Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Aldeyjarfoss, the crown jewel of North Iceland’s landscapes. Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of cascading waters, where nature’s poetry unfolds in every drop. Join us on a journey to discover the magic that makes Aldeyjarfoss the most captivating waterfall in this northern realm.
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What is Aldeyjarfoss?
In a country with hundreds of waterfalls, Aldeyjarfoss is often regarded as one of the most beautiful ones. Yet, many visitors often neglect it due to its relatively remote location. Keep reading to see why you shouldn’t make this mistake.
So, what makes Aldeyjarfoss so special? First of all, the landscape itself in which the waterfall is located is incredibly stunning. Then, the waterfall welcomes visitors in all its grandeur.
Picture this: a canvas of jaw-dropping landscapes adorned with basalt columns, framing the waterfall like nature’s own masterpiece. At the same time, the sheer volume of water cascading down adds a symphony of sounds, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. As you stand before it, you’ll feel the power and grace of this hidden gem.
Visiting Iceland? Start here: Backpacking Iceland – Everything you need to know!
How to get to Aldeyjarfoss?
Aldeyjarfoss is located in North Iceland, not far from the city of Akureyri. Aldeyjarfoss is created by the same river which creates the more popular Goðafoss. However, Aldeyjarfoss is located upstream, which means is situated deeper in the highlands.
From the ring road, you need to travel for about 40km (25 miles) on a dirt road in order to reach it. Here is the exact location of Aldeyjarfoss:
Distances and Travel Time
From Akureyri: The waterfall is about 74 km (46 miles) from the city of Akureyri, 40 of which are on a dirt road. Expect the journey to take you about 1.5 hours.
From Husavik and Myvatn: Aldeyjarfoss is approximately 87 – 90 km (54-56 miles) from the town of Husavik and the geothermal area of Myvatn. A 40 km-long section of this route is always on a gravel road. The trip from both places takes roughly 2 hours.
From Goðafoss: The trip from Goðafoss takes about one hour. From there, you’d be looking at a 40km (25 miles) journey on an unpaved road.
Best Route
There are two possible routes leading to Aldeyjarfoss, one on each side of the river. On the East side you have road 844, while on the West side you’ll find road 842. It doesn’t really matter which route you choose, as they are both connected after 22km thanks to a bridge.
Since the waterfall can only be accessed from the West side, we opted for driving along road 842 from the beginning. The road – although unpaved – is in great conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: During the final 4 km of the journey, brace yourself for a bumpier ride as the relatively smooth road 842 transforms into the rugged F26 road. Here, a 4×4 vehicle – or at least a car with good ground clearance – becomes necessary.
Parking at Aldeyjarfoss
The parking area at Aldeyjarfoss is wide, and due to it’s remote location it’s not the type of place that gets very busy. When we visited in September 2023, our car was the only one at the parking lot.
Here’s some more good news: the parking is free of charge, and there are even toilets available.
Aldeyjarfoss Hike – Detailed Guide
The hike to the waterfall is like a walk in the park—just a short 300-meter trail from the parking area. It’s basically a breeze, leading you to this awesome viewpoint where the waterfall magic happens.
Although short and easy, the trail offers incredible views over the valley below.
Keep strolling, and soon enough, you’ll hit this amazing viewpoint. The waterfall is seriously impressive, with a whole bunch of water forming this cool lake surrounded by basalt columns.
Quick heads up: there aren’t any fancy fences around, so just be mindful while exploring or posing for that perfect shot. The cliff takes a straight dive into the glacial water below, so stay safe!
Here, visitors can explore the edges of the cliffs which delimit the lake, discovering new angles and enjoying the view.
In particular, we recommend walking up (towards the right side of the image), for a better vantage point to admire the waterfall.
In addition, you could also decide to hike down towards the lake. To do so, retrace your steps for a few meters in the direction of the parking, and descend towards the river. You’ll easily spot where to hike down. Just remember to hike down towards the river, not the lake.
