HengifossAbout Hengifoss
Hengifoss is a waterfall in eastern Iceland known for its tall drop and conspicuous red layers of clay between basalt strata in the cliff face. The waterfall is set in a steep-sided canyon and is a prominent natural attraction in the region.
The route to the falls follows a marked trail that climbs beside the river and passes views of layered geology and another striking waterfall, Litlanesfoss, which sits lower in the same gorge and is framed by columnar basalt. These geological contrasts are a key reason visitors go.
The waterfall and surrounding canyon have been formed by volcanic and glacial processes, exposing the alternating volcanic and sedimentary layers that produce the red-and-black banding. The site is managed as an accessible natural attraction with maintained paths.
Hengifoss is located in East Iceland’s highland river valleys, within driving distance of the town of Egilsstaðir and set in a landscape of steep canyons and upland plateaus.
- Height: Has a vertical drop of approximately 128 metres, making it among Iceland’s tallest waterfalls and a popular hiking destination.
- Trail: The main trail from the parking area to the falls is roughly 2.5 kilometres one way and passes views of layered volcanic strata and the nearby Litlanesfoss waterfall.
What to See#
- Litlanesfoss: A second, smaller waterfall reached on the same trail, noted for its tall columnar basalt walls and striking hexagonal columns.
Best Time to Visit Hengifoss
Visit in summer for the most reliable access to the waterfall and safest hiking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Hengifoss
Hengifoss's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -5°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (937 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 1° | -7° | 102 mm | overcast | 96% | 4.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.4h |
| February | Poor | -5° - 0° | -7° | 81 mm | overcast | 96% | 4.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 1° | -7° | 87 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 50 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 15.0h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 46 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 47 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.4 m/s | 1.0 high | 21.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 62 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 8° | 73 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 4° | 97 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 0° - 5° | -1° | 111 mm | overcast | 96% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 2° | -5° | 90 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.7h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 1° | -6° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 96% | 3.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
How to Get to Hengifoss
Hengifoss is in East Iceland and is most commonly reached by road from Egilsstaðir. From Egilsstaðir follow Route 1 (the Ring Road) and turn onto the local access road to the Hengifoss parking area; the drive is roughly 20-30 minutes from Egilsstaðir. From the parking area expect a steep walking trail of about 2-3 km (roughly 30-45 minutes) each way up to the waterfall.
Tips for Visiting Hengifoss
- Start the hike early in the day (or later in the evening in summer) to avoid the peak of mid-day visitors and to catch softer light on the red clay layers in the cliffs.
- Pause at the lower waterfall viewpoint to see Litlanesfoss's striking basalt columns - many visitors hike straight to Hengifoss and miss this dramatic feature on the same trail.
- Use the official parking/visitor area off Route 931 as your trailhead and follow the marked path and boardwalks; the route is well maintained but narrow in places so arriving early reduces congestion.