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Háifoss waterfall is one of the most dramatic natural sights in Iceland, plunging deep into a rugged canyon in Þjórsárdalur valley, at the very edge of the Icelandic Highlands. With a vertical drop of around 122 meters (400 ft), it ranks among the country’s tallest waterfalls and stands out for its raw, untouched setting.
In 2026, Háifoss gained international attention after appearing as a filming location in the final season of the Stranger Things series. Despite the global spotlight, the waterfall remains a remote natural landmark with no built visitor infrastructure. Háifoss is shaped by volcanic terrain, glacial rivers, and seasonal snowmelt from the Highlands.
Háifoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s tallest, plunging into a volcanic canyon in Þjórsárdalur. Photo: Arctic Adventures.
Háifoss is often called a twin waterfall because it flows side by side with a second waterfall called Granni. Both waterfalls drop into the same volcanic canyon from the Fossá river system, and they are visible together from the main viewpoint above the gorge. Háifoss is wider and taller, while Granni is narrower, creating a clear contrast when seen together. This paired formation is what gives Háifoss its “twin waterfall” description.
Háifoss waterfall is visited on the third day of Hidden Highlands: 3-Day Landmannalaugar & Grænihryggur Hiking Tour, operated by Arctic Adventures. This small-group trek explores Iceland’s remote interior and includes Grænihryggur (the Emerald Ridge), the Landmannalaugar geothermal area, and a hike down into the Háifoss canyon. The visit is part of a broader day that also includes stops at Ljótipollur crater, Sigöldufoss, Gjáin valley, and Hjálparfoss, before returning to Reykjavík in the evening.
The journey also features overnight stays in traditional mountain huts, expert guides, and logistics handled from Reykjavík.
Háifoss waterfall in Þjórsárdalur valley, featured in the final scene of Stranger Things. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur.
Háifoss waterfall in Iceland appears in the final 8th episode of Stranger Things, which aired just after midnight on January 1, 2026. The waterfall is shown during the closing moments of the episode, as the character Eleven walks alone through a vast, remote landscape while the story reaches its conclusion. The scene was filmed on location in Þjórsárdalur valley, with Háifoss and the nearby Granni waterfall clearly visible in the background.
Following the episode’s release, Icelandic media confirmed that the production team filmed the scene in this area of South Iceland. According to reporting by mbl.is, the sequence was shot during the previous summer and involved on-site filming rather than digital recreation. The natural setting — steep volcanic canyon walls, open Highland terrain, and twin waterfalls — was chosen for its scale and sense of isolation.
Although Stranger Things brought global attention to Háifoss waterfall, the location itself remains unchanged. As of early 2026, there are no filming signs, constructed viewpoints, or themed additions. Visitors experience the same remote Highland landscape seen on screen, shaped entirely by natural forces.
Weather conditions at Háifoss can change quickly due to its exposed position on the edge of the Icelandic Highlands. Even in summer, wind speeds can be significantly higher along the canyon rim than in nearby lowland areas, and sudden rain or fog is common. Average summer temperatures in the region typically range from 8–15°C (46–59°F), but conditions can feel colder due to wind chill.
Access to Háifoss depends heavily on the rough gravel road 332, which is unpaved and weather-sensitive. After heavy rain, the road surface can deteriorate quickly, increasing the risk of potholes and washboarding. There are no services, shelters, or safety barriers at the site, and mobile reception can be limited.
Visitors should wear layered clothing, windproof outerwear, and sturdy hiking shoes, and allow extra time for both driving and walking near the canyon edge. If weather forecasts are uncertain or road conditions are unclear, visiting Háifoss as part of a guided Highland trek offers a safer and more reliable way to experience the area, especially for those without experience driving or hiking in remote Highland terrain.
Háifoss waterfall is located in Þjórsárdalur valley in South Iceland, close to where the lowlands transition into the Icelandic Highlands. This position gives the area a distinctly wild character, with open landscapes, volcanic formations, and minimal development.
