Best for
Basalt columns
Unusually tall, straight, regular columns.
Litlanesfoss Waterfall
A 30-meter waterfall framed by tall hexagonal basalt columns, halfway up the Hengifoss trail in East Iceland.
Region
East Iceland
On the Hengifoss trail.
Often overshadowed by its neighbor Hengifoss, Litlanesfoss cuts through exceptionally tall, straight hexagonal basalt columns that look almost like a pipe organ carved from stone.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Part of the Hengifoss hike. Standard hiking precautions apply.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Uphill hike
About 1.2km uphill from the parking lot.
Pro tip
Look down
From above the falls you can see far down the canyon.
What to Expect at Litlanesfoss
- Water cutting through geometric stone columns
- A natural resting spot on the way to Hengifoss
- Views down the valley towards Lagarfljót lake
Nearby Attractions to Litlanesfoss
- Hengifoss (continue 20-30 mins up)
- Skriðuklaustur (historical site nearby)
- Hallormsstaður (forest)
How to Get to Litlanesfoss
- Located on the Hengifoss trail, near Lagarfljót lake in East Iceland
- About 35 km from Egilsstaðir (30-40 minute drive)
- Free parking at the Hengifoss trailhead off Route 931
- Litlanesfoss is approximately 1.2 km up the trail (20-30 minutes)
- Continue another 1.3 km to reach Hengifoss if time allows
Best Time to Visit Litlanesfoss
- Summer (June-August): Best trail conditions and longest daylight
- Midday sun highlights the geometric patterns in the basalt
- Spring brings strong waterfall flow but muddy trails
- Autumn brings valley colors and fewer visitors
- Winter hiking possible but trail may be icy and slippery
Planning help
Litlanesfoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.