Hjalparfoss

South

Two streams drop roughly 20 meters side by side at Hjálparfoss, leaning toward each other as they fall before merging in a wide pool below. The surrounding basalt is notably contorted rather than the clean hexagonal columns found elsewhere in Iceland — the lava cooled in more chaotic conditions, producing twisted formations that crowd the pool's edge. The name means "Help Falls." Travelers heading into the interior historically stopped here because the Fossá River kept the surrounding land well-watered and grassy enough to rest horses. That context matters: Þjórsárdalur holds several historical sites nearby, including the Viking-age farm ruins at Stöng, the reconstructed longhouse at Þjóðveldisbærinn, and the dramatic Háifoss a few kilometers up the road. Hjálparfoss is off Route 32, about 120 km from Reykjavík. The parking area is well-signed; a five-minute flat walk reaches the main viewpoint, with a slightly steeper path to the water's edge. The whole stop takes 30 minutes, so it works best as part of a longer Þjórsárdalur loop rather than a standalone trip.

Book & Explore

The links below are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep this guide free. See our about page for how we keep recommendations independent.