The waterfall is fed by the Fossá river, which cuts sharply through a volcanic canyon before dropping into the valley below. Right next to Háifoss stands Granni waterfall, a slimmer but equally striking cascade that enhances the scale of the scene when viewed from above.
Háifoss waterfall drops approximately 122 meters (400 ft) straight into a narrow canyon, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. Unlike tiered or stepped waterfalls, Háifoss falls almost vertically, which adds to its dramatic appearance—especially during periods of strong water flow.
The canyon surrounding the waterfall reveals layers of volcanic rock formed by repeated eruptions over thousands of years. Seasonal snowmelt from the Highlands feeds the river, meaning the waterfall is typically most powerful in early and mid-summer. Granni waterfall, located just meters away, follows a parallel drop into the same canyon, creating a rare twin-waterfall viewpoint.
Driving to Háifoss waterfall from Reykjavík takes you inland toward Þjórsárdalur valley in South Iceland. The total distance is approximately 140 km (87 miles), and the drive usually takes around 2 hours in good summer conditions, not including stops.
From Reykjavík, follow Route 1 (Ring Road) east or west depending on your starting point, then turn onto Route 32 toward Þjórsárdalur valley. This part of the drive is fully paved and straightforward, passing farmland, open valleys, and views toward nearby volcanic landscapes.
Near the end of Route 32, turn onto road 332, which leads directly to the Háifoss parking area above the canyon. Road 332 is unpaved and rough, with potholes, loose rocks, and uneven sections. The final 6.5 km (4 miles) can take around 20 minutes due to the road surface. Conditions often worsen after rain, and drivers should proceed slowly and carefully.
The route is accessible only in summer, typically from late May or June through September, depending on weather and maintenance. There is no winter service on road 332, and it is often closed or impassable when snow or ice is present. Before setting out, always check road.is for current road conditions.
Most Highland roads are unpaved and uneven, with gravel surfaces. Photo courtesy of Arctic Adventures.
The final access road to Háifoss waterfall, Road 332, is a rough 3-digit road (a "country road") branching off Route 32 in Þjórsárdalur valley, and plays a major role in how easy—or challenging—the visit will be. Even though Road 332 is not an F-road, it’s still unpaved and uneven, with frequent potholes, loose rocks, and washboard sections that tend to worsen after rain. Driving speeds are low, and extra care is required throughout the final stretch.
A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended for comfort and safety, particularly early or late in the season. In dry, stable summer conditions, a 2WD car can reach the parking area if driven slowly and carefully, but low clearance increases the risk of underbody damage. Most rental car insurance policies do not cover damage underneath the vehicle, making road conditions an important factor when planning a visit. The final 6.5 km (4 miles) typically takes around 20 minutes to drive due to the road surface.
Road 332 has no winter service and is generally closed or impassable when snow or ice is present. Access is usually limited to late May or June through September, depending on weather and maintenance. Visitors should always check road.is for current conditions before setting out, especially outside peak summer.
Open Highland landscape along the hiking routes near Háifoss waterfall. Photo: Arctic Adventures.
From the main parking area at the end of road 332, the walk to the primary viewpoint is short and easy. Expect about 5–10 minutes on an uneven gravel path along the canyon edge, with wide-open views over both Háifoss and Granni. The route is exposed and there are no safety barriers, so take extra care in strong wind or wet conditions.
If you want to get closer, you can hike down into the canyon toward the base of the waterfall. The most common out-and-back option from the parking area is around 4 km (2.5 mi) round trip and typically takes about 1–1.5 hours, depending on pace, footing, and photo stops. The descent is steep in places, with loose gravel and rocky sections, so sturdy hiking shoes are important. Bring a windproof layer and rain gear if you plan to approach the spray zone near the bottom.
If you cannot (or don’t want to) drive road 332 all the way to the parking lot, there is a longer approach on foot from the turnoff. This route option is around 7.2 km (4.5 mi) one way, so it’s a much bigger time commitment than the viewpoint walk.
