Hjalparfoss

After a full day looping through the Golden Circle — the crowds at the geothermal area and the packed parking lots at the big waterfall — Hjálparfoss felt like a completely different Iceland. It's a short detour off the road toward the highlands, and if you have the time, it's absolutely worth pulling over for. Two streams of the Fossá River tumble down side by side over dark, weathered basalt, landing softly together in a shared pool before the water continues on to meet the much larger, glacier-fed Þjórsá river nearby. The basalt walls curve around the falls almost like a natural amphitheater, and the surrounding lava field — part of one of the largest lava flows on Earth since the last Ice Age — is softened by patches of green highland vegetation. There was almost no one else there when we visited. Just the sound of water, a bit of wind, and the kind of stillness that's hard to find at Iceland's more famous stops. The near-symmetrical shape of the twin falls makes it an easy, effortless photo spot — no crowds to dodge, no waiting for a gap in the tour buses. If your Iceland itinerary already includes the Golden Circle, Hjálparfoss is a great "extended Golden Circle" add-on toward the highlands — quieter, less staged, and honestly one of the more underrated stops on our trip. Why is it called "Help's Falls"? Before GPS, travelers crossing the barren interior on the old Sprengisandur highland route relied on the grassy banks near this waterfall as one of the few places to graze and rest their horses after a long stretch of volcanic desert — hence "Hjálp" (help). How to Get to Hjálparfoss From Reykjavík, take the Ring Road (Route 1) south and east, then turn north onto Route 30, continuing to the junction with Route 32. The last stretch is a short gravel road, but it's manageable in a regular car in good conditions. There's a small parking area right by the falls. Tips for Visiting Combine it with the Golden Circle: it's a natural add-on if you're already driving toward Gullfoss and Geysir, though it's not one of the three "classic" Golden Circle stops — think of it as the extended route toward the highlands. Go for the light: the falls face well for afternoon sun, which is when we caught a rainbow over the water. Pair it with nearby Þjórsárdalur sights: Háifoss (one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls), the Gjáin oasis, and the reconstructed Viking-age farm at Stöng are all a short drive away. Dress for wind: the open lava field around the falls can get gusty even when it's calm elsewhere. Expect fewer crowds than the main Golden Circle stops, though it's a known, accessible spot — not a total secret. Frequently Asked Questions Is Hjálparfoss part of the Golden Circle? Not officially — the classic Golden Circle is Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Hjálparfoss lies further along the route toward the highlands and is best thought of as an "extended Golden Circle" stop. How long does it take to visit Hjálparfoss? Most visitors spend 20–40 minutes at the falls, including the short walk from the parking area to the viewpoints. Can you swim at Hjálparfoss? There's a calm pool where the two cascades meet, and locals do sometimes take a dip — but the water is cold and there are no facilities, so swim at your own judgment. What's nearby Hjálparfoss? Háifoss and Granni waterfalls, the Gjáin valley, and the Stöng Viking longhouse ruins are all within a short drive in the Þjórsárdalur Valley.