If you are on your way to admire Dettifoss and Selfoss, I strongly recommend the few extra kilometers to see the Hafragilsfoss waterfall, Iceland.
You will appreciate the panoramic view of the falls and surrounding Jokulsargljufur canyon, away from the crowds.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with map, photos and tips.
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Why visit the Hafragilsfoss waterfall in Iceland?
Jokulsargljufur is the largest canyon in Iceland. It is famous for being the home of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe: Dettifoss.
Most people drive from the ring road and admire this one and sometimes also Selfoss.
However, most do not drive the few more kilometers North to see Hafragilsfoss.
Many guides say that it is less scenic, but I disagree.
Hafragilsfoss was my favorite of the 3.
You cannot get up close, but you have spectacular views of the surrounding canyon!
Plus, you leave the crowds behind!
Hafragilsfoss waterfall, Iceland
Facts
- This waterfall is located in the Jokulsargljufur canyon, downstream from Dettifoss.
- The Hafragilsfoss is named after the Hafragil ravine created by the Jokulsa glacial river
- It is one of the deepest section of the canyon, creating impressive scenery
- The waterfall is 27 meters high (79 feet)
- And it is 91 meters wide (299 feet)
So many waterfalls to see in Iceland! (read my article about them).
More photos after the planning tips.
Planning tips & Map - Hafragilsfoss Iceland
Where is Hafragilsfoss - Location and Map
- Located in North Iceland
- Not far from Lake Myvatn area
- Reykjahlid (Lake Myvatn) to Hafragilsfoss = 1h10 drive
- Akureyri to Hafragilsfoss = 2h15 drive via North
- Below is a map to help you get oriented:
Map - Waterfall Hafragilsfoss in Iceland
This location is included (with GPS coordinates, map of region and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Iceland road trip:
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How to get to Hafragilsfoss
- Hafragilsfoss is best seen from the East bank of the canyon.
- No public transportation, no group tours. You need a car.
- From Reykjahlíð at Lake Mývatn, drive east on the Ring Road (n°1) for 35km
- Turn left on Road 864 (Hólsfjallavegur) and continue approximately 35 km. The left turn to Hafragilfoss is indicated
- From Husavik, Head South on road 85 and turn left on Road 864 for 25km. Hafragilfoss will be indicated on your right.
- Past the Dettifoss carpark it is a 10minute drive.
- But beware, that short drive to the parking when leaving the road is not so easy. Drive carefully. 4WD preferred but possible in 2WD going slowly.
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Option 1 - Local experts - Iceland has a lot of specificities and offerings by local companies are adapted - compare cars and prices of quality local brands on GuidetoIceland.com
- Option 2 - International Brands - compare offers on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
- If you plan on driving on F-roads in the Central Highlands, a good 4WD is mandatory
Visit tips - East side
- From the carpark there is a short walk to the edge of the canyon and views of the waterfall
- There are no amenities
- Hiking is also possible in the area (see end of article)
- You can also see it from the West bank (road 862) but the view is limited. You would have to hike down cord ladders to get the views.
Accommodations around Myvatn
I think Lake Myvatn is a fantastic area to stay for a few days.
The town of Reykjahlid would be a great option to visit the area. Choose one of the lake Myvatn accommodations
The Dimmuborgir Guesthouse is one of my favorite places to stay in Iceland (I booked myself and paid entirely for my stay).
Right next to the lake and with the Hverfjall crater in the background... perfect! See more photos and check availability
Dimmuborgir Guesthouse
Otherwise:
- you can stay at Egilsstadir before or after your visit to the waterfalls (connection with East Fjords) - see best rated accommodations
- or you can stay at Akureyri, the capital of the North to explore the region - see best rated accommodations
Road to the parking area
From Road 864, the waterfall was clearly indicated.
But as I took the turned, I quickly was very surprised...
The short drive to the carpark was like I was transported to Mars.
The ground turned red, and with the low grey sky, it felt surreal.
The drive is short but not so easy with big blind spots. Drive slowly!
Luckily, I did not have to cross another car.
My car on Mars!
Jokulsargljufur canyon & Hafragilsfoss - panoramic viewpoint
After a very short stroll from the carpark, I discovered the canyon and the waterfall.
It is a very different experience from seeing the other waterfalls up-close.
With Hafragilsfoss you realize the environment, the shape of the canyon and the creation of the waterfall, with the river meandering behind.
Jokulsargljufur canyon
Plus, as autumn was settling in, I was rewarded with beautiful colors.
I love how the water looks so calm upstream and downstream but rushes at the waterfall.
The open view, the colors, the sound... This was such a great experience.
Even though you cannot get close to it, I think it is worth the extra drive!
Hafragilsfoss hikes
East Bank Hike
There is a path that goes all the way to Dettifoss and continues also North of Hafragilsfoss.
For the complete hike between Dettifoss and Hafragilsfoss:
- around 5km round trip (3 miles)
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Moderate
- great views of the canyon
- Do not go down in the canyon!
See the path meandering the crazy landscape:
Even if you don't hike, you can explore a little and find other perspectives over the canyon and the waterfall.
I wish I had had more time, because I would have continued a little bit more and taken more time to shoot better photographs…
West Bank Hike
What is considered the Hafragilsfoss hike is on the West Bank.
If you go see Dettifoss from the West (road 862), you can keep going to another carpark for Hafragilsfoss;
From the carpark there is not much of a view.
However, there is a hike going down in the canyon to get closer.
- around 9km round trip (5.6 miles)
- 3 hours
- Difficult with steep trail, boulders, ropes and ladders
- Source
Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?
- All my favorite things to do in North Iceland - read article
- Tips to plan your Iceland road trip - read article
- Tips to rent a car in Iceland - read article
- Tips to drive around Iceland - read article
- Itinerary suggestions - read article
- 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures - read article
- The best stops on the Ring Road - read article
- The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland - read article
- The Golden Circle - read article
- The Snaefellsnes peninsula - read article
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
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Hi Claire,
We are renting a Kia Ceed Sportswagon (2 wd). and planning to drive from Husavik to Dettifoss. Thank you for the information about this falls.
1. Do you need a 4X4 to get to this waterfall ?
2. Is the waterfall close to the parking lot ?
Thanks !
PS– Thank you for your website with all the detailed info and beautiful pictures !
This is not an F-road, so 4WD is not mandatory but it is not a smooth road. There are lots of holes. And if you are traveling in Winter I would not go.
You can’t get up-close to the fall, from the carpark you get the views I am sharing on the pictures
Happy travel!