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Hænubrekkufoss waterfall

East IcelandWaterfallFree entryGravel road
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Hænubrekkufoss
Hænubrekkufoss
HÆNUBREKKUFOSS IN SHORT

Hænubrekkufoss is a three-step waterfall of about 53 m on the Berufjarðará river in East Iceland. It is about 5 km up Route 939, the Öxi mountain road, from the Ring Road at the head of Berufjörður. It is free to visit and you can see all three steps from a bend in the road. Allow 20 to 30 minutes.

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Quick factsGetting thereBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Hænubrekkufoss

Hænubrekkufoss drops in three steps down a hillside above the Berufjarðará river, on the Berufjörður side of the Öxi pass. The total height is about 53 m. The steps are roughly 11, 13 and 30 metres high, counted from the top, though the top one is hard to reach and its height is an estimate. It is one of the larger waterfalls on this river, yet many travellers pass it without stopping.

You can see all three steps from a wide bend in the Öxi road, which makes it a good quick stop if you are driving between Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir over the pass. If you want a closer look, it is an easy walk down the mossy slope to the foot of the falls. There is no marked path, so wear boots with a good grip.

The river is fed by many small lakes and tarns on the plateau above, so it carries water throughout the year and is strongest during the spring melt.

Quick facts

HeightAbout 53 m in three steps of roughly 11 m, 13 m and 30 m
RiverBerufjarðará
RegionEast Iceland, at the head of Berufjörður
From DjúpivogurAbout 25 km: 20 km on Route 1 to the Öxi junction, then 5 km up Route 939
GPS64.80867, -14.61185
EntryFree
Opening hoursNo gate or opening hours; the Öxi road can be closed in winter
RoadRoute 939 (Öxi), about 5 km from the Route 1 junction. Gravel and steep in places
WalkingOptional easy walk over moss to the foot of the falls; no marked path
Time needed20 to 30 minutes

How to get to Hænubrekkufoss

By carFrom Djúpivogur, drive about 20 km on Route 1 to the head of Berufjörður and turn onto Route 939, signed Öxi. About 5 km from the junction the road makes a broad curve, with clear spots where you can pull over and see the different steps of the waterfall. Coming from Egilsstaðir over the pass, look for the same curve on the way down into Berufjörður. The falls can also be picked out from a distance in the valley, but the curve on Route 939 is the place to stop.
By public transportThere is no reliable public transport for this stop, so a car is the practical option.
ParkingThere are simple gravel pull-offs by the road. No parking fee is known. Stop safely and keep clear of traffic.
Walking to the foot of the fallsThere is no marked trail, but it is a short and easy walk from the road down to the base of the waterfall. There are no real obstacles, only moss-covered slopes that can be slippery. Wear shoes with a good grip and keep to worn ground where you can, as moss takes decades to recover.

Route 939 over Öxi is a gravel mountain road with steep sections. It cuts about 60 km off the drive between Egilsstaðir and Höfn compared with following the fjords. It is not suitable for trailers and can be closed in winter, so check umferdin.is before you plan to use it.

Best time to visit Hænubrekkufoss

Summer (June–August)The easiest time. The road is dry, the moss is green and daylight lasts most of the day.
Winter (November–March)The waterfall can freeze in part, and the Öxi road may be closed for long periods. If it is, you cannot drive up to the viewpoint, so stay on Route 1 and check road conditions before you go.

Safety and practical tips

  • Stop only where it is safe. Do not park on the road.
  • If you walk down to the river, wear boots with grip. The moss is wet and slippery.
  • Stay well back from the edges above the drops.
  • Check umferdin.is before driving over Öxi, especially outside summer.
  • Bring waterproof clothing. Weather in the Eastfjords changes quickly.

Facilities and accessibility

There are no facilities at the waterfall. Djúpivogur, the nearest village, has fuel, shops and cafés.

On the map

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Nearby places worth a stop

DjúpivogurDjúpivogurFishing village with an art sceneFolaldafossFolaldafossAnother waterfall on the lower Öxi road, closer to Route 1SveinstekksfossSveinstekksfossWaterfall in BerufjörðurFlögufossFlögufossWaterfall in the EastfjordsEgilsstaðirEgilsstaðirMain town in East Iceland

Where to stay near Hænubrekkufoss

Djúpivogur has guesthouses and a campsite, and there are farm stays around Berufjörður. Egilsstaðir and Höfn both have a wider range of hotels.

Hænubrekkufoss FAQ

How high is Hænubrekkufoss?

About 53 m in total across three steps, with the longest drop about 30 m.

Is there an entry fee?

No. It is free and always accessible.

Where is it?

On the Berufjarðará river in East Iceland, about 5 km up the Öxi road (Route 939) from the Ring Road at the head of Berufjörður, roughly 25 km from Djúpivogur.

Do I need to hike to see it?

No. You can see all three steps from the bend in the Öxi road. A short, easy walk down the mossy slope takes you to the foot of the falls.

Can I drive Öxi?

Route 939 is a gravel mountain road that saves about 60 km between Egilsstaðir and Höfn. It is steep, best in summer and not for trailers.

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