with us, we help protect this landscape for future visitors.

To help you better prepare, you can also review our complete packing list for Iceland. This helps you plan for changing weather and make sure you’re ready for both road trips and hiking conditions.

At Háifoss, the scale of the landscape becomes clear as soon as you reach the canyon edge. The falls drop over a hundred metres into the valley below, with the river Fossá running through it. Right beside it, Granni flows alongside, adding to the scenery.

Spend a bit of time here, and the place starts to feel different. The cliffs, the open space, and the steady sound of water make it feel quiet and far from the usual routes.

With Icelandia, you can experience this element of wonder with the time and insight to explore it more fully. Whether that means walking along the cliff or heading down into the gorge.