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Háifoss waterfall

South IcelandWaterfallFree entry4x4 recommended
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Háifoss
Háifoss
HÁIFOSS IN SHORT

Háifoss is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, dropping about 122 metres into a canyon in Þjórsárdalur valley, near its twin Granni. It is about 142 km (around 2.5 hours) from Reykjavík, free to visit, open all year, but the last stretch of road needs a 4x4.

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Quick factsGetting thereDriving routeThe viewpointNearby stopsBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Háifoss

Háifoss drops from the edge of the highlands into a deep canyon cut by the Fossá river, with the smaller Granni waterfall tumbling down right beside it. The setting is dramatic: bare highland terrain, a narrow gorge and, on a clear day, views towards Hekla in the distance. It is quieter than the South Coast's big-name waterfalls, mainly because the access road puts off anyone without the right vehicle.

The main viewpoint is a short walk from the car park along the canyon rim, with no barriers, so care is needed near the edge. A path also leads down into the canyon itself for those who want a closer look, though it is steeper and less maintained.

We have been coming to Háifoss since we were children, and it is a place we do not get tired of. The first look over the canyon edge still has the same effect: the depth of the gorge, the sound of the river far below and the bare volcanic land all around. It still feels wild compared with the busier waterfalls of South Iceland, and that is the reason to make the drive.

Quick facts

HeightAbout 122 m
RiverFossá, in Þjórsárdalur valley
RegionSouth Iceland, near Hekla
From ReykjavíkAbout 142 km, around 2.5 hours by car
EntryFree
ParkingFree, small car park by the canyon rim
RoadRoad 332, a 7 km unpaved gravel road; 4x4 with good clearance strongly recommended
Opening hoursOpen all year, but road 332 can be difficult or impassable after snow
Time needed45–60 minutes

How to get to Háifoss

On a guided tourSome highland or super jeep tours include Háifoss, which avoids the need to drive the gravel access road yourself.
By carTake Route 1 to Selfoss, then Route 30 and Route 32 into Þjórsárdalur valley, followed by Road 332, an unpaved 7 km stretch to the car park. A 4x4 with high clearance is strongly recommended; standard rental cars can struggle with the ruts and loose gravel.
By public transportThere is no public transport to Háifoss, so a car (ideally 4x4) or an organised tour is the only realistic option.
ParkingFree car park at the end of Road 332, right by the canyon rim.

Road 332 is unpaved and rough, with some sections rutted or washed out depending on recent weather. It is generally not covered by standard rental car insurance if you get stuck, so check your rental terms before attempting it, and avoid it entirely after heavy rain or snow. Road conditions also vary from year to year, so check the latest road updates before heading out.

How to get to Háifoss from Reykjavík: the driving route

The drive usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. Everything is paved until the last turn.

Step 1: Reykjavík to SelfossTake Route 1 east out of Reykjavík, over Hellisheiði and through Selfoss.
Step 2: Route 30After passing Selfoss, turn left onto Route 30 and follow it inland.
Step 3: Route 32 into ÞjórsárdalurTurn onto Route 32 (Þjórsárdalsvegur) and follow it into the Þjórsárdalur valley, with the Þjórsá river on your right.
Step 4: Past HjálparfossContinue past the turn-off for <a href="/locations/hjalparfoss-waterfall/">Hjálparfoss</a>. It is a quick stop if you want one.
Step 5: The turn onto Road 332Look for the turn onto Road 332, the gravel road signed for Háifoss. This is where the paved road ends for you.
Step 6: 7–8 km of gravelFollow the gravel road for around 7 to 8 km. Take it slowly and steer around the worst potholes. The final parking area is right above the canyon.

Our honest view of the road: it is short, but it can be very rough, bumpy and full of potholes, especially after heavy rain or early in the season. A 4x4 is strongly recommended. In dry summer conditions some standard cars do make it, driving slowly. After rain the road gets much rougher, and in early summer and autumn conditions change quickly.

What to expect at Háifoss

From the parking area it is only a short and easy walk to the main viewpoint.

The viewFrom the rim you see Háifoss and its neighbour Granni falling side by side into the Fossárdalur canyon, with open highland country in every direction and, on a clear day, Hekla in the distance.
The canyon edgeThe path itself is simple, but the area near the edge needs care. The drop is sheer and the ground can be loose, especially after rain.
PhotographyOn a clear day this is one of our favourite places to photograph in South Iceland. Walk a little way along the rim to get both waterfalls in one frame.

