Hestavadsfoss is a waterfall on the river above Skógafoss, near Skógar in South Iceland, in the Rangárþing eystra district. It stands a few minutes upstream from the top of the Skógafoss staircase and roughly marks the start of the Fimmvörðuháls trail. It is lower than Skógafoss but wider, and far less crowded. The path to it is good and level, and several more waterfalls follow further up the valley.
Hestavadsfoss Waterfall
Local name: Hestavaðsfoss
The first waterfall above Skógafoss: lower than its neighbour, but wider.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible: the approach is up the staircase beside Skógafoss.
- Parking
- Paid car park.
- Difficulty
- Easy. The staircase beside Skógafoss, then a few minutes of level walking on a good path along the river.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- Gönguleið um Fimmvörðuháls, 861, Iceland
What makes it special
Hestavadsfoss is the first waterfall above Skógafoss, and the two do not look alike. Hestavadsfoss is lower and much wider. It sits in open ground above the cliff, a few minutes upstream on a level path, and it draws far fewer people than the fall below.
The face of it holds a lot of small detail, which is why it suits long exposures. A tripod and a neutral density filter are worth carrying up the stairs. Walk on and the Fimmvörðuháls trail passes several more waterfalls, so the detour is easy to extend into a longer hike.
Good to know
- Weather — even in early June the conditions here turn wintry. Carry a windproof, waterproof layer.
- Photography — bring a tripod and a neutral density filter; the fall suits long exposures.
- Expectations — next to Skógafoss it looks modest. It is lower, though wider, and the interest is in the detail rather than the drop.
- Further on — this is the first fall on the Fimmvörðuháls trail. More waterfalls and mountain huts lie further upstream.
Getting there
The approach starts at Skógafoss. Climb the staircase beside the falls to the top of the cliff, then follow the path upstream along the river. The path is good and level, and Hestavadsfoss comes up after a few minutes' walk. The staircase is the whole of the effort; nothing after it is difficult. Anyone continuing onto the Fimmvörðuháls trail carries straight on past the fall.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you reach Hestavadsfoss?
Climb the staircase beside Skógafoss to the top of the cliff, then follow the path upstream along the river. The walk on from the top is level and takes a few minutes.Is it worth the walk if you have already seen Skógafoss?
It is a smaller drop, so it will not out-do Skógafoss. It is wider, it carries more fine detail, and it is far less crowded.Are there more waterfalls further up?
Yes. Hestavadsfoss roughly marks the start of the Fimmvörðuháls trail, and several more waterfalls, along with mountain huts, lie further upstream.Is it wheelchair accessible?
No. The only way in is up the staircase beside Skógafoss, and there is no step-free route.What camera kit helps here?
A tripod and a neutral density filter. The fall is well suited to long exposures.