Guide to Háifoss Waterfall in Iceland

Háifoss, one of Iceland's majestic natural wonders, stands as a testament to the country's breathtaking landscapes and captivating beauty. In Þjórsárdalur Valley, Háifoss in the Fossá River is a powerful waterfall that plunges dramatically down  into the Fossárdalur Valley canyon, creating a spectacle that captures the hearts of all who witness it.

The Fossá River flows along Fossárdalur and Þjórsárdalur and feeds into the longest river in Iceland, the Þjórsá River. Þjórsárdalur and Háifoss waterfall sit near the volcano Hekla in southern Iceland, a region famous for volcanic terrain and deep canyons.

What Is Háifoss?

The name “Háifoss” translates to “High Waterfall” in Icelandic, a fitting designation for this natural wonder’s sheer vertical drop. With its awe-inspiring height of approximately 400 feet (122 meters), Háifoss ranks as one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. Its towering stature and lush surroundings make it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Less than 820 feet (250 meters) away from Háifoss, there is another waterfall, Granni. This waterfall is  331 feet (101 meters) tall and is less powerful than Háifoss. Granni is a shortened version of the Icelandic word “nágranni”, translating to “neighbor.” The waterfalls are both in the same river that splits around an islet on the cliff edge and plunges in two tall waterfalls side by side into the deep canyon of Fossárdalur.

The name of Granni is a nod to its location, hinting at its proximity to the mighty Háifoss. Until the early 19th century, the two waterfalls fed by the same river remained unnamed. Today, as the Fossá River tumbles over the cliffs, it creates a constant symphony of roaring water echoing through the valley.

Water in Háifoss

As mentioned, Háifoss is a result of the Fossá River falling over the high cliff. The Fossá River feeds into the longest river in Iceland, the Þjórsá River. This river runs through the south of the country, spanning 230 kilometers (143 miles). 

If the power of the Fossá River leaves you curious about Iceland’s unique hydrology, a visit to Perlan Museum in Reykjavík is essential. Within the building, the Icelandic Museum of Natural History hosts immersive exhibitions that dive deep into nature. One focuses primarily on the diverse forms and bodies of water in Iceland.

‘Stranger Things’ Ending at the Háifoss Waterfall

For many Netflix users, the beautiful cliffs of the Þjórsárdalur valley look surprisingly familiar. If you watched Stranger Things season 5 and wondered where the three-waterfall scene was filmed, then you’ve found that spot.

In the emotional finale of Stranger Things, the Iceland Háifoss waterfall serves as the real-world location for the “far-off land” Mike once described to Eleven. Fans will recognize the wide shot where Eleven stands at the edge of the canyon, looking out at the massive cascades. While CGI was used to add a small town in the distance, the waterfalls (Háifoss and Granni) are unmistakably real.

Truly, the Háifoss waterfall Stranger Things connection has turned this once-quiet canyon into a must-visit spot. In this lush corner of Iceland, you can stand exactly where the beloved series reached its epic conclusion.

Hiking at Háifoss

While Háifoss can be seen from a viewpoint near the parking lot, hiking trails lead to the bottom. However, it is recommended to hire a guide, as even the easiest routes are rocky and can be challenging.

The most popular route to reach the base of Háifoss starts from the waterfall's parking lot at the top of the canyon. Here, you will find a noticeable hiking trail leading westward that descends toward the canyon floor. This hike is approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) back and forth and generally takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

Not up for the long hike? The walk from the car park to the main viewpoint only takes 5-10 minutes, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful waterfalls.

How To Get To Háifoss From Reykjavík

Háifoss is located approximately 88 miles (142 kilometers) from Reykjavík. Under clear conditions, the drive takes about 2.5 hours. 

1. Start in Reykjavík: Head east on the Ring Road (Route 1).
2. Pass Selfoss: Continue on Route 1 through the town of Selfoss.
3. Exit to Route 30: About 14 kilometers past Selfoss, turn left onto Route 30.
4. Connect to Route 32: Follow Route 30 until it meets Route 32, which eventually leads into the stunning Þjórsársdalur valley from where you can see Háifoss waterfall from a distance at the far end of the valley.
5. Enter the Highlands: Look for the sign for Road 332. This is a 4.3-mile (7-kilometer) unpaved gravel road that leads directly to the Háifoss parking lot. It is bumpy with deep potholes and sharp rocks, requiring slow, careful driving.

While the waterfall is technically accessible without an official “F-road” designation, the final stretch of the journey takes you into the Icelandic Highlands. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is strongly recommended. Seasonal weather can turn the gravel roads muddy or snowy, so always check the latest road conditions at road.is before the drive. Additionally, while many travelers use Google Maps, be aware that GPS can sometimes underestimate the time needed for this terrain.

How to Photograph the Waterfall

Capturing the scale of a waterfall as tall as Háifoss can be tricky. Whether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone, these tips can help you get the perfect shot of Háifoss and Granni.

