Hafragilsfoss East Viewpoint

Overview

About Hafragilsfoss East Viewpoint

Set on the rim of Jökulsárgljúfur, the Hafragilsfoss East Viewpoint peers into one of the canyon’s deepest sections with a commanding angle on the waterfall. Hafragilsfoss drops about 27 m and spans roughly 91 m—powerful enough to churn a turquoise plunge pool and fling spray into the gorge.

Why stop

Dramatic top-down views of the falls and deep canyon
Usually quieter than Dettifoss and Selfoss
Short stroll to multiple vantage points

Heads up

Rough gravel access road (864) with seasonal closures
Exposed, windy rim and no services on site

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightHafragilsfoss East Viewpoint65.83580, -16.40019

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Hafragilsfoss East Viewpoint

Drive slowly on Route 864; potholes are common and closures happen seasonally.
Walk a few minutes along the rim to find the clearest, least misty angle.
If visibility is good, take your photos right away—fog can roll in fast.
Pair this stop with Dettifoss and Selfoss on the east side to minimize backtracking.
Bring layers; the rim can be windy even on sunny days.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Summer is best for road access on 864; always check conditions before you go.
Early morning or late afternoon light flatters the canyon walls and reduces glare.
For solitude, aim for early or late hours; mid-day is more likely to see pass-through traffic.

Getting There & Time Needed

Reach it via Route 864 (gravel) on the east side of the river, a short drive beyond the Dettifoss east parking. Expect potholes and slower going; in winter and shoulder seasons the road often closes. Most people spend 15–30 minutes here, but you can meander the rim paths longer. There’s also a simple out-and-back option of about 3.4 km if you want to stretch your legs along the edge.

1 active Vatnajökull alert

ClosureFosshvammur permanently closed at DettifossFosshvammur at Dettifoss is permanently closed to all traffic; do not enter.Official details

Vatnajökull alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Vatnajökull Tour Guide

Your drive to Hafragilsfoss East Viewpoint, narrated.

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Guide

More about Hafragilsfoss East Viewpoint

What You’ll SeeFrom the small parking area, short rim paths lead to several lookouts.

From the small parking area, short rim paths lead to several lookouts. You’ll take in broad canyon scenery, the falls thundering below, dark gravel bars, and the striking mix of clear spring water merging with the milky glacial river downstream. Photographers often favor the east side because mist tends to blow toward the opposite bank, keeping this side clearer.

Crowds & VibeCompared to Dettifoss and Selfoss, this overlook is noticeably calmer.

Compared to Dettifoss and Selfoss, this overlook is noticeably calmer. It’s an easy add-on that frequently rewards you with space to yourself, especially outside the midday window.

Safety & PracticalitiesThe rim is exposed, windy, and largely unfenced—keep well back from edges, especially if wet or…

The rim is exposed, windy, and largely unfenced—keep well back from edges, especially if wet or icy. Services are minimal to none here, so bring water and snacks and pack out all trash. Fog can sweep in quickly; if it’s clear when you arrive, enjoy the views promptly.

Pair It WithDettifoss and Selfoss are close by along the same river and make an excellent trio.

Dettifoss and Selfoss are close by along the same river and make an excellent trio. If you want a different perspective, a separate west-side hike can bring you closer to Hafragilsfoss, but it’s accessed from the Dettifoss west trailhead.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Vatnajökull

All Vatnajökull wildlife maps

22 sightingsGrey SealMost seen around 5 AMSighting map

258 sightingsHarbor SealMost seen around 11 AMSighting map

184 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

62 sightingsArctic FoxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

168 sightingsWhooper SwanMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

68 sightingsAtlantic PuffinMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Vatnajökull. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.