Hengifoss (Egilsstadir, East, Iceland)

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Hengifoss

Hengifoss is said to be Iceland's third tallest waterfall at 118m. It looked like there was a layer of basalt columns behind the falls as well as interesting red stripes in between basalt layers stretching horizontally across the underlying cliff. All of this made us wonder a bit more about the geology of the area.

In any case, there was just something about tall identified waterfalls that put this one high on our priority list when we were trip planning. Besides, major waterfalls in Eastern Iceland weren't something we had seen nor read a whole lot about so this waterfall was as good as an excuse as any to explore the area some more.

This waterfall sat high atop a cliff overlooking the head of lake Lagarfljót ("LOG-ar-flyoht") as well as its surrounding forest (forests are a rarity in Iceland) called Hallormsstaðarskógur ("HAHT-lorm-sta-thur-skoh-gur"). This meant that in order to get a closer more satisfying view of the falls, we had to do a hike, which was 2.5km long each way on a pretty much relentless climb before the slope kind of mellowed out a bit closer to the falls. We treated this as a half-day excursion as we ended up taking about 2 hours total (though it would've been maybe another 30-60 minutes longer had we continued to the end, which I get into below).

Small cascades in the ravine adjacent to the trail On the way up, I noticed smaller waterfalls deep in the gorge adjacent to the trail. Most of those were not easy to see (and the morning shadows didn't help matters either). However, at about 1.2km on the trail, Julie and I noticed the intriguing Litlanesfoss, which was surrounded by basalt columns (similar to Aldeyjarfoss and Svartifoss.

The last 0.5-1km of the trail was a bit more narrow and rough with some dropoff exposure, but it would take you right to the base of the falls. I'm still kicking myself for not doing that last 0.5km of the trail as I admitted to defeat given some parts of the last section of trail seemed a bit eroded, slippery, and too close to the edge for my liking at the time. But even as I said this, I did see a handful of people successfully push on. Even Julie encouraged me to go. I honestly didn't know what got into me. I guess we'll have to come back and do this again next time...

Lagarfljot Directions: From Egilsstaðir ("EH-yils-sta-thir"), drive south on the Ring Road (Route 1) for 11km. Then, turn right onto Route 931 and follow it for about 21km as it follows the southeastern shores of Lagarfljót before eventually crossing a bridge and reaching a three-way junction. Turn left at the junction onto Route 933 and drive for 1.6km. The turnoff for the signed car park is on the right.

Note that you should be able to see part of the waterfall from down here.

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Julie leaving the car park and heading straight up those stairs

Julie further up the trail with Hengifoss still seen

Small waterfall in the gorge near the start of the hike

Trail starts to get a little slippery and exposed

A stream crossing

Falls getting closer but exposure to dropoffs more persistent now

Hikers going the last 1km to the base of Hengifoss

Heading back downhill It's all downhill on the way back!

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