Best for
Remote canyon views
Canyon views with far fewer visitors than Dettifoss.
Hafragilsfoss Waterfall
A powerful 27-meter waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, 2 km downstream from Dettifoss, with canyon views and far fewer visitors.
Region
North Iceland
Remote setting. Unfenced cliff edges; stay on marked trails.
Quick Answer
A powerful waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, about 2 km downstream from Dettifoss. It sees far fewer visitors than its neighbor and feels more remote. Part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Unfenced cliff edges with steep drops, so stay on marked trails and keep a safe distance from the canyon rim.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Hike from Dettifoss
Choose a viewpoint or the difficult D3 lowland circuit.
Pro tip
Combine with Dettifoss
Check the named trail and difficulty before setting off.
What to Expect at Hafragilsfoss
- A powerful 27-meter cascade in a deep canyon
- Unfenced cliff edges; exercise extreme caution
- Far fewer visitors than nearby Dettifoss
Nearby Attractions to Hafragilsfoss
- Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall)
- Selfoss (upstream from Dettifoss)
- Ásbyrgi canyon (horseshoe-shaped canyon)
How to Get to Hafragilsfoss
- Located in Vatnajökull National Park, North Iceland
- Access via Route 862 (west side, paved) or Route 864 (east side, gravel)
- D3 Hafragil lowland: 9 km difficult circuit, approximately four hours
- Separate parking area also available closer to the falls
Best Time to Visit Hafragilsfoss
- June to September for the best access and conditions
- Access roads (Route 862/864) may be closed in winter
- Summer has long daylight for the canyon hike
- Mornings tend to be less crowded at the Dettifoss area
- Check road.is for current access road conditions
The lowland route is a serious hike
D3 descends through Sanddalur using a fixed rope at a rocky section, then crosses steep ground and a landslide beneath a vertical rock face. The park warns of falling rocks and says the route is unsuitable for people afraid of heights. Use the current park route description and ask rangers about conditions before committing to the descent.
Planning help
Hafragilsfoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall is Hafragilsfoss?
Hafragilsfoss is 27 meters (89 feet) tall. It is a powerful waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, about 2 km downstream from Dettifoss.
How far is Hafragilsfoss from Dettifoss?
The falls lie downstream of Dettifoss, but their separation along the river is not a hiking distance. Choose the marked viewpoint route or a named park trail. The D3 Hafragil lowland circuit is a difficult 9 km hike, estimated at four hours by the park.
Is Hafragilsfoss free to visit?
Yes, Hafragilsfoss is free to visit. It is located within Vatnajökull National Park and there is no entrance fee.
Is Hafragilsfoss safe to visit?
The viewing areas have unfenced cliff edges with steep drops into the canyon. Stay on marked trails, keep a safe distance from edges, and be especially cautious in wet or windy conditions.
How much time do I need at Hafragilsfoss?
A viewpoint stop and the D3 lowland circuit need different plans. The park estimates four hours for D3, a difficult 9 km circuit with a steep rocky descent, fixed rope and rockfall exposure. Do not treat it as a 45-minute extension to a Dettifoss stop.
When is the best time to visit Hafragilsfoss?
June to September is the best time to visit. The access roads (Route 862 or 864) may be closed in winter. Summer has the best conditions for hiking between Dettifoss and Hafragilsfoss.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.