World of Waterfalls

Explore The World One Waterfall At A Time

Hjalparfoss

Thjorsardalur, South Region (Suðurland), Iceland

About Hjalparfoss

For Subscribers Only. See Membership Options.
Jump to: Photos, Videos, Other Info
Jump to: Comments and Reviews
Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Hjalparfoss (“HYAL-par-foss”; meaning the “helping falls”) was a pretty unique double waterfall that joined at its base into a very large plunge pool surrounded by some rugged lava formations. This was one of several waterfalls in the Þjórsádalur Valley that we visited within the vicinity of the active Mt Hekla. But unlike many of the waterfalls we’ve visited in the Interior Highlands of Iceland, this one was actually relatively easy to access.

From the car park (see directions below), we took an easy descending walking path with long steps to the shore of the wide plunge pool where the waterfalls fell directly across from it. There were quite a few wildflowers sprouting or blooming during our visit, and they provided us with nice photo subjects to contrast the rugged scenery.

Apparently the falls got its name from the surrounding area (called Hjalp or “help”), which came about because people who came from the desolate and harsh Sprengisandur route through the Interior (now the 4wd F26 road) looked at this relatively lush area as being of great help for their horses to graze and recover from the gruelling crossing. And after having a taste of the F26 on the way to Aldeyjfarfoss to the north and Þjórsádalur to the south as well as the desolation and sheer ruggedness of the road to Dynkur, we could certainly appreciate the hardships that one might encounter on such a journey through a desert like Sprengisandur.

Given the easy access to the falls, we only spent about a half-hour away from the car. Most of the time was spent taking photos and just relaxing.

0 Comments
Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.

Related Top 10 Lists

No Posts Found

Trip Planning Resources

Europe Highlights

Iceland: Reviews of Travel Resources

The Icelandic Language

Iceland Highlights


Nearby Accommodations

This content is for subscribers only. See Membership Options.

Tagged with: thjorsardalur, thjorsadalur, interior, highlands, hrauneyjar, hella, selfoss, hvolsvollur, thjorsa, south region, southern iceland, sudurland, waterfall



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

No users have replied to the content on this page


Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

Hjalparfoss is great – don’t miss it October 14, 2009 12:28 pm by George Holderness - I visited Hjalparfoss with a British group in 2008. We had been to many of the famous large falls and Gullfoss is still top of the list for sheer overpowering grandeur. BUT Hjalparfoss is so beautiful and peaceful. We just sat on the grassy slope, ate our sandwiches and soaked it up. It's wonderful, And… ...Read More

Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls



How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps