Hjálparfoss
About
Hjálparfoss is one of several waterfalls in the south of Iceland situated in the lava fields north of the stratovolcano Hekla near the point where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá join.
Quieter than the famous falls. More intimate. The kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.
Hjálparfoss is located about 30 kilometres (19 mi) east of the village Flúðir and can be reached by a gravel road off Route 32 that winds through the Vikrar lava fields. About 5 kilometres (3. 1 mi) south of Hjálparfoss lies Þjófafoss; further east are Háifoss on the Fossá and Tangafoss on the Þjórsá.
If there's a path, stick to it. The terrain around waterfalls is slippery and the moss is fragile. Iceland appreciates visitors who respect the land.
Drive: Good
Visit now
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsClosed (winter)
ClosuresNone nearby
Wind—
Visibility—
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
No booking
Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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22:00 – 02:00
Face northLoading…
Activity peak23:42
MoonWaxing crescentLight pollutionRural dark sky
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Sunrise—
Golden hour AM—
Golden hour PM—
Sunset—
Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Toyota RAV4
Heated seats for winter waterfall runs, range for highland summer loops.
TransmissionAutomatic
FuelHybrid
Seats5
DriveAWD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Hjálparfoss
Small groups4.8
Ice Cave & Waterfalls
Katla ice cave, South Coast waterfalls and the black sand beach in one private day.
Duration11 hours
PickupReykjavík
VehicleSuper Jeep
TypePrivate
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón plus the best of South Iceland on the way.
Duration14 hoursPickupReykjavík
HighlightsSouth Iceland
StopsHot springs
Glacier & Golden Circle
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Duration10 hoursPickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobileVehicleSuper JeepPhotos
Videos
Reviews
Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.
Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.
Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.
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