LITLANESFOSS IN SHORTLitlanesfoss is a roughly 30-metre waterfall in a bowl of tall, straight basalt columns, on the hiking trail up to Hengifoss in East Iceland. It is about 35 km (30 minutes' drive) from Egilsstaðir, then a walk of roughly 1.2 km uphill from the Hengifoss car park. There is no entry fee, only a parking charge, and the trail is open all year.
About Litlanesfoss
Litlanesfoss sits on the Hengifossá river, on the same trail that leads on to the much taller Hengifoss further up the valley. What sets it apart is the rock around it: the falls drop through a tight amphitheatre of hexagonal basalt columns, unusually tall, straight and closely packed, formed as a thick lava flow cooled slowly and cracked into regular pillars.
The waterfall is about a 30-minute drive from Egilsstaðir, on the west side of Lake Lagarfljót. The Hengifossá runs down a steep gorge here on its way to the lake, and the white water stands out sharply against the dark rock. As you climb, the view opens behind you over Lagarfljót and the valley.
Many visitors find Litlanesfoss just as striking as Hengifoss itself, if not more so, because of how dramatically the columns frame the water. It is a good turning-around point for anyone not up for the full hike, and a highlight for those continuing on.
Litlanesfoss is less well known than Iceland's big-name waterfalls, and East Iceland as a whole is quieter than the south. For walkers and photographers it is one of the best short hikes in the region, and a good look at how lava turns into columns.
Quick facts
HeightAbout 30 m
RiverHengifossá, which runs down to Lake Lagarfljót
RegionEast Iceland, Fljótsdalur, on the trail to Hengifoss
From EgilsstaðirAbout 35 km, around 30 minutes by car on Route 931
From the Hengifoss car parkAbout 1.2 km, roughly 20–30 minutes' walk uphill
There and back45 minutes to 1 hour to Litlanesfoss only
Full hike to HengifossAbout 5 km return, 2–3 hours
DifficultyModerate, with some steep sections
EntryNo entry fee; parking about ISK 1,000 per car
Time needed20–30 minutes at the falls
How to get to Litlanesfoss
By car from EgilsstaðirFollow Route 931 along Lake Lagarfljót to the signposted Hengifoss car park, near the bridge at the head of the lake. The road is paved all the way and fine for any car. The drive is about 35 km and takes around 30 minutes. There is no separate road or parking for Litlanesfoss.
Hiking thereThe trail starts beside the car park and is well marked. It climbs steadily up the side of the gorge, and Litlanesfoss comes into view at roughly the halfway point of the trail to Hengifoss.
ParkingParking at the Hengifoss car park costs about ISK 1,000 per car, paid at the machine on site or online. Pay before you set off.
By public transportThere is no regular bus to the trailhead, so a rental car or an East Iceland tour is the practical way to get here.
The path can be muddy and slippery after rain and icy in winter. The gorge edge is unfenced in places, so keep back from it, especially with children.
The hike to Litlanesfoss: distance, time and difficulty
Litlanesfoss is the reward halfway up one of East Iceland's most popular trails. You can turn round here or carry on to Hengifoss.
DistanceIt is about 1.2 km from the car park to Litlanesfoss. The full hike to <a href="/locations/hengifoss-waterfall/">Hengifoss</a> and back is about 5 km.
TimeAllow 45 minutes to an hour for the walk to Litlanesfoss and back, depending on your pace and how long you stop. Going on to Hengifoss makes it 2 to 3 hours in total.
DifficultyModerate. The path is good but it goes uphill from the first step, with some steep sections. Hiking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are enough; most walkers manage it without trouble.
What you see on the wayWide views back over Lake Lagarfljót and the valley, then the gorge of the Hengifossá opening on your side, and finally the columns of Litlanesfoss below the path.
Carrying on to HengifossFrom Litlanesfoss it is another 1 to 1.5 km to the 128-metre Hengifoss, with its red clay stripes between the lava layers. The path gets rougher and stonier towards the end.
In recent years footbridges and a path on the far side of the gorge have made it possible to walk up one side and down the other. Check the signs at the car park to see which sections are open.
The basalt columns of Litlanesfoss
What makes Litlanesfoss stand out is the natural amphitheatre of basalt columns around it. They formed when a thick lava flow cooled slowly and shrank, cracking into regular, mostly six-sided pillars. Here they are unusually tall and even, and they rise on both sides of the falls like a frame.
