Thjorsardalur and Haifoss (Þjórsárdalur and Háifoss)
Thjorsardalur and Haifoss (Þjórsárdalur and Háifoss)
Haifoss is reached by a sometimes rough gravel road, following a row of pylons carrying electricity from the Þjorsa power stations to the aluminium plants outside the capital. The 122m high waterfall and its slightly smaller sidekick are hugely impressive and well worth the detour. From the car park, a clear path descends gently to a viewpoint over the falls and their spectacular gorge. Stay back from the edge as it's a cliff edge. A longer walk to the foot of the falls is described below:
Duration: allow 30 minutes each way. Difficulty: moderate-difficult, a fairly steep descent and an ascent of about 150m to the foot of this 122m high waterfall, following a rocky but waymarked path. Start/end of walk Háifoss car park. Interest: admire Iceland’s second highest waterfall from above. By descending into its canyon, you will approach the base of this superb waterfall and feel its spray.
The Walk: from the car park take the broad path gently downhill to the viewpoint over the twin falls. Continue downstream along the rim of the gorge on a narrower path, marked with posts, and cross the fence by a stile. Continue for a further 5 minutes until the path divides and bear right descending into the gorge. Continue upstream until you reach the base of the first waterfall, a wonderfully scenic spot.