Is this waterfall free to visit?

Most waterfalls in Iceland are free to visit, though some may have a small parking fee.

Can I visit this waterfall in winter?

Yes, most waterfalls are accessible year-round, though surrounding paths may be icy in winter. Wear proper footwear with good grip.

Is there parking near the waterfall?

Most popular waterfalls have dedicated parking areas. Some charge a small parking fee.

How long does it take to visit?

Plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much time you want to spend photographing and exploring the area.

Iceland/Things to Do/Hjálparfoss

Hjálparfoss

Twin waterfall on Fossá in Þjórsárdalur, framed by basalt formations.

Stuttlega

Heimsóknartími

30 minutes to 1 hour

Besta árstíð

Summer (June-August) for the best light and access; winter for frozen beauty

Leiðarvísir

Most waterfalls are accessible from Ring Road or short trails. Parking available nearby.

GPS

64.1159, -19.8495

Skipuleggja ferð Leiðsögn

Um Hjálparfoss

Twin waterfall on Fossá in Þjórsárdalur, framed by basalt formations.

Witness a rare and beautiful twin waterfall in a unique lava landscape.

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Myndir

Myndavefur

Bakgrunnur

Saga og bakgrunnur

Hjálparfoss lies in Þjórsárdalur where the Fossá river drops through a basalt landscape before joining Þjórsá. The name is traditionally connected with the relief the area offered travellers and their horses after difficult journeys across the interior, where vegetation and water provided a welcome stopping place.

Hjálparfoss lies in Þjórsárdalur where two branches of the Fossá descend around a central rock formation into a pool. Basalt formations frame the falls and the site has a parking and picnic area nearby. Access is considerably easier than to many waterfalls farther into the highlands, but visitors should still use established paths and take care around wet rock and river edges.

Þjóðsögur

Saga og þjóðsögur

Hjálparfoss means 'help falls' — legend says sheep farmers would rest here while moving flocks between pastures. The waterfall splits around a central basalt island, creating two cascades framed by columnar rock. It's smaller and quieter than Iceland's famous falls but beautifully composed. Located on Route 32 near Háifoss, it's easily accessible and popular for picnics.

Visstu að?

Hjálparfoss's name translates to 'Helpful Waterfall', historically believed to offer respite and aid to travelers crossing the challenging highlands.

Staðbundin þjóðsaga

The Troll of Reynisdrangar

The dramatic sea stacks at Reynisdrangar, visible from many points along the South Iceland coast, are said to be trolls turned to stone. According to legend, two trolls were trying to drag a three-masted ship to shore when they were caught by the first rays of dawn. Sunlight is fatal to trolls in Icelandic folklore, and they were instantly petrified, becoming the towering rock pillars that stand in the sea to this day. On stormy nights, some locals say you can still hear the trolls groaning as the waves crash against them, forever frozen in their midnight labor.

Menning

Sögur og þjóðsögur

Íslenskar sögur og þjóðsögur frá þessum slóðum

icelandic saga

Þjórsárdalur

Þjórsárdalur is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

Kanna