Hengifoss Waterfall Hike

The Hengifoss hike is one of the best short walks in east Iceland. Hengifoss plunges about 128 m into a gorge framed by dark basalt layers striped with bright red clay, laid down between ancient lava flows, making it one of the tallest and most distinctive waterfalls in the country. On the way up you pass Litlanesfoss, a smaller waterfall surrounded by some of the most perfect basalt columns you will see anywhere.

The out-and-back trail is about 4.5 km with around 270 m of ascent and takes one and a half to two hours. It starts from a car park beside Lagarfljót lake in Fljótsdalur, about 35 km from Egilsstaðir. The path climbs steadily, with steps at the start and benches along the way, and is suitable for most reasonably fit walkers.

Hengifoss pairs well with other stops in Fljótsdalur, including Hallormsstaður, Iceland's largest forest, the historic Skriðuklaustur estate and the Snæfellsstofa visitor centre for Vatnajökull National Park. It is a good half-day outing from Egilsstaðir and an easy leg-stretcher if you are driving the Ring Road through the east. Go early in the day in summer, when the car park is quieter and the light on the red clay layers is softer.

Highlights

• A 128 m waterfall striped with red clay layers
• Litlanesfoss framed by tall basalt columns
• Views over Lagarfljót lake and Fljótsdalur
• Easy access from Egilsstaðir

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Hengifoss is in Fljótsdalur, about 35 km southwest of Egilsstaðir. Drive along Lagarfljót on Route 931 to the signposted car park near the head of the lake. The roads are paved or good gravel and fine for a normal car. There is a parking fee of about 1,000 ISK, paid online via checkit.is. There is no regular public transport to the trailhead.

Where to stay

Egilsstaðir has hotels, guesthouses and a campsite. The forest at Hallormsstaður has a campsite and a hotel, and there are farm stays and guesthouses throughout Fljótsdalur. Wild camping is not permitted at the trailhead.

Best time to hike

Late spring to autumn is the best period, when the trail is snow-free. The waterfall flows strongest in early summer with snowmelt. Autumn brings colourful birch woods. In winter the path can be icy and the waterfall partly frozen; microspikes are essential then.

Safety

Stay on the marked trail and behind barriers at viewpoints; the gorge edges are steep. Rockfall is a hazard near the base of the waterfall, so do not go beyond the end of the trail. The path is slippery when wet or icy. Check vedur.is and call 112 in an emergency.