Hengifoss waterfall

Before arriving at the foot of Iceland'sthird highest waterfall, at 118 metres, you will see solidified lava along the entire route, resembling beautiful reddish organ pipes at right angles.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.76 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 253 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 253 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 309 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 56 m

Photos

Description of the walk

This walk to see the Hengifoss waterfall is located in eastern Iceland.
To get to Hengifoss, pass through the small town of Egilsstaðir, located on Route 1, considered the island's circular road.
On leaving Egilsstaðir, take Route 931, heading south-west for about 30 km, keeping the lake on your right.
A bridge crosses the lake, leading to Route 933.
At the end of the bridge, turn left and after 300 m, you will see a car park on your right, which is the starting point for this walk.
Interesting note: A sign in French provides lots of information about the uniqueness of this site.

(S/E) The trail climbs immediately through grassy areas, offering magnificent views of Lake Lagarfljot.
Fences and gates indicate the presence of livestock, so remember to close them behind you.
The stream is below on the right. Continue along a ravine and then a small canyon with reddish strata. This is a series of waterfalls, a permanent aquatic spectacle. Continue uphill to reach the Litanesfoss waterfall, framed on the right and left by organ pipes formed by the reddish lava.

(1) Keep to the path, which becomes less steep. You will see the Hengifoss waterfall in the distance. Continue on to reach the foot of this immense waterfall flowing down from the summit.

(2) Given the volume of water (from snowmelt) and the potential danger, start your return journey here, following the same route to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 56 m - Waterfall car park
  2. 1 : km 0.94 - alt. 190 m - Litanesfoss waterfall
  3. 2 : km 1.88 - alt. 309 m - Arrival at the foot of Hengifoss
  4. S/E : km 3.76 - alt. 56 m - Waterfall car park

Notes

Note: foss means waterfall.
No particular danger, but the area is wet, so take care when walking around.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a change of clothes.
Don't forget your camera.

Worth a visit

Tourist guides are full of useful information.
The seaside is worth a visit.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
Not used
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
bernard bb
bernard bb

Thanks for the review
Best regards, B.

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potamo
potamo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The description is no longer accurate
The trail described is closed
Access to the waterfall is via the other bank

Machine-translated

vigoplank
vigoplank
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 25, 2018
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

No problem finding this walk, the path is obvious and there are a few other tourists walking around; it's much less crowded than other places on the island, because coach tours don't come to eastern Iceland, which is just as well.
When the wind is strong, the waterfall is beautifully wild. This is a very pretty walk that shows off the island's mineral nature and is a must when visiting Egilsstadir. In the "slivers" of the "cliff", you can count the volcanic eruptions that shaped this landscape.
To reach the starting point (by car), the drive around Lake Lagarfljot is very pleasant.

Machine-translated

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