Hengifoss

Hengifoss- Red Waterfall

Hengifoss, the third highest waterfall in Iceland at 128 metres, is one of those natural wonders that instantly wins you over. It is located in eastern Iceland in the Fljótsdalshreppur area. Both its unique surroundings, combining basalt columns with red clay layers, create a fascinating scenery.

Hike to Hengifoss

After parking at the paid parking lot, a rising trail awaits you. Initially, first few minutes of the hike are the most challenging, as the hill is quite steep and it was a long hike to get here. It took us a while to get up to speed. Fortunately, goat gate was a welcome first stop right after a few minutes.

After that, you’ll encounter a brief stretch of level ground, followed by another hill to climb. In total, the route has an elevation gain of 300 meters and includes several hills. Moreover, the sheep along the way will make your journey more enjoyable.

But after a few minutes, you will be walking along the gorge, which will offer you a different view at every turn, and the road will go by very quickly.

Litlanesfoss

Around 25 minutes into the walk, you will be rewarded with your first spectacular view. You will come across the Litlanesfoss Waterfall, which is surrounded by basalt columns.

Nature has created a masterpiece here. The waterfall cascades over huge hexagonal columns. You can also see them all along one of the walls of the gorge through which the almost frozen river flows.

From here on, the journey gets even more beautiful.

Gorge and bridge

After another 10 minutes or so you will have the narrowest part of the gorge around you. You can walk around it and, if you like, cross a bridge over it.

Bluish pools form in the icy river and high rocks prevent the mass of water from flowing at its own speed. There is no fence here, so daredevils can stand on the rocks directly above the precipice. However, the rocks are very slippery and definitely pose a big risk. Don’t go on them without safety gear.

Hengifoss shows its beauty

From the bridge you can see the destination, Hengifoss Waterfall, in the distance. Enticing you with its splendour. But first you have to cross a rather distinct landscape.

From the bridge, the road continues along the river, where yellow-orange grass, white river and black, broken rock blend together.

When you cross the orange bridge, you are almost at the finish line. Rolling hills covered in green moss gradually give way to rougher basalt formations. Here, the broken rocks grow larger and the waterfall more majestic.

Just a few more steps and you’ll reach the viewpoint, the last safe place. Further on, the path runs along the falling rocks. So if you want to go all the way to the bottom of the waterfall, you need to be careful. But if you dare, you won’t be disappointed.

Hengifoss: last stop

Hengifoss is famous for its basalt columns, which are punctuated by red clay layers. These layers are the remnants of volcanic activity millions of years ago, when iron oxide sediments were deposited in the basalt. Precisely, this contrast between the black basalt and the red streaks creates an unmistakable scenery. But you’ll only see it if you get close enough. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a sunny day.

During the winter months, snow and ice add a special atmosphere to the landscape and make Hengifoss a magical place. The basalt columns are adorned with icicles sparkling in the sunlight, while falling water makes its way through the frozen layers. It’s a perfect idyll that you won’t want to leave.

Return journey

During the return journey you will finally be able to enjoy the route itself. At times it looks like you are on an uninhabited planet. Not many tourists visit this part of Iceland. Return trip will be quick, as you won’t need to stop so much.

Weather and hike

Don’t let the weather put you off. It was raining and foggy when we parked in the parking lot. We could barely see more than a few metres. People leaving the site told us they only saw a small waterfall, Hengifoss remained hidden from them.

We didn’t get discouraged and relied on the fickleness of the Icelandic weather. And so it was. Within minutes of our start, the fog had lifted. After about an hour, the rain stopped, but as we left the waterfall, it started to drizzle again. And by the time we finished our hike, the mist was falling again.

How long will the hike take?

All in all, the return trip took us 2.5 hours, including admiring the sights and flying the drone. But we have a faster pace. If the weather was better, we would stay longer. So be sure to set aside at least three hours to visit this beautiful place.

How to get to Hengifoss

The waterfall lies approximately 30 km from Egilsstaðir. If you are coming from the main Ring Road, turn onto Route 931, which goes past Lake Lagarfljót. After driving for about 20 minutes, you will arrive at Hengifoss Parking, which is an excellent starting point for the hike. Parking costs 1000 ISK. You will also find a small refreshment stand here.

We drove here from the small town of Djúpivogur, from where it took us 2,5 hours, because we enjoyed the Öxi Pass road. We had originally planned to experience the sunset here. However, the weather didn’t allow us to observe anything other than the white mist in the sky.