Nearby stops to combine with Háifoss

The whole valley is full of quiet places, and it makes sense to see several on the same day.

Gjáin<a href="/locations/gjain/">Gjáin</a> is a small canyon filled with little waterfalls, lava formations and green vegetation.
Hjálparfoss<a href="/locations/hjalparfoss-waterfall/">Hjálparfoss</a> is a double waterfall that you pass on the way in, a short detour off Route 32.
Stöng<a href="/locations/thjodveldisbaerinn-stong/">Stöng</a> is a Viking-age farm buried by a Hekla eruption, with a reconstructed farmhouse in the valley that adds some history to the drive.

Best time to visit Háifoss

Best months: June to SeptemberRoad 332 is usually at its most passable, the weather is more stable and the canyon is at its greenest and most colourful. This is the easiest and most popular time to visit.
Summer eveningsIf you want the best light, come late in the evening in midsummer, when the low sun lights up the canyon walls.
WinterRoad 332 is often difficult or closed after snowfall. Check conditions on umferdin.is before setting out, and turn back if the road looks unsafe.

Safety and practical tips

  • Only attempt Road 332 in a proper 4x4 with good clearance; regular cars regularly get stuck.
  • Check road conditions on umferdin.is before you go, especially outside summer.
  • There are no barriers at the viewpoint. Keep well back from the canyon edge, especially in wind or with children.
  • Bring your own food and water; there is nothing at the site.
  • Combine it with a visit to Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng or Hekla, both nearby in the same valley.
  • Avoid visiting in strong wind. The viewpoint is exposed and the drop is sheer.
  • Wear proper hiking shoes and bring layers, even in summer. It can feel much colder at the canyon edge than lower in the valley.
  • Watch children closely at all times near the rim.

Facilities and accessibility

None on site: no toilets, shop or shelter. Nearest fuel, food and toilets are in Flúðir or around Hella, both some distance away.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

Þjóðveldisbærinn StöngÞjóðveldisbærinn StöngReconstructed Viking-age farmhouse in the same valleyHekla volcanoHekla volcanoActive volcano visible from the areaÞjófafossÞjófafossWaterfall on the Þjórsá river nearbyGjáinGjáinSmall green valley with waterfalls and lava formationsHjálparfossHjálparfossDouble waterfall you pass on the way
ÞjórsárdalurThe valley the road follows to Háifoss

Where to stay near Háifoss

Most visitors base themselves around Hella or Flúðir and drive out for a few hours, since there is no accommodation directly at Háifoss.

Háifoss FAQ

Do I really need a 4x4 to reach Háifoss?

It is strongly recommended. Road 332 is unpaved, rutted gravel, and rental car insurance often does not cover damage from driving it in a standard car. In dry summer conditions some standard cars make it by driving slowly, but after rain the road gets much rougher.

How tall is Háifoss?

About 122 metres, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland.

How far is Háifoss from Reykjavík?

About 142 km, around 2.5 hours by car, including the gravel access road.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, there is no entrance fee and parking is free.

Is Háifoss open in winter?

The waterfall itself is always there, but Road 332 can become difficult or impassable after snow, so check conditions before travelling.

When is the best time to visit Háifoss?

June to September, when the gravel road is usually in its best condition and the weather is more settled. Late evening in midsummer gives the best light.

How long is the walk to the viewpoint?

Only a few minutes. The car park is right above the canyon and the main viewpoint is a short, easy walk away.

What is the waterfall next to Háifoss?

Granni, which means "neighbour". The two fall side by side into the same canyon.

See Háifoss with a local

Tours and trips that include Háifoss, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.

Landmannalaugar Tour from ReykjavikDAY TOURLandmannalaugar Tour from ReykjavikFrom 27,990 ISK per person3-Day Landmannalaugar, Green Ridge & Háifoss HikeMULTI-DAY3-Day Landmannalaugar, Green Ridge & Háifoss HikeFrom 159,990 ISK per personLandmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour from ReykjavíkDAY TOURLandmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour from ReykjavíkFrom 46,125 ISK per personLandmannalaugar Private Tour in IcelandPRIVATELandmannalaugar Private Tour in IcelandFrom 207,000 ISK per groupIcelandic Grandeur Helicopter TourDAY TOURIcelandic Grandeur Helicopter TourFrom 903,600 ISK per person
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