Sigoldufoss is a waterfall in South Iceland, on the F208 road at the edge of the highlands, on the way to Landmannalaugar. The water runs blue-turquoise and drops into a canyon that carries dozens of smaller falls in spring. Nothing here needs hiking. The car park is a minute off the road, and the fall is in view from the top of the slope. A short walk down gives the closer view.
Sigoldufoss Waterfall
Local name: Sigöldufoss
In spring the main drop is only one of dozens running along the canyon at the same time.
- Entrance
- Free
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible. The paths run downhill and are unsuitable for anyone who has trouble walking downhill or needs help walking.
- Parking
- Free gravel car park about 130 m from the falls, just off F208.
- Difficulty
- Easy. No hiking required: the fall is in view near the car park, and the closer viewpoint is about five minutes down a hill.
- Transport
- Highland F-road (F208); 4x4 required, summer only
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- Off F208, 851 Iceland
What makes it special
The river here runs blue-turquoise, and the contrast with the rock around it is sharp. Sigoldufoss sits at the edge of the highlands on F208, the road to Landmannalaugar, and sees few visitors. Even in July the falls can be empty.
The main drop is not the only one. In spring dozens of smaller waterfalls run along the same canyon walls, and the flow is at its strongest. A stop of ten minutes covers the view from the top; walking down takes longer.
Good to know
- No toilets. There are none at the falls and none in the car park.
- F-road access. The last stretch is F208, an F-road, and the surface on this section is good.
- The road on into the highlands. Past the falls, towards Landmannalaugar, it turns rough and slow, even for a crossover.
- With children. The site is suitable for children, but the lower viewpoint is reached down a hill.
Getting there
The last stretch is F208, and the turn-off is easy to miss. It lies between two bridges, and neither the car park nor the falls are visible from it. From the road it is under a minute's drive to the car park. No hiking is needed, and the fall is in view from the top. A short walk down the hill brings you closer, and the ground slopes the whole way.
Best time to visit
Best: spring, when the water is at its highest. Cloudy days also work: overcast light brings out the blue of the river.
Avoid: any period when Hekla is under a volcanic alert.
Crowds have little to do with timing here. The falls stay quiet through the summer, and in July you may have the place to yourself.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Sigoldufoss Waterfall on the map
Sigoldufoss lies close to the Hekla volcano. Check volcanic and seismic warnings before driving in. In August 2022 people at the falls received an alert that Hekla could erupt at any moment, alongside three small earthquakes the same week.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Sigoldufoss?
The last stretch is F208, an F-road, but this section is well surfaced and is driven without a 4x4. The highland road beyond the falls, towards Landmannalaugar, is a different matter and is rough.Is there a hike to the waterfall?
No. The fall is in view close to the car park. A walk of about five minutes down the hill gives a closer view.Are there toilets at Sigoldufoss?
No. There are no toilets at the falls or in the car park.When does the waterfall run fullest?
In spring. The main drop is at its strongest then, and dozens of smaller waterfalls run along the canyon at the same time.Is the site suitable for someone with limited mobility?
No. The entrance is not wheelchair accessible, and the paths run downhill. They are unsuitable for anyone who has trouble walking downhill or needs help walking.