Háifoss Waterfall: Iceland's Hidden Giant and How to Visit

Standing at 122 metres tall, Háifoss is one of Iceland's highest and most dramatic waterfalls — and one of its most underrated. While Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss draw the crowds on the south coast, Háifoss rewards those willing to venture off the beaten track with a truly jaw-dropping spectacle. And thanks to its appearance in the final season of Stranger Things in 2026, it's now firmly on the bucket list for fans around the world.

Háifoss and Stranger Things

Háifoss gained a new wave of international attention when it featured in the final season of Stranger Things (2026). The waterfall's dramatic canyon and otherworldly landscape made it a perfect fit for the show's signature blend of the spectacular and the supernatural. For fans of the series, visiting Háifoss is a chance to stand in the exact spot where some of those unforgettable final scenes were filmed — and the real thing is even more impressive than it looks on screen.

Iceland has long been a favourite filming destination for major productions, and Háifoss is one of the most visually striking locations in the country. The remote Fossá canyon, with its twin waterfalls plunging into the depths below, has a cinematic quality that needs no special effects.

Where Is Háifoss?

Háifoss is located in the Þjórsárdalur valley in southern Iceland, approximately 130 km east of Reykjavik (around 2 hours by car). It sits on the Fossá river, a tributary of Iceland's longest river, the Þjórsá, and plunges into a deep basalt canyon alongside its slightly smaller twin waterfall, Granni ("the neighbour").

The waterfall sits in the shadow of Hekla — one of Iceland's most active volcanoes — which adds another layer of drama to the already extraordinary landscape.

How to Get to Háifoss

By Car (Recommended)

Háifoss is reached via Route F225, which branches off Route 26 in the Þjórsárdalur valley. The final section of road is an F-road requiring a 4WD vehicle with reasonable ground clearance. It is not suitable for 2WD cars or low-clearance vehicles.

• From Reykjavik: Take Route 1 east, then Route 26 north into Þjórsárdalur. Follow signs for Háifoss / F225. Total drive: approximately 2 hours.
• From Landmannalaugar: Háifoss is a natural stop on the way to or from Landmannalaugar via the F225/F208 route.
• GPS coordinates: 64.1028° N, 19.5167° W

By Tour

Several tour operators run day trips from Reykjavik that include Háifoss, often combined with the Þjórsárdalur valley. This is a great option if you don't have a 4WD vehicle.

The Viewpoint and Hike

The most popular viewpoint is at the canyon rim, reached by a short walk (5–10 minutes) from the car park. From here you look directly across the Fossá gorge at both Háifoss and Granni side by side — one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Iceland, and the view that Stranger Things fans will instantly recognise.

For those who want to get closer, a hiking trail descends into the canyon to the base of the falls. This is a more challenging route — steep and loose in places — but the reward is standing at the foot of a 122-metre wall of water. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the descent and return.

Safety note: Stay well back from the canyon rim. The edges are unfenced and the drop is sheer. Keep children and dogs under close control at all times.

Nearest Campsite: Þjórsárdalur Valley

The closest camping to Háifoss is in the Þjórsárdalur valley, a short drive from the waterfall.

Árnes Campsite

Located in the Þjórsárdalur valley, this is a simple but well-positioned campsite that makes an excellent base for exploring Háifoss, the nearby Viking-age ruins of Stöng (a farmhouse buried by a Hekla eruption in 1104), and the surrounding valley.

• Facilities: Basic — toilets, running water. Quiet and uncrowded.
• Distance to Háifoss: Approximately 15–20 minutes by car
• Best for: Those wanting a quiet, off-the-beaten-track camping experience away from the Ring Road crowds

Landmannalaugar (Highland Option)

If you have a 4WD and are combining Háifoss with a highland trip, Landmannalaugar is approximately 1 hour further along the F225/F208 and offers a fully-equipped campsite with a natural geothermal hot spring. See our Landmannalaugar camping guide for full details.

What Else to See Nearby

• Granni waterfall: Háifoss's twin fall, visible from the same viewpoint. Around 80 metres tall and equally beautiful.
• Gjáin: A hidden oasis of waterfalls, lava formations, and pools tucked into the Þjórsárdalur valley — a short walk from the road and another stunning filming location.
• Stöng Viking ruins: The excavated remains of a Viking-age longhouse buried by the 1104 eruption of Hekla. One of Iceland's most significant archaeological sites, just 15 minutes from Háifoss.
• Hekla volcano: Iceland's most notorious volcano looms over the entire valley. On a clear day the views are spectacular.

Best Time to Visit Háifoss

• June–August: F225 road is open and conditions are most reliable. Snowmelt in June means the falls are at their most powerful.
• Late May: Possible in a good year — check road conditions at road.is first.
• September: Quieter with beautiful autumn light, but check road conditions as the F225 closes for winter.
• Winter: The road is closed. Accessible only on a guided super-jeep tour.

What to Bring

• Waterproofs: Spray from Háifoss can reach the viewpoint in certain wind conditions
• Sturdy hiking boots: Essential if you plan to descend to the base
• Camera: The canyon rim is one of Iceland's great photography spots — best light in the morning or evening
• Snacks and water: No facilities at the waterfall itself

Planning a camping trip that includes Háifoss? Rent your gear from Iceland Camping Equipment — we'll have everything ready for your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Háifoss in Stranger Things?

Yes. Háifoss featured in the final episode of Stranger Things in 2026. The waterfall's dramatic canyon and otherworldly landscape made it an ideal location for the show's climactic scenes, and it has since become a must-visit destination for fans of the series.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Háifoss?

Yes. The road to Háifoss (Route F225) is an F-road that requires a 4WD vehicle. It is not accessible by 2WD car. If you don't have a 4WD, join a guided tour from Reykjavik.

How tall is Háifoss?

Háifoss is 122 metres tall, making it one of Iceland's highest waterfalls and among the tallest in Europe.

Is Háifoss near Landmannalaugar?

Yes — Háifoss is on the F225 route that leads to Landmannalaugar, making it a natural stop on the way to or from the highland camping area. From Háifoss, Landmannalaugar is approximately 1 hour further along the F-road.

How far is Háifoss from Reykjavik?

Háifoss is approximately 130 km from Reykjavik — about a 2-hour drive. It makes a great day trip from the capital or an overnight stop combined with camping in the Þjórsárdalur valley.