Holmsarfossar is a group of waterfalls in the highlands of South Iceland. They are reached on foot from a car park, and the path that passes them ends at a lake set in the remains of a volcanic crater, filled with water. The site is open around the clock and sees few visitors. Come for the walk as much as for the falls: running water, a crater lake and open highland ground on one route in.
Holmsarfossar Waterfalls
Local name: Hólmsárfossar
The path past the falls ends at a lake lying in the water-filled remains of a volcanic crater.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Parking
- There is a car park; the falls are reached on foot from it.
- Difficulty
- On foot from the car park along a path; walking is the only way in.
- Transport
- 4x4 highland track — summer only
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- 881, Iceland
What makes it special
The falls are not the end of the walk. A path leads in from the car park, passes several waterfalls and finishes at a lake that lies in the remains of a volcanic crater, filled with water. The setting is open highland country. What stays with people is the emptiness: arriving here and finding nobody else at the falls is normal, and there is nothing on site to draw a crowd.
Good to know
- Everyone walks in — the falls are reached on foot, so wear shoes you can walk in.
- Dress for highland weather — wind and rain arrive fast, so bring a windproof layer.
- Fine for children — the site is suitable for children, though they cover the walk too.
- Expect no company — few people come this far, and finding the place empty is normal.
Getting there
Cars get you as far as the car park, and from there the waterfalls are reached on foot along a path that carries on to the lake beyond them. The falls cannot be reached by vehicle, so plan on walking in and back out.
Things to do nearby
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Holmsarfossar Waterfalls on the map
This is remote highland terrain: the track needs a high-clearance 4x4, the rivers are unbridged, and it is impassable outside the short summer — check road and weather conditions before you set out.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you reach Holmsarfossar?
By car to the car park, then on foot along the path. The falls cannot be reached by vehicle.When is the site open?
It is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.Is the site wheelchair accessible?
No. The entrance is not wheelchair accessible, and the whole approach from the car park is on foot.Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the site is suitable for children. They walk in from the car park like everyone else.What is at the end of the path?
A lake in the water-filled remains of a volcanic crater. Several waterfalls stand along the way in.