One more practical note: there are no restrooms at the parking area, so plan a stop before you head onto road 332.
Háifoss waterfall seen from the canyon floor. Photo: Gunnar Gaukur for Arctic Adventures.
Háifoss waterfall is best visited between June and September, when connecting roads are typically open, and conditions are most reliable. During summer, snowmelt from the Highlands feeds the Fossá river, resulting in strong water flow and visible spray in the canyon.
July and August offer the most reliable access, longer daylight hours, and the highest water volume. June and September can be quieter, but road conditions may vary. Outside of the summer season, access is often impossible, and visitors should always check local road updates before planning a trip.
Háifoss waterfall is not accessible in winter. Snow, ice, and strong winds often make road 332 impassable, even for 4WD vehicles, and there are no maintained winter routes or on-site services. Short daylight hours and rapidly changing weather further increase risk. For most travelers, visiting outside the summer season is not recommended.
There are no hotels, guesthouses, or permanent facilities at Háifoss waterfall itself. Accommodation in the area is limited and seasonal, reflecting its location on the edge of the Icelandic Highlands.
The closest camping options are in Þjórsárdalur valley, including Þjórsárdalur camping ground, which operates in summer and provides basic facilities such as toilets and running water. This is the most practical base for independent travelers visiting Háifoss by car.
The nearest mountain huts are located in the Landmannalaugar area, roughly 40–50 km (25–31 mi) from Háifoss depending on route. These huts are operated seasonally and are typically accessed as part of multi-day trekking routes, including guided tours through the Highlands. They are not intended for casual overnight stays without prior booking or hiking access.
For travelers seeking serviced accommodation, Hrauneyjar Highland Center (open seasonally) is the closest option with rooms, meals, and fuel, though it is still a drive away and primarily serves Highland traffic rather than Háifoss specifically.
Háifoss waterfall feels different from other Icelandic waterfalls because it sits at the edge of the Icelandic Highlands, not along the developed South Coast. There are no visitor centers, paved walkways, or safety railings—only open terrain, a deep volcanic canyon, and natural viewpoints.
Access is seasonal and limited to summer, and reaching the site requires driving a rough Highland gravel road. Unlike many popular waterfalls in Iceland, Háifoss remains largely unmodified, giving it a more remote and exposed feel.
Háifoss waterfall is approximately 122 meters (400 ft) tall, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. It is shorter than Glymur, Iceland’s tallest waterfall at 198 meters (650 ft), but its steep, near-vertical drop into a narrow volcanic canyon makes it feel especially dramatic when viewed from above.
Háifoss waterfall is not easy to reach, but it is accessible in summer. Reaching the site requires driving road 332, a rough gravel road with potholes and uneven surfaces, where a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended. Once parked, the walk to the main viewpoint is short and easy, but access depends on road conditions and seasonal availability.
Yes, experienced hikers or groups with a guide can descend toward the canyon floor. The extended hike adds about one hour and involves steeper terrain. Conditions can be slippery, and weather should be stable before attempting the descent.
Háifoss waterfall is not open year-round in practical terms. While the waterfall itself has no gates or official opening hours, access depends entirely on road conditions. The final access road, road 332, is usually open only from late May or June through September, when snow has melted and the road is passable.
In winter, road 332 is unmaintained and usually closed due to snow and ice, and there are no marked paths or services at the site. Winter access is not possible for most travelers and is not recommended, even with a 4WD vehicle.
Yes, Háifoss waterfall and the surrounding Þjórsárdalur valley were used as a filming location for Stranger Things Season 5, filmed in Iceland during the summer of 2025. The landscape appears in the final episode, which aired on January 1, 2026, during a scene featuring Eleven walking alone through a dramatic, open Highland setting.
The steep canyon and twin waterfalls of Háifoss and Granni were used to represent a remote, symbolic landscape rather than a named Icelandic location within the story.
