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Hafragilsfoss waterfall (Iceland) – visit tips + photos

Last updated on January 13, 2022 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

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.

Travel Guide Iceland : Plan your visit to Hafragilsfoss

Table of Contents
Why visit the Hafragilsfoss waterfall in Iceland?
Planning tips & Map - Hafragilsfoss Iceland
Road to the parking area
Jokulsargljufur canyon & Hafragilsfoss - panoramic viewpoint
Hafragilsfoss hikes

This article contains affiliate links (Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


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

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 Iceland Jokulsargljufur canyon

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:

Plan your dream road trip in Iceland

Iceland road trip travel guide cover small
  • 8 maps to plan your itinerary easily
  • 100+ pre-selected locations 
  • Tips to make the most of your time
  • 130+ original photos to get inspired
  • GPS coordinates for easy navigation

LEARN MORE

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

Myvatn Accommodation - Dimmuborgir Guesthouse

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...

Road sign Hafragilsfoss

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.

Road to Hafragilsfoss Parking, North Iceland
My car on Mars

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

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.

Hafragilsfoss waterfall, North Iceland, Photo 3

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 waterfall, North Iceland, Photo 2

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:

Trail Jokulsargljufur

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…

Hafragilsfoss waterfall, North Iceland, Photo 4

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:

Plan your dream road trip in Iceland

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  • 8 maps to plan your itinerary easily
  • 100+ pre-selected locations 
  • Tips to make the most of your time
  • 130+ original photos to get inspired
  • GPS coordinates for easy navigation

LEARN MORE

And keep track of your own trip!

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Comments

  1. Indie says

    November 25, 2018 at 12:09 AM

    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 !

    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      November 25, 2018 at 8:47 AM

      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!

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