Hengifoss is a waterfall that runs from the river Hengifossá in the municipality of Fljótsdalshreppur in East Iceland. At 128 metres (420 feet), it is the third tallest waterfall in the country.
Hengifoss was also included in the top 15 most recommended waterfalls in Iceland. The trail to Hengifoss is one of East Iceland’s most popular hiking routes, with the walk from the nearby parking area taking about 50 minutes.
Visit this incredible waterfall while on a self-drive tour in Iceland.
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Geography
The waterfall is surrounded by layers of basaltic strata. In between the basaltic layers are thin layers of red clay. Geologists have also discovered fossilised trees within the layers, evidential of much warmer periods during the tertiary period. Further down the waterfall’s river, Hengifossá, is another, smaller waterfall known as Litlanesfoss, which hikers should pass on their way from the parking lot up to Hengifoss. The river eventually runs into the famous Lake Lagarfljót, home to the mythological sea wyrm Lagarfljótsormur.
