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 and the purple Thjofafoss. Both are stunning and deserve a stop if you drive by.
Those 2 waterfalls located close to the Central Highlands are less-known than many other Icelandic falls (check out my list of 21 major waterfalls in Iceland). Around them you can find other waterfalls which I could not visit: Háifoss and Tangafoss
Attention: although 5km apart via the river, the drive between them is way longer.
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INFO AND TIPS ABOUT HJALPARFOSS
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 sourrounding 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.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Hjalparfoss
Getting to Hjalparfoss
Hjalparfoss about 30 kilometres east of the village Flúðir. The gravel road to the waterfall is well indicated off Road 32.
Visiting Hjalparfoss
- Easy walk down to get close to the waterfall
- No ammenities
- Nice and practical spot for a picnic
Hjalparfoss is included in the Travel guide Experience Iceland that I wrote to help you plan your road trip around Iceland and make the most of your time. Learn more on this page.
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.
INFO AND TIPS ABOUT THJOFAFOSS
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.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Thjofafoss
Getting to Thjofafoss
- On route 26, turn West on a sand road for roughly 4km. THe turning point is about 45km North of the crossin 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
Visiting Thjofafoss
- Nothing around
- Be careful not to walk too close to the edge
THJOFAFOSS 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.
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Would you take the detour to see them?
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
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!
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!