Mongufoss is a waterfall in the Westfjords, on the north shore of Ísafjarðardjúp, at Hlidarhus. It stands in open, largely untouched country and is reached only on foot: about two hours from the end of the road near Dalbær Campsite. The track towards the falls is a private road with a gate across it, so access should be checked locally before the walk. Few people come this far, and that is much of the appeal.
Mongufoss (Hlidarhus) Waterfall
Local name: Möngufoss (Hlíðarhús)
The road ends about two hours' walk short of the falls, and what continues is a private road.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible. The falls are reached only on foot, about two hours from the end of the road.
- Difficulty
- Easy walking, but long: about two hours on foot from the end of the road near Dalbær Campsite.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- Hlíðarhús, Snæfjallaströnd, 401, Iceland
What makes it special
Mongufoss is a remote waterfall in the Westfjords, and its setting is close to untouched. Nothing has been built up around it, and few people come this way. The emptiness is as much of the reward as the fall itself.
It has to be walked for. The last stretch runs on foot from the end of the road near Dalbær Campsite, roughly a two-hour walk, so this is not a roadside stop. Access has also tightened: the track towards the falls is a private road, and a gate closes it. Confirm on the ground that walking in is allowed, and count the return into your timings.
Good to know
- Access — the track to the falls is a private road, closed by a gate. Confirm on the spot that walking in is allowed before you set off.
- The walk — about two hours on foot from the end of the road near Dalbær Campsite. Allow time for the return as well.
- Come prepared — this is open country far from services. Carry waterproofs, food and water.
- The name — the falls belong to Hlidarhus, although the mapped address reads Unadhsdalur.
Getting there
The last stretch is on foot. Drive as far as the end of the road near Dalbær Campsite; from there it is about a two-hour walk to the falls. The route on is a private road, and a gate crosses it, so the walk in is not simply open to anyone who parks outside. Confirm access locally before setting out, and count the return into your timings.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Mongufoss?
Drive to the end of the road near Dalbær Campsite. From there the falls are about a two-hour walk. The route on is a private road, closed by a gate.Can anyone walk in to the falls?
Not straightforwardly. The track is a private road with a gate across it, and parking outside the gate to walk in is not clearly welcome. Check locally first.Is Mongufoss wheelchair accessible?
No. The only approach is on foot, about two hours from where the road ends.Is it Unadhsdalur or Hlidarhus?
The falls stand at Hlidarhus, though the mapped address reads Unadhsdalur. Expect to see both names used for the same place.