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Aldeyjarfoss waterfall

North IcelandWaterfallFree entry4x4 in summer
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Aldeyjarfoss
Aldeyjarfoss
ALDEYJARFOSS IN SHORT

Aldeyjarfoss is a 20-metre waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river in upper Bárðardalur, North Iceland, framed by dark basalt columns. It is about 45 minutes beyond Goðafoss on Route 842 and the F26 highland road, so a 4x4 is needed in summer. It is free to visit, and most people spend 30 to 60 minutes.

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Quick factsGetting thereThe walkPhotographyBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss is one of the most striking waterfalls in North Iceland, mostly because of the setting. The pale glacial river Skjálfandafljót drops about 20 metres in a single step into a deep pool, with columns of basalt stacked along the cliff on both sides. The columns come from the Bárðardalshraun lava field, which is about 9,000 years old.

The contrast between the black rock and the milky water is the reason photographers come here. You can walk along the top of the gorge to look down at the falls, and further along there is a potholed rock formation known as Skessukatlar, the giantess's cauldrons, carved by swirling water and stones.

The waterfall is remote and much quieter than Goðafoss, and it lies on the edge of the Highlands, so the trip feels like a proper excursion.

Quick facts

HeightAbout 20 m, in one drop
RiverSkjálfandafljót
GeologyBasalt columns from the Bárðardalshraun lava, about 9,000 years old
RegionUpper Bárðardalur, North Iceland
From GoðafossAbout 45 minutes by car
RoadRoute 842, then F26 (Sprengisandur), 4x4 required on the final section
EntryFree
Best seasonSummer, roughly late June to early September
Time needed30–60 minutes at the falls

How to get to Aldeyjarfoss

By carLeave Route 1 near Goðafoss and turn onto Route 842. Follow it south through Bárðardalur for about 40 km. Where the valley road ends it becomes the F26 Sprengisandur highland road, a rough gravel track that needs a 4x4. Continue about 4 km on the F26 to the parking area, which is close to the viewpoint.
Walking from the end of Route 842Some people in ordinary cars park where the road becomes rough and walk the rest, about 35 to 40 minutes each way. Check current conditions first.
On a guided tourSome super jeep and private tours from Akureyri and Mývatn include Aldeyjarfoss in summer.
By public transportThere is no public transport to Aldeyjarfoss.

F26 is a highland road and opens only in summer, when snow has melted and the road has been graded. Outside that time the road is closed and access is very difficult. Check road.is and umferdin.is for status, and never drive an F-road in a vehicle that is not allowed on it.

The walk to the waterfall

From the parking area it is only a short walk to the falls, but the ground is rocky and uneven.

To the viewpointA path leads from the car park to the rim of the gorge, where the whole waterfall and the basalt walls come into view. It is not technically difficult.
Down to the lower angleA short descent over loose stones takes you to the lower viewpoint that most photographers use. Go slowly, and skip it in wet weather, when the basalt is slippery.
Walking in from Route 842If you leave an ordinary car where the F-road begins, the walk in follows the road through open highland scenery and takes about 35 to 40 minutes each way.
What to bringSturdy walking shoes, windproof layers and some extra time. There is no shelter at the falls.

Photographing Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland for photography. The basalt walls give strong lines that lead the eye to the water, and the white glacial river stands out against the black rock in both wide landscape shots and portraits.

Soft evening light suits the falls best, when the water looks like a veil against the columns. That is why it has become a place for wedding and portrait shoots as well as landscape work. Drones are used here when conditions and the rules allow. Look beyond the main drop too: the Skessukatlar potholes, smooth round holes worn into the rock by swirling stones and water, are a subject in themselves.

Best time to visit Aldeyjarfoss

Summer (late June–early September)The F26 is open and access is straightforward for a 4x4. The falls are strong from glacier melt, the light is at its best for photography, and the basalt is more often dry and safer to walk on.
Winter (October–May)The road is closed and snow covers the area. Reaching the falls means a much longer trip over snow, so only specialist guided trips go, and conditions are severe.

Safety and practical tips

  • Do not drive the F26 in a normal car. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed on F-roads.
  • Check road.is before you go, and be aware that rivers and weather can change conditions quickly.
  • Stay well back from the edge of the gorge. The rock is slippery and there are no railings.
  • Bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. It is windy and can be cold even in July.
  • There are no facilities at the falls, so bring water and food and fill up with fuel before you leave the Ring Road.

Facilities and accessibility

There are no toilets, café or shop at Aldeyjarfoss. The nearest services are near Goðafoss and at Mývatn.

On the map

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Nearby places worth a stop

GoðafossGoðafossWell-known waterfall on the Ring Road, about 45 minutes backMývatnMývatnLake area with craters, lava and geothermal sitesHúsavíkHúsavíkWhale-watching town on Skjálfandi bayDettifossDettifossIceland's most powerful waterfall, on the Diamond Circle
HrafnabjargafossAnother little-known waterfall on the same river, a few kilometres further up the F26
AkureyriAkureyriThe main town of the north, a good base for the trip

Where to stay near Aldeyjarfoss

Stay near Goðafoss, at Mývatn or in Akureyri and drive out for the day. There are also a few farms in Bárðardalur that offer accommodation, so check availability before you go.

Aldeyjarfoss FAQ

Do I need a 4x4 for Aldeyjarfoss?

Yes for the final section, which is the F26 highland road. In an ordinary car you can drive part of Route 842 and walk the rest.

How high is Aldeyjarfoss?

About 20 metres in a single drop.

How far is Aldeyjarfoss from Goðafoss?

About 45 minutes by car along Route 842.

When can you visit Aldeyjarfoss?

In summer, roughly late June to early September, when the F26 is open. Outside that time access is very limited.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. There is no fee to visit the waterfall.

Is Aldeyjarfoss worth the drive?

Yes, if you want a wilder and quieter waterfall than Goðafoss or Dettifoss. It works well as part of a waterfall day with Goðafoss, or as a side trip from Mývatn or the Diamond Circle.

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