Place · East Iceland

Hengifoss

Hike past Litlanesfoss’s basalt columns to the red-striped cliffs of Hengifoss, with a shorter first-waterfall option.

Plan a real visit

Your visit at a glance

Time on site: 2–3 hours on site · editorial estimate; travel extra
Start: Hengifoss parking and service centre at the southwest end of Lagarfljót, reached via Road 931
First goal: Litlanesfoss and basalt columns about 1.2 km from parking
Upper walk: Official guide describes about 2 km of moderately steep gravel approach and 40–60 minutes uphill
Allow: 2–3 hours including both falls and return; editorial estimate

Hengifoss is worth approaching as a walk, not a waterfall visible beside the car. Its drop into a layered gorge is the destination, but the route gives you time to see the wider Lagarfljót landscape and another waterfall, Litlanesfoss, along the way.

The reddish bands between dark rock layers make Hengifoss distinctive. Look for those horizontal lines as well as the falling water. This is a good East Iceland choice when you want one substantial outdoor visit instead of several hurried roadside stops.

Hengifoss waterfall and the surrounding cliffs — Jakub Hałun · source · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and JPEG optimized for web; no local crop. Responsive display may crop the frame.

A useful time allowance: 2–3 hours including pauses — our planning estimate
Season and conditions: Prefer a snow-free trail and manageable weather; check local information for the intended day.
Getting there: Reach Hengifoss visitor parking/service centre via Road 931 around Lagarfljót; the waterfall visit is an uphill walk from there.

Make the next choice

Plan your next step

Start with the option that matches how you will visit Hengifoss. The alternative is useful only if it fills another gap in your plan.

Getting there

Choose a car for an independent Hengifoss visit

Arrange suitable transport to the trailhead as part of your eastern route and preserve enough time for the walk.

Compare the transport for this itinerary, then check the supplier’s vehicle, road permissions and full hire terms.

Choose a car for an independent Hengifoss visit

A place to stay

Choose a Lagarfljót-area base

Use a nearby overnight base if the hike and next eastern stage would otherwise make the day too long.

Use the regional guidance for your actual activity meeting point and next day. Check the exact room, arrival and cancellation terms.

Choose a Lagarfljót-area base

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Two falls and two kinds of rock

Enter through the gate beside the service centre, climb the initial stairs and follow the gravel trail uphill. Litlanesfoss appears about 1.2 km from parking, framed by basalt columns. It is a satisfying shorter goal in its own right. Higher up, Hengifoss falls past red bands between dark lava layers: look for the horizontal pattern as well as the falling water.

The official visitor guide gives 40–60 minutes for the ascent and describes roughly 2 km of moderately steep gravel trail. Allow two to three hours overall with viewpoints and the descent. Bridges link the two river-side paths near parking and above, but use only the routes open on your visit.

Choose the upper viewpoint, not the gorge floor

Stay with the established approach and viewing positions. The gorge descent has loose gravel and exposure; entering below the large falls in winter is unsafe because of falling ice. Our suggested visit does not require a ford or a scramble to the waterfall’s foot. If mud, ice or meltwater interrupts the walking route, turn back.

The service centre provides local information from rangers when staffed. Bring water and a snack for the climb. Hallormsstaður offers a gentler forest change afterward; the scenic Road 931 journey around Lagarfljót ties the two visits together without another mountain pass.

Sources & editorial review · 2026-09-30

Time allowances and suggested combinations are our editorial recommendations. Check the provider for current access, opening times and conditions.