Best for
Basalt + blue-white water
Dark basalt columns against churning glacial water.
Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall
A 20-meter waterfall framed by basalt columns in North Iceland's highlands, reached by a 4x4-only road.
Region
North Iceland (Highlands)
Highland road access. 4x4 required. One of Iceland's most photogenic.
At Aldeyjarfoss, the Skjálfandafljót river plunges 20 meters between basalt column walls into a pool of churning blue-white water. It sits on the highland road south of Goðafoss, and the contrast between dark geometric rock and glacial water has made it one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Highland road requires 4x4. Cliff edges are unfenced, so stay well back. The river is extremely powerful.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Highland road (4x4 only)
About 40 km south of Goðafoss on Route 842/F26.
Pro tip
Visit at midnight sun
June/July evening light works well for photos of the basalt.
What to Expect at Aldeyjarfoss
- Basalt column walls surrounding the falls
- Churning blue-white glacial water in a deep pool
- Remote highland setting with few other visitors
Nearby Attractions to Aldeyjarfoss
How to Get to Aldeyjarfoss
- Located on Route 842/F26, south of Goðafoss
- About 40 km from the Ring Road on unpaved highland road
- 4x4 vehicle required; the road can be rough
- Short walk from parking area to viewpoint (10 min)
- No facilities, so bring water and supplies
Best Time to Visit Aldeyjarfoss
- June–September: highland road is open
- Road is closed October–May due to snow
- Midnight sun (June–July) gives long evening light for photos
- Summer weekdays tend to be quieter
- Check road.is for current highland road status before driving
Planning help
Aldeyjarfoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.