Hiking to Hengifoss
Hengifoss is located in East Iceland, near Egilsstaðir and Lake Lagarfljót, and it is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country, dropping around 128 meters. What makes Hengifoss so special is not only its height, but also the dramatic red and orange clay layers between the dark basalt rock behind the waterfall. The whole scene looks so powerful and unique.
From the parking lot, you need to hike up to reach the main waterfall. The parking area is quite convenient compared to some other waterfall spots in Iceland. There is a service center area, toilet facilities, and visitor information near the trailhead.
The hike takes around 40–60 minutes one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. The trail starts from the parking area and gradually goes uphill. At first, the landscape feels quite open, with grassy fields, sheep, and wide views around you. After walking for a while, the scenery starts to open up beautifully, and you can see the surrounding valley, mountains, and river below.
As you continue higher, the landscape becomes more dramatic and mountainous. The whole trail is actually beautiful all the way, not just at the final waterfall. Along the route, you will also pass Litlanesfoss, another beautiful waterfall surrounded by tall basalt columns. This was such a nice surprise on the hike and definitely worth stopping for photos.
After walking further, you finally reach Hengifoss. The waterfall is huge, elegant, and very different from many other waterfalls in Iceland because of the colorful rock layers behind it. The red and orange stripes against the dark basalt make the view feel almost like a natural painting.
When we visited, there were also some orange autumn leaves along the trail, which made the atmosphere even more beautiful.
After spending some time taking photos at the waterfall, we walked back down. On the way down, there is a route that branches slightly to the left, allowing you to return on the other side and enjoy a different view of the valley. I really liked this part because it made the walk back feel less repetitive, and the scenery was still beautiful all the way.
Overall, Hengifoss is a very well-managed and rewarding hike. It is not too difficult, but you should still prepare properly . Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring water, check the weather, and give yourself enough time.
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