You find the same kind of rock at <a href="/locations/svartifoss-waterfall/">Svartifoss</a> in Skaftafell and at the <a href="/locations/gerduberg-cliffs/">Gerðuberg cliffs</a> on Snæfellsnes, but at Litlanesfoss the columns are especially tall and straight, and you look down into them from the path above. That height and regularity is why it is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the east.
For photos, a wide lens takes in the whole bowl. Overcast light shows the texture of the columns best, and in autumn the slopes turn red, orange and yellow around the dark rock.
What to bring for the hike to Litlanesfoss
Hiking bootsThe trail is steep and stony in places, so sturdy boots or shoes with good grip are the most important thing.
Warm, waterproof clothingThe weather changes quickly, even in summer. Dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket.
CameraThe falls and columns are worth more than a quick phone shot. Bring a spare battery in cold weather.
Snacks and waterThere is nothing to buy on the trail. Bring water and something to eat, especially if you plan to continue up to Hengifoss.
How to include Litlanesfoss in your East Iceland itinerary
Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the region, is the natural base. Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss fill a morning or afternoon, and the rest of the day fits around Lake Lagarfljót or a fjord town.
Hallormsstaðaskógur<a href="/locations/hallormsstadaskogur-forest/">Hallormsstaðaskógur</a>, Iceland's largest forest, lies on the shore of Lagarfljót, on the opposite side of the lake from the trailhead. It has marked walks and picnic spots.
SkriðuklausturA few minutes' drive past the car park. A culture centre in the former home of the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson, beside the ruins of a 16th-century monastery.
Seyðisfjörður<a href="/locations/seydisfjordur-village/">Seyðisfjörður</a> is a small fjord town over the mountain pass from Egilsstaðir, known for its colourful wooden houses and its art scene.
Best time to visit Litlanesfoss
Summer (June–September)The best time to go. The weather is mildest, the trail is free of snow and the evenings are long.
Autumn (September–October)The slopes around the gorge turn red, orange and yellow. Fewer people on the trail, but more rain and wind.
Winter (November–March)The trail may be covered in snow and ice, which makes the climb harder. With ice spikes and experience you can see parts of the falls frozen and snow on the columns. Many visitors turn back here and leave Hengifoss for another time.
Daylight is short in midwinter. Start early and turn back if the path is icy and you do not have spikes.
Safety and practical tips
- Wear proper walking shoes; the trail is uneven and climbs steadily from the car park.
- Stay on the marked viewpoint rather than climbing on the basalt columns, which are slippery when wet.
- If you are short on time or fitness, Litlanesfoss alone still makes a worthwhile shorter hike without continuing to Hengifoss.
- Pay for parking at the machine or online before you set off.
- Bring a waterproof jacket and an extra layer; it is windier on the hillside than at the car park.
- In winter, ice spikes make a real difference on the steeper parts of the trail.
- Keep back from the gorge edge, which is unfenced in places.
Facilities and accessibility
None at the falls themselves. There are toilets at the Hengifoss car park below, and in summer there is usually a small service point selling coffee and snacks. The nearest shops and fuel are in Egilsstaðir.
Nearby places worth a stop
Where to stay near Litlanesfoss
Egilsstaðir is the closest base with a good range of accommodation for visiting Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss.
Litlanesfoss FAQ
Where is Litlanesfoss?
In Fljótsdalur in East Iceland, on the Hengifossá river above Lake Lagarfljót, about 35 km or 30 minutes' drive from Egilsstaðir. It is on the trail to Hengifoss.
How far is Litlanesfoss from the car park?
About 1.2 km, roughly 20 to 30 minutes' walk uphill on the trail towards Hengifoss. Allow 45 minutes to an hour there and back.
Is the hike to Litlanesfoss difficult?
It is moderate. The path is well marked but climbs steadily with some steep sections, so wear proper shoes.
Do I need to continue to Hengifoss?
No, Litlanesfoss makes a satisfying shorter hike on its own if you don't want to do the full round trip.
Is there a fee?
There is no entry fee, but parking at the Hengifoss car park costs about ISK 1,000 per car.
Why are there basalt columns at Litlanesfoss?
A thick lava flow cooled slowly here and cracked into regular, mostly six-sided pillars. The river has since cut down through them and exposed the columns.
Can I visit Litlanesfoss in winter?
Yes, the trail is open all year, but it can be covered in snow and ice. Bring ice spikes and allow for short daylight.
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