• Bring a Wide-Angle Lens: To fit both Háifoss and Granni into a single frame, a wide-angle lens is necessary. If you’re using a phone, switch to .5x ultra-wide setting.
• Capture the Details: Don't just focus on the water. The surrounding rock formations and basalt columns in the upper part of the canyon provide excellent textures for photos.
• Time Your Visit: The canyon is deep, creating heavy shadows. On a sunny day, the best light usually hits the falls in the mid-afternoon. If you arrive too early during summer, the falls might be in a dark shadow while the sky is too bright. In autumn, the sun may never fully reach the bottom of the canyon; aim for high noon for the most light.
• Use a Tripod: If you want the water to look like smooth white silk, use a tripod and a slow shutter speed (around 1–2 seconds).
• Include a Human Element for Scale: To emphasize the massive scale of Háifoss, have a friend stand on the marked viewpoint path. It can show exactly how tiny humans are compared to these giants.
• Protect Your Gear: Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe your lens between shots, or your photos might end up blurry from the mist.
• Snap an “Eleven-inspired” Photo: The specific angle where Eleven looks out over the canyon in the Stranger Things finale is the main eastern rim.

Best Time to Visit Háifoss

While Háifoss is a year-round wonder, the best time to visit is during the summer months (June through September). During this window, the Highland roads are open and accessible to 4x4 vehicles.

On a sunny day in mid-summer, the light hits the canyon at a perfect angle, creating vibrant rainbows in the mist of the Fossá River. If you visit in early summer, you’ll witness the waterfall at its most powerful as the Highland snowmelt surges over the cliffs.

Winter visits are possible but generally require a guided Super Jeep tour. The gravel road leading to the parking lot is not maintained and often becomes impassable for standard rental cars.

Háifoss in Icelandic Folklore

The landscape surrounding Háifoss, like many other parts of the country, is steeped in folklore. According to local tales, the Fossárdalur canyon was believed to be the abode of a powerful ogress. She was known to be a fierce protector of her territory, fishing from the Fossá River and threatening anyone who ventured too close.

One of the most famous tales involves a group of travellers, including a teenage boy, who camped along the riverbanks. One evening, the boy playfully tossed a rock into the water. Unbeknownst to him, this seemingly harmless act offended the ogress, who considered the land her own. That night, she crept into the boy's tent, grabbed him by his feet, and began dragging him to her lair.

A desperate tug-of-war ensued as the boy’s friends woke up and fought to save his life. Fortunately, they managed to free him. However, it was not without consequence. The boy suffered severe injuries and spent a month bedridden after the harrowing encounter. To this day, the story serves as a classic Icelandic warning to respect the land.

While trolls are more common in Scandinavian lore, Icelandic stories frequently feature these ogresses. The most infamous of these is Grýla, an ogress said to be the mother of the 13 mischievous Yule Lads. Unlike the friendly Santa Claus in other cultures, Grýla’s offspring were traditionally used to frighten children into good behavior.

Grýla was also notorious for her colossal Yule Cat, a beast that devours children who didn’t receive new clothes for Christmas. This peculiar folklore encouraged a strong tradition of sewing and knitting in Iceland before the festive season. Children worked hard lest they fall prey to Grýla's insatiable appetite for the young.

Discover the Magic and Science of Háifoss

Whether you want to see the Stranger Things filming location or experience the thunderous waterfall, Háifoss is a South Iceland highlight.

To learn more about the volcanic and tectonic activity that created these massive canyons, visit Perlan’s Forces of Nature exhibit. The immersive museum in Reykjavík is the perfect way to ground your adventure by showcasing the powers and geology of Iceland. 

Háifoss Waterfall FAQ

What is the height of Háifoss?

The waterfall has an approximate height of 400 feet (122 meters). Háifoss is consistently ranked among the tallest waterfalls in Iceland.

Where did they film the Stranger Things three waterfalls?

The iconic "three waterfalls" scene from the Stranger Things finale was filmed at Háifoss. While the show’s dialogue mentions three falls, the location features the powerful duo of Háifoss and Granni.

How to get to Háifoss waterfall?

You would likely start from the Þjórsárdalur valley. To get there, you might take Route 1 (the Ring Road) and then turn onto Route 32. The road conditions and accessibility can change, so it is advisable to check for the latest information before your trip.

Do you need a 4x4 to get to Háifoss?

The roads leading to some Icelandic waterfalls, including Háifoss, can be rough and unpaved, making a 4x4 vehicle more suitable for the journey. It is essential to check the current road conditions and regulations before embarking on your trip.

Where is the Valley of Tears in Iceland?

Sigöldugljúfur, also known as the Valley of Tears, is a canyon located in the Highlands of Iceland. It is situated northeast of the Þjórsárdalur valley.

Are there guided tours that include a visit to Háifoss?

Yes, several guided tours include a visit to Háifoss, typically focusing on the Landmannalaugar region. These are the best guided tours to visit “three falls” in Iceland, with Super Jeeps to handle the rough terrain.