Háífoss

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Háífoss is a Waterfall at Háífoss, Iceland

Háifoss (High Falls) is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls at 122 metres, located in a remote highland valley in the south of the country. The Fossá river drops dramatically over a sheer cliff of layered basalt into a deep, narrow canyon, with the smaller but equally beautiful Granni waterfall plunging in parallel just a few metres away. The setting is extraordinary, ancient lava strata are exposed in the canyon walls, showing millions of years of volcanic history in cross-section. Reaching Háifoss requires a drive along an unpaved highland road (F-road accessible, though a sturdy 4x4 is strongly recommended) from the Þjórsárdalur valley area. There is no signposted path from the main road, and the final approach is a rough track ending at an unmarked clifftop viewpoint. The remoteness is part of the appeal, Háifoss sees a fraction of the visitors that Iceland’s more accessible waterfalls attract, and on a quiet day you may have the entire canyon to yourself. The surrounding highland landscape is vast, treeless and sparsely inhabited, offering some of the darkest skies in southern Iceland.

Where to find Háífoss?

64°12'24"N, 19°40'58"W

Aurora hunting in Reykjavík?

The aurora season here runs from September to April, with the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in October and March. The natural setting around Háífoss makes it a wonderful spot to watch for the Northern Lights.

What do people think of Háífoss?

  • 4.7

  • Potentially the best waterfall in Iceland. Not overrun by tourists (yet). You need a 4x4 SUV to get here. If you try to do it with a car you’ll destroy it on the gravel road.

    Logan L23 October 2016

  • There’s no sign to the waterfall. If you’re driving from Hella on 26, the road to the waterfall is 8km on 32 after 32 and 26 joined. Road is rough but worth it.

    Pirmin S17 October 2014

  • There’s no sign to the waterfall. If you’re driving from Selfoss on 32, turn at the Laxårgljùfur sign about 8km before 32 and 26 join. Road is rough but worth it.

    Pirmin S17 October 2014

  • One of the best waterfalls, go there

    Pirmin S16 October 2014

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