HáifossAbout Háifoss
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 0° | -10° | 91 mm | overcast | 95% | 7.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -5° - 0° | -9° | 101 mm | overcast | 94% | 7.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 1° | -9° | 95 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 3° | -5° | 65 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 59 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 65 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 7° | 70 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 95 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 84 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 103 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 87 mm | overcast | 95% | 6.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 0° | -9° | 97 mm | overcast | 95% | 7.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
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.