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Helgufoss waterfall

MosfellsdalurWaterfallFree entryOpen all year
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Helgufoss
Helgufoss
HELGUFOSS IN SHORT

Helgufoss is a waterfall of about 12 m on the Kaldakvísl river in Mosfellsdalur, the valley behind Mosfellsbær, about 20 km and 30 minutes by car from Reykjavík. It is free to visit and open all year. The walk from the small car park is short and easy, around 1.3 km there and back.

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Quick factsGetting thereAroundBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Helgufoss

Helgufoss falls in a series of rocky steps over a mossy cliff on the Kaldakvísl river, in the green farming valley of Mosfellsdalur just inland from Mosfellsbær. Walls of old lava rock stand on both sides. It is slender rather than powerful, with a shallow, clear pool at the bottom. The appeal is the easy, quiet walk along the river to reach it.

Few travellers know about Helgufoss, but locals have walked here for years. On warm summer days some bring swimming things and take a quick dip in the very cold water below the falls.

The path is also a junction for longer routes over Grímannsfell mountain, so you may meet walkers, cyclists and picnickers. It is much quieter than the big South Iceland waterfalls and works well as a short outing from the capital area, including with children.

Quick facts

HeightAbout 12 m (one source; other guides give no figure)
RiverKaldakvísl
RegionMosfellsdalur, just inland from Mosfellsbær, in the capital area
From ReykjavíkAbout 20 km, around 30 minutes by car
RoadRoute 36 (Þingvallavegur), then a short gravel road to the car park
EntryFree
Opening hoursOpen all year, no fixed hours
WalkAbout 1.3 km round trip, roughly 10–20 minutes each way, easy

How to get to Helgufoss

By carTake Route 1 north out of Reykjavík, then turn onto Route 36 (Þingvallavegur) towards Þingvellir. Look for an easy-to-miss turn onto a short gravel road, which ends at a small car park with an information sign. Parking is small, so it can fill up on sunny weekends.
Hiking thereA well-marked path follows the Kaldakvísl river from the car park to the falls. It is short and mostly gentle, though it can be muddy and slippery after rain.
By public transportThere is no practical bus service to the trailhead, so a car is the easiest way.

No fee was found for parking. Check for signs on site.

Explore around Helgufoss falls

Helgufoss is about half an hour from Reykjavík, so it is easy to turn the walk into a half-day in Mosfellsdalur.

A picnic by the fallsThe grassy banks below the waterfall are a good picnic spot in dry weather. Take all your rubbish back with you; there are no bins.
Mosfellsdalur valleyThe valley is quiet farmland, with fields of Icelandic horses and sheep, scattered barns and a small church. It is good ground for birdwatchers and photographers.
The Laxness museumMosfellsdalur was the home of Halldór Laxness, Iceland's only Nobel laureate, who won the prize for literature in 1955. His house, Gljúfrasteinn, lower down the same river, is now a museum about his life, his books and the Iceland he wrote about.
Tröllafoss and ÞórufossTwo more quiet waterfalls lie close by: Tröllafoss on the north side of the valley and Þórufoss on the road towards Hvalfjörður. You will most likely have them to yourself.
On the way to the Golden CircleRoute 36 through Mosfellsdalur is the usual road from Reykjavík to Þingvellir, so Helgufoss fits well at the start or end of a Golden Circle day, before or after Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.

Best time to visit Helgufoss

Summer (June–August)Green valley, mild and usually more stable weather, and the easiest walking. The long days make the drive simple. Some people swim in the pool at the bottom, but the water is cold.
WinterThe path can be icy or muddy, and daylight is short. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and keep away from icy edges.

Safety and practical tips

  • Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes with good grip; the path is muddy and slippery after rain.
  • There are no facilities at the falls, so bring water and use the toilet in Mosfellsbær first.
  • Stay on the path and do not climb on the wet rocks at the falls.
  • Keep children close on the steeper, slippery parts near the waterfall.
  • Go early or on a weekday if you want the car park and the falls to yourself.
  • A normal two-wheel-drive car is enough in summer; take the short gravel road slowly.
  • The route connects to longer trails over Grímannsfell, so check the weather before going further.

Facilities and accessibility

None on site. Cafés and fuel are available back in Mosfellsbær.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

TröllafossQuiet waterfall on the Leirvogsá river, also in MosfellsdalurÞórufossÞórufossWaterfall on Route 48 between Þingvellir and Hvalfjörður
Gljúfrasteinn, the Laxness museumHome of Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness, on Route 36 in the valley
Þingvellir National ParkÞingvellir National ParkFurther along Route 36, about 30 minutes' driveÖxarárfossÖxarárfossWaterfall inside Þingvellir National ParkEsjanEsjanPopular hiking mountain overlooking the capital areaReykjavíkReykjavíkAbout 20 km away

Where to stay near Helgufoss

Most visitors see Helgufoss on a day trip from Reykjavík, where there is every kind of hotel and guesthouse. If you want to stay closer, Mosfellsdalur and Mosfellsbær have a few guesthouses and a campsite in summer.

Helgufoss FAQ

Is Helgufoss worth visiting?

It is a small waterfall best suited to a short, easy walk close to Reykjavík rather than a major sightseeing stop.

How long does it take to see Helgufoss?

About 20 minutes each way on foot, or roughly 30–45 minutes for the whole visit.

Is there an entry fee?

No, it is free to visit.

How far is Helgufoss from Reykjavík?

About 20 km, around 30 minutes by car via Route 36 (Þingvallavegur).

How high is Helgufoss?

One guide gives about 12 m. It is a slender, stepped waterfall rather than a big drop.

Can you swim at Helgufoss?

Some locals take a dip in the pool below the falls on warm summer days. The water is very cold and there are no changing facilities.

Is Helgufoss on the Golden Circle?

It is just off Route 36, the road from Reykjavík to Þingvellir, so it is an easy first or last stop on a Golden Circle day.

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