Hike to the falls

Continuing your hike you may expect in springtime to wade small creeks that have left their bed, because of melting snow. When you get to an information sign about 2.2km from the parking lot you will have a clear view to the waterfall and the gorge. To continue up into the gorge can be dangerous, varying on the time of your visit. In winter it can be really icy when you enter the gorge and no secure trail into it. In summertime the trail can be muddy and then you will have to cross the river if you want to go all the way to the waterfall. So be aware of the amount of water that is in the river.

But the hike to the base of the falls terminates in a desolate cove with the roar of the water echoing off the geologically fascinating and colorful cliffs.

For walking back down to the parking lot the easiest way is to return on the same trail on the south side of the river. But you can also, if you have already crossed the river, walk down on the other side of the river (north side) but there are no clear paths on that side. If you are a real climber you can also walk to the top of the waterfall and cross the river up there, then walk down on the other side. But be aware of not getting to close to the great gorge and don't cross the river at the edge of the waterfall. These routes are not marked and all paths quite unclear.

There are several GPS routes to be found on the web for hiking to Hengifoss. You can for example use this one from fatmap.

Late May and early June can be risky because of melting snow in the highlands, causing high levels of water in creeks and rivers. You can expect muddy trails and slippery paths on you way to the waterfall and the need to wade some small streams. By autumn the rain can make the trails muddy as well but usually you will not have to wade any streams unless you want to enter the gorge and go close up to the base of the great waterfall.

Hiking in winter
There are more and more people that go to Hengifoss in wintertime. But then you need to be extremely cautious. The trails and paths get icy and very slippery so stay away from the edge of the canyon and be aware of the danger. It is not save to enter the gorge by the big falls in winter, due to a risk of falling ice from the cliffs.

There are nearby companies that offer you a guided tour to Hengifoss in wintertime just as in the summer. We can recommend wildboys.is to take care of your winter hike.