Viking Hiking
Hengifoss
The Hengifoss is a high waterfall in the east, near the Lagarfljót lake. As you hike up, you will follow the river upstream. It runs between cracks and volcanic lava formations such as basalt columns, shaped and bent by earth's forces. The hike is well signed and easy to find, but quite steep in the beginning. However, the views into the majestic falls and over the lake and the country are worth every step! Nearby, there are no retaurants or touristy places, the nearest one is Hotel Hallormsstadur, about 10 minute drive. Egilsstadir, the next town, is about 20 minutes away.
hike
type
2-3 h
duration
5 km
distance
2/5
difficulty
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Conditions
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Details
duration
2-3 h
distance
5 km
difficulty
2/5 - Easy to follow path, but quite the ascent that requires some stamina.
tourist density
medium
Nearby
Food & Drink
Salt Café & Bistro, Miðvangur 2, Egilsstaðir, Island
Toilets
Hotel Hallormsstadur, Hallormsstadur, 701 Egilsstaðir, Island
Supermarkets
Nettó, 6, 700, Kaupvangur, Egilsstaðir, Iceland
Supermarkets
Bónus, Þjóðvegur, Egilsstaðir, Iceland
Hotels and camp grounds
Camp Egilsstaðir, Kaupvangur 17, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
Hotels and camp grounds
Icelandair Hotel Herad, Miðvangur 1-7, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland
Hotels and camp grounds
Hotel Hallormsstadur, Hallormsstadur, 701 Egilsstaðir, Island
Location
(Nearest) address
Fljótsdalsvegur, Iceland
Accessiblity
steep, but easy to find hike
GPS Coordinates
65.095194, -14.889639
Distance to Reykjavík
Reykjavík is 665 km away. It takes about 510 minutes (or 8.5 hours) to drive by car.
Distance to nearest town
Egilsstaðir is the nearest city at 36 km distance. It takes about 33 minutes (or 0.6 hours) to drive by car.
Parking
Summary
Large and easy to find parking right at the base of the trail.
Way to start of hike
up the stairs
GPS Coordinates
65.073306, -14.880611
Google Maps Plus Code
34F9+8Q Brekka, Iceland
Capacity
around 50
Security
none
Alternative
none
Costs
free
Tips for visiting
Recommended Car Type
normal car, no 4x4-drive needed
Don't miss
Going all the way to the waterfall to feel its power.
Recommended Equipment
Sports or hiking shoes
Photo Opportunities
Along the way, especially east over the Lagafljót lake and the surrounding countryside.
Animals to see
Plenty of sheep and see if you can spot the monster that lives in nearby Lagarfljót lake!
Do's and don't
Close all gates that you encounter, otherwise the sheep could escape. Stay on the paths, take enough to drink and eat, don't leave trash behind
Things to watch out for
Don't walk too close to the edges of the river gorge, they might be slippery or loose.