With over 10,000 waterfalls here in Iceland, one more spectacular than the next, trying to figure out which to prioritize on your trip itinerary can be a pretty tall order. But that’s where Haifoss definitely stands out.
Haifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls here in Iceland and is bound to take you to new heights when it comes to your Icelandic waterfalls checklist. In this article, we tell you all about this incredible waterfall and how you, too, can tick it off as an Icelandic must-visit spot.
Haifoss Waterfall: A Quick Overview
The name Haifoss is very fitting as one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. It translates to “High Waterfall,” which is spot on for this waterfall standing at an astounding 128 meters tall.
The old adage says that “good things come in pairs,” and that’s certainly the case with Haifoss since both Haifoss and the neighboring waterfall, Granni, can be viewed simultaneously from the right viewpoint. What a spectacular sight (and photo!) that makes. The water from both these waterfalls originates from the Fossa River.
Where is Haifoss in Iceland?
Haifoss is located in the Highlands of western Iceland, in the Pjorsardalur Valley, to be exact. It is roughly 140 kilometers (+/- a 2-hour drive) from the capital city of Reykjavik, so it’s not recommended as a day outing unless it’s in one of the warmer months when you have plenty of daylight hours. Haifoss lies next to the popular Golden Circle road trip route, and while not visible from the road, it truly is just a short drive off the main road.
Getting to Haifoss in Iceland
Most visit Haifoss in one of two ways:
Via a Tour
Unless you place a special request for a customized private tour with the tour operator or guide, you won’t find a tour solely dedicated to Haifoss. Most of the time, it will be included in a Golden Circle tour or a multi-day tour of a much larger tour around the island. If the latter is something you’re considering, just remember to book well in advance if you’re planning a summer trip since tours tend to book up fast during what is essentially our peak season here on the island.
Via a Self-drive
Most prefer to make their way to Haifoss themselves, especially as a stop along their Golden Circle road trip. Just keep in mind that this journey will require a 4x4 vehicle. If you were planning on exploring the island in a camper, this won’t be a hindrance since you’ll have plenty of 4x4 options to choose from if you chat with your rental agent. Getting to Haifoss as part of your Golden Circle road trip is also very easy:
Drive in the direction of Fludir.
After about an hour, get onto Route 32, which runs along the Fossa River.
Turn left onto Route 332 (an unpaved road) at the sign that says Laxargljufur.
Drive roughly 7.2 kilometers till you reach the Haifoss parking lot.
From there, you’ll have two options:
Walk 5 minutes to the Haifoss viewing deck.
Take the 4-kilometer trail down to get up close and personal to Haifoss from ground level. The trail is considered a moderate hiking trail, even though the last bit can be a bit challenging (keep this in mind if you have children or the elderly in your party). The hike should only take you between 1 and 1.5 hours.
Haifoss Folklore
Like many parts of our beautiful country, Haifoss is also shrouded in mythology. According to legend, Haifoss has become the favorite fishing spot of a local ogress. A group of boys found out the hard way. They pitched their tent next to the waterfall for their camping adventure, and one started chucking rocks into the water (as most boys would be tempted to do).
Unfortunately for the boy, the ogress’s beloved Haifoss was not the place to do it. It angered her so much that she waited till they went to bed, then slowly crept up to the tent, grabbed the boy by the legs, and started to pull him out. But as she did so, his friends woke up and, in a reflex reaction, grabbed hold of his arms.
As they realized what was happening, they soon found themselves in a tug of war with the angry ogress. Luckily for the boy, his friends came out victorious, and the ogress disappeared into the night, leaving the boy uneaten for another day.
When Should You Visit Haifoss?
Haifoss Waterfall is open to the public all year round. But for an outdoor adventure, we suggest you come during the warmer months of the year (May to September). Not only do they offer you some of the best weather, but you’ll also have plenty of daylight hours for all your outdoor exploring.
Just remember that summer in Iceland (June to August) is peak season, so you will also be dealing with peak-season crowds and peak-season pricing here on the island during that time. If this is something you’d like to avoid, we recommend that you visit on one of the shoulder months (May or September).
How Much Time Should Be Allocated to A Haifoss Visit?
The amount of time to allocate towards your Haifoss visit will all depend on how you plan to view it. If the plan is just to take a walk to the viewing deck and take a couple of snapshots from there, you won’t need more than half an hour. But if you plan on hiking to the falls, we recommend allocating at least 1 to 1.5 hours towards your visit.
Other Interesting Things to See and Do Near Haifoss
If you would like to add a few other nearby favorites to your trip itinerary, the following come highly recommended:
Landmannalaugar
Pjodveldisbærinn Stöng (a replica of a traditional Viking farm)
Gjain Valley
Hjalparfoss Waterfall
Sigöldugljufur Canyon
The Most Convenient and Cost-effective Way of Visiting Haifoss
If you’re looking for majestic heights and serene surroundings, then Haifoss should be at the top of your list. As you plan your journey, we suggest renting a campervan in Iceland and making this remarkable site a part of your Golden Circle road trip adventure.
Not only will a camper add to the novelty of your trip, but it is the most convenient and cost-effective way of traveling and staying in Iceland. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to explore the island and reach new heights at Haifoss!