HafragilsfossHafragilsfoss at a Glance
About Hafragilsfoss
Hafragilsfoss is a waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in northeast Iceland, located in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is one of several dramatic falls on this river and is noted for its narrow, steep-sided gorge and strong flow.
The fall drops roughly 27 meters into a basalt-lined chasm and is framed by steep cliffs and columnar lava formations. Viewpoints on the canyon rim give close views of the plunge and the river’s turbulent flow; photographers often use the rim viewpoints to capture the scale of the gorge.
The gorge and falls were carved by repeated glacial floods and ongoing river erosion; the present canyon exposes layered volcanic bedrock and steep terraces. Hafragilsfoss sits downstream from Dettifoss and is part of the same river system that shaped the broader Jökulsárgljúfur landscape.
Geographically it lies in Iceland’s Northeastern Region within the Jökulsárgljúfur area, now administered as part of Vatnajökull National Park. The site is reached from the local gravel access roads that branch off the main routes through the region.
- Height: The waterfall drops about 27 meters into a narrow basalt gorge, producing powerful spray and a deep plunge pool.
- Viewing tips: Best viewed from the canyon rim walkways that run along both sides of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river; water flow is highest in late spring and early summer during glacial melt.
Best Time to Visit Hafragilsfoss
Visit in summer (May-September) for easier access and longer daylight; winter offers dramatic ice-and-snow scenery but can limit access.
Weather & Climate near Hafragilsfoss
Hafragilsfoss's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 12°C. Moderate rainfall (507 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - 0° | -10° | 39 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.4h |
| February | Poor | -6° - -1° | -10° | 30 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| March | Poor | -5° - -1° | -10° | 34 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 24 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.0h |
| May | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 28 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 40 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 21.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 55 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 19.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 6° | 53 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.3h |
| September | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 57 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 3° | -4° | 61 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 51 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.7h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 0° | -9° | 35 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
How to Get to Hafragilsfoss
Hafragilsfoss is on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in northeast Iceland, downstream from Dettifoss in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon (Vatnajökull National Park). From the Ring Road (Route 1) near Lake Mývatn take the local access roads toward Dettifoss/Hafragilsfoss - the two main approaches are Route 862 (west bank) and Route 864 (east bank); both lead to parking/viewpoint areas.
Expect some unpaved/gravel stretches on the local roads and seasonal access limitations; from the parking areas the viewpoints are reached on foot in roughly 10-20 minutes. The nearest sizable settlement is the Mývatn area (about 50-60 km to the west along Route 1).
Tips for Visiting Hafragilsfoss
- Visit Hafragilsfoss together with nearby Dettifoss and Selfoss - they sit on the same river system and are usually reached via the same access points, so grouping them makes the trip more efficient.
- Aim for early morning or late evening in summer to avoid the busiest tour‑bus windows and to catch side lighting that brings out the canyon's textures.
- Use the marked viewpoints along the canyon rim and stay clear of unprotected edges; the best perspectives are from established viewing areas rather than trying to find a closer photo spot on loose ground.