Hengifoss Waterfall has to be one of the most incredible waterfalls in the whole country of Iceland, although it does have some tough competition from Dynjandi and Haifoss.
This thing looks like something from Mars. The big lines of red clay sandwiched between the rock layers give it such a bizarre, unbelievable look.This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!
Hengifoss Waterfall Hike
I almost skipped the Hengifoss hike because it was a cloudy day and I wasn’t sure if the falls were worthwhile, but I’m so glad I decided to give it a look!
It takes about 1 hour to hike to Hengifoss and the views are just out of this world. It’s not a very difficult hike, but there’s a significant elevation gain of about 300 meters (980 feet).
You cross a few streams and sheep fences along the way, but there are bridges at each of them so that part isn’t bad at all.
The photo above was taken with a drone, but you can easily take some great photos of this waterfall from the ground too.
Hengifoss is the 2nd tallest waterfall in Iceland, at 130 meters (420 feet)!
Litlanesfoss Waterfall
Litlanesfoss Waterfall is a nice 2-step cascade you’ll hike past on your way to Hengifoss, around the 1 kilometer (1/2 mile) mark in the hike. Like Svartifoss, this is another waterfall surrounded by cool looking basalt rock columns.
Litlanesfoss may not be the biggest waterfall in Iceland at 30 meters tall, but it wins in uniqueness, and it’s a freebie if you’re already hiking to Hengifoss. Two incredible waterfalls in one short hike!
How To Get To Hengifoss Waterfall
Hengifoss is about 700 kilometers (430 mi) from Reykjavik, way off in eastern Iceland. From Egilsstadir, drive along the Ring Road (Route 1) towards Fellabaer.
You don’t need 4 wheel drive to visit Hengifoss; any 2 wheel drive vehicle can reach the parking lot, where it’s a 1 hour hike to the waterfall. You can follow this Google Maps walking route from the parking lot to the waterfall.
No parking fee or entrance fee is required to hike to the falls, as of 2021.