Háifoss
Waterfall Tall Icelandic waterfall on the Fossá river
Háifoss plunges about 122 metres in the Þjórsárdalur valley, paired with the nearby Granni fall; visitors hike marked paths to cliff-top viewpoints and surrounding lava fields.
Háifoss is a major waterfall in southern Iceland with a drop of about 122 metres into a steep, volcanic gorge.
Viewpoints above the plateau provide dramatic vistas of the fall and the river canyon, and a separate nearby cascade often photographed alongside Háifoss. Access is via highland roads and a short walk from parking to viewpoints, with conditions that vary by season.
Háifoss was sculpted by the Fossá river over volcanic rock and sits within a landscape shaped by volcanism and glacial erosion; the canyon below shows layered strata and steep cliffs.
The waterfall is located in the Þjórsárdalur valley region of south Iceland, inland from the southern coastline and accessible from roads that cross the inland highlands.
- Height and pairing: The waterfall drops approximately 122 metres into a deep gorge and is commonly paired visually with the nearby fall called Granni.
How to Get to Háifoss #
Access from the south via road F235 off Route 32; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the unpaved highland track. The waterfall is about a 15-25 minute walk from the closest parking area.
Tips for Visiting Háifoss #
- Use the viewing platform for safe vantage points; the lower path can be muddy after rain.
- Route F235 to Háifoss requires a 4x4 - check mountain-road conditions and avoid after heavy rain.
- Pair a visit with the nearby Hólaskógur forest and the lesser-known waterfall Granni (which sits beside Háifoss) for contrasting compositions.
Best Time to Visit Háifoss #
Summer and early autumn are best for access; F‑road approaches require 4x4 vehicles.
Weather & Climate near Háifoss #
Háifoss's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1012 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
