Waterfalls · Iceland
Hjálparfoss
Hjálparfoss, the 'Help Falls,' sits where the Fossá and Þjórsá rivers meet in a perfect twin cascade. Framed by twisted, symmetrical basalt columns, the waterfall drops gracefully into a serene, deep-blue pool. Its name originates from the era of highland travel: after the grueling trek across the desolate Sprengisandur route, weary travelers found 'help' here in the form of lush grazing land for their horses. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the volcanic lava fields from the nearby Mt. Hekla, Hjálparfoss combines rich folklore with some of the most unique rock architecture in the Þjórsárdalur valley.
A short stop and that is all it needs. The twin fall is a nice piece of geometry and the basalt around the pool is good, but you take it in from the car park in a few minutes. It sits in the Þjórsárdalur valley on a normal road, so unlike most Highland-adjacent stops you do not need anything special to get here. Worth it if you are already in the valley, not worth a detour.
My rating
Scale 1–5. On Cost, 1 means free and 5 means pricey. On Crowd level, 1 means near-solitude and 5 means tour-bus central.
Two out of five. Two streams dropping side by side into a basin ringed with basalt — a pleasant shape rather than a big one, and it is over quickly.
About a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík, Hjálparfoss is reachable by car on paved and gravel roads with a short, easy walk from the parking area to the waterfall viewpoints.
No parking fees.
Less crowded than popular Golden Circle sites, Hjálparfoss offers a peaceful and scenic stop ideal for nature lovers and those exploring South Iceland’s geothermal and volcanic landscapes.
Before you go
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