Hjálparfoss

1,176 photos

Quick Facts

South

Region

Varies

Access

What is it

Hjálparfoss is one of several waterfalls in the south of Iceland situated in the lava fields north of the stratovolcano Hekla near the point where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá join.

The Vibe

Quieter than the famous falls. More intimate. The kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.

Weather & conditions

Ring Road R1

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From Reykjavík to the foss

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About

Hjálparfoss

The Story

Hjálparfoss is located about 30 kilometres (19 mi) east of the village Flúðir and can be reached by a gravel road off Route 32 that winds through the Vikrar lava fields. About 5 kilometres (3. 1 mi) south of Hjálparfoss lies Þjófafoss; further east are Háifoss on the Fossá and Tangafoss on the Þjórsá.

Real Talk

If there's a path, stick to it. The terrain around waterfalls is slippery and the moss is fragile. Iceland appreciates visitors who respect the land.

Visit

How to get there

Access

Accessibility: varies

By road

Follow Ring Road (Route 1) to South Coast. Check live conditions above before departing.

Best season

Best in year-round. Year-round access possible.

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Top experiences near Hjálparfoss

Hand-picked tours from Iceland's best-rated operators — pre-book to skip the queue.

South Coast Full-Day Tour

10h · small group · from 14,990 kr

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Glacier Hike + Skógafoss

8h · adventure · from 19,990 kr

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Northern Lights from Hjálparfoss

6h · winter only · from 12,990 kr

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Photography Workshop — Waterfalls

5h · all levels · from 18,990 kr

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Browse all tours

Photos

Anja M.

Daniel P.

Sofia L.

Marco R.

Elena K.

Tómas V.

Reviews

Anja Müller

Mar 28, 2026 · Sightseeing

Unique experienceWet & mistyParking availableFamily friendly

Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.

Conditions: Wet, misty spray, soaked path

Parking: Paid, 800 ISK, large lot

Difficulty: Easy

Daniel Park

Feb 14, 2026 · Photography

Great light at sunriseCrowded in summerGljúfrabúi nearby

Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.

Conditions: Icy path, cold spray

Parking: Paid lot, small fee

Difficulty: Easy

Sofia Lindström

Jan 6, 2026 · Road trip

Winter closed behindIcyGreat views

Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.

Conditions: Snow, ice, closed path

Parking: Free in winter (closed booth)

Difficulty: Easy (front only)