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Hjalparfoss waterfall Iceland (and Thjofafoss) – Tips + Photos

Last updated on September 17, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

As you get closer to the Central Highlands of Iceland, North of Hekla, between road 26 and road 32 flow several waterfalls. I had the chance to discover 2 of them: the double branched Hjalparfoss waterfall and the purple Thjofafoss. Both are stunning and deserve a stop if you drive by. Below are my tips to visit them.

Travel Guide Iceland : Plan your visit to Hjalparfoss and Thjofafoss waterfalls
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Icelandic waterfalls away from the crowds
PLANNING TIPS - Hjarparfoss waterfall Iceland
HJALPARFOSS IN PICTURES
PLANNING TIPS - Thjofafoss waterfall Iceland
Thjofafoss waterfall in pictures

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Icelandic waterfalls away from the crowds

Around the central highlands you can find many waterfalls that are a lot less touristic that the South Coast ones (check out my list of 21 major waterfalls in Iceland).

In this article I am introducing 2 of them, one accessible in 2WD: Hjalparfoss, and another one requiring a 4WD: Thjofafoss.

Around them you can find other waterfalls which I could not visit: Háifoss and Tangafoss

Note!!! although 5km apart via the river, the drive between them is way longer.

About Hjalparfoss waterfall

Hjaparfoss waterfall Iceland

Hjaparfoss waterfall Iceland

Hjálparfoss, whose name means Helping Falls, is one of several waterfalls north of Hekla where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá join. This easy accessed one is special due to its double branch flowing into a large pool and surrounded by interesting lava shapes.

I found the location very relaxing with some flowers and bushes surrounding the pool. I stopped and admired the strange shapes of the lava on all sides. There is also a big rock facing the falls that some climb to get another perspective.

About Thjofafoss waterfall

Thjofafoss waterfall Iceland

Thjofafoss waterfall Iceland

Þjófafoss (Thjofafoss), whose name means Thieves fall, is another waterfall on the river Thjorsa. Its shape is not very original as it is a simple curtain but the surroundings makes it interesting. Mt Burfell is just behind and really stand out in the flat landscape. But my favorite particularities was the abondance of purple lava rocks around it. This is something I have not seen in another Icelandic waterfall.

Note that this waterfall might not be flowing all year round.



PLANNING TIPS - Hjalparfoss waterfall Iceland

Getting to Hjalparfoss

  • Hjalparfoss about 30 kilometres east of the village Flúðir
  • Reykjavik to Hjaparfoss = 1h45 drive
  • Off road 32
  • The gravel road to the waterfall is well indicated, a 2WD is sufficient
  • It is a good stop if you head to the Central highlands from the North (or if you exit the Central Highlands via the North)
Road sign Hjalparfoss

Visiting Hjalparfoss

  • Easy walk down to get close to the waterfall
  • No amenities
  • Nice and practical spot for a picnic


Hjalparfoss is included in my travel guide​ that I wrote to help you plan your road trip around Iceland and make the most of your time. 

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Plan your perfect trip to Iceland!

  • 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
  • GPS + info to make the most of your time
  • 110+ original photos to get inspired

LEARN MORE


Waterfall of Hjalparfoss in pictures

The pictures below highlight the easy path to the pool and some close-up of the lava formations. Everybody rushed to get closer but personnaly I prefered the view from the parking area.

Double branch of Hjalparfoss waterfall, Iceland
Double branch of Hjalparfoss, Iceland (closer)
Hjalparfoss waterfall and its pool
Basalt columns of Hjalparfoss

PLANNING TIPS - Thjofafoss waterfall Iceland

Getting to Thjofafoss

  • On route 26, turn West on a sand road for roughly 4km. The turning point is about 45km North of the crossing with Road 1 and 20km South of the crossing with Road 32. The coordinates are 64.056858, -19.867044.
  • There is also a track from Road 32 South of Hjalparfoss
  • 4WD mandatory - you can park close to the waterfall

Visiting Thjofafoss

  • Nothing around
  • Be careful not to walk too close to the edge

Thjofafoss waterfall in pictures

Below are 2 shots of Thjofafoss. The first one features Mount Burfell, a table volcano which is 669m high. And on the second one, you can really notice that the rocks around it are purple.

Thjofafoss waterfall Iceland and its surrounding
Purple rocks at Thjofafoss, Iceland

Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

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Would you take the detour to see them?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Richard Gibson says

    January 15, 2019 at 9:02 AM

    Do you know if it’s feasible to walk to Thjofafoss via the north side of the river from Hjalparfoss? I plan on visiting Hjalparfoss and the Thjorsardalur valley anyway but the drive to Thjofafoss is so out of the way when it would be so close to them through walking distance

    Reply
    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      January 16, 2019 at 6:39 PM

      Hi Richard
      I don’t think it is possible; this is pretty wild there and with volcanic soil. It seems there is a track on part of it but not the whole way.
      However I am not a hiking expert at all so I can’t tell you for sure.
      I wish you wonderful travels!

      Reply
      • Richard Gibson says

        January 16, 2019 at 10:28 PM

        I may ask around when I get there and see how it goes, otherwise I’ll just drive around to the south side. Thanks for the help!

        Reply
  2. mur says

    June 29, 2019 at 10:27 PM

    how long is the walk from the car park at thjofafoss to the actual falls? In miles or km (:

    Reply

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