Once you almost reach the river, you can walk towards the waterfall to reach this amazing – alternative viewpoint:
Close to the waterfall, you can truly appreciate its power and grandeur. The sheer force with which the water descends, coupled with the mist that envelops the surroundings, immerses you in the dynamic and untamed beauty of nature. It’s a moment to stand in reverence, feeling the pulse of the waterfall and absorbing the sheer magnitude of its presence.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
Aldeyjarfoss is a natural waterfall, and it doesn’t have specific opening hours or entrance fees. Natural attractions like waterfalls are typically accessible to visitors throughout the day in Iceland, every day, and they are not subject to the same operational structures as man-made facilities.
Parking is also free of charge.
Visitors can explore Aldeyjarfoss at their convenience. However, keep in mind that factors such as weather conditions and seasonal variations might impact accessibility. It’s advisable to check local weather forecasts and road conditions, especially if you plan to visit during the winter months.
Interesting Facts about Aldeyjarfoss
ALDEYJARFOSS SIZE: Aldeyjarfoss has a height of just 20 meters (65 feet), but carries a substantial volume of water. The surrounding landscape enhances the waterfall’s overall allure.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Waterfalls are considered mystical and are sometimes associated with hidden beings or supernatural elements in Icelandic mythology. Aldeyjarfoss holds cultural significance in Icelandic folklore, adding a layer of mystique to its natural beauty.
THE BASALT COLUMNS: The basalt columns at Aldeyjarfoss were formed through a geological process known as columnar jointing. This occurs when basaltic lava, which is rich in iron and magnesium, cools and contracts.
As the lava cools, it contracts and fractures in a hexagonal pattern, giving rise to the distinctive columns. The unique shape and arrangement of these basalt columns at Aldeyjarfoss contribute to its stunning and visually striking appearance, creating a natural wonder that draws visitors from around the world.
Iceland boasts several locations where you can witness the captivating beauty of basalt columns. Some notable spots include Reynisfjara Beach, Gerduberg, Djupalonssandur, Hljodaklettar, Stuðlagil and Skaftafell, among many others.
What to see nearby
Aldeyjarfoss is a captivating destination in itself. If you make it to North Iceland however, there are several nearby attractions and points of interest that you may want to explore. Here are our top recommendations:
Must See:
Hrafnabjargafoss: Located in the same river system as Aldeyjarfoss, just 4km deeper in the highlands, Hrafnabjargafoss is a smaller yet beautiful waterfall. It offers a tranquil setting and is a delightful stop for those exploring the area. To reach it, keep driving along road F26.
Godafoss: Known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” Godafoss is another iconic waterfall located relatively close to Aldeyjarfoss. It’s renowned for its horseshoe-shaped cascade and is a must-visit for waterfall enthusiasts.
Dettifoss: Considered one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, Dettifoss is a bit farther east from Aldeyjarfoss. It’s a spectacular sight and attracts visitors with its sheer force. Dettifoss is much more touristy, but we highly recommend visiting it if you like waterfalls. There’s quite nothing like it.
Other Places of Interest:
Akureyri: Often referred to as the “Capital of North Iceland,” Akureyri is the largest town in the region. When in town, explore its charming streets, visit museums, and enjoy cultural events. This is also a great stop to recharge your batteries and get a good night of sleep.
Myvatn Nature Baths: A geothermal spa located near Lake Myvatn, offering relaxing baths with stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes. This is a paid hot spring, but the area is worth visiting even if you don’t plan on going at the spa. In particular, check out the nearby geothermal area of Hverir.
Husavik: Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Husavik offers opportunities for boat tours to observe whales and other marine life. Check it out if you’re up for an adventure!
Lake Myvatn: A picturesque lake surrounded by diverse landscapes, including geothermal areas, pseudo-craters, and unique volcanic formations.
Hljodaklettar: Located in Jokulsargljufur National Park, Hljodaklettar features unusual rock formations and cliffs, providing a fascinating landscape for hiking and exploration.
Asbyrgi Canyon: A horseshoe-shaped canyon within Jokulsargljufur National Park, offering hiking trails and stunning views.
What to bring to Iceland
Below you will find a list of items we loved having during our trip to Iceland! Make sure to be fully prepared before heading to the land of Ice and Fire.
Must-Have Items
A good rain jacket. You want to have a good rain coat with you when visiting Iceland, as the weather can change unpredictably. There’s plenty of shops in Reykjavik that sell – and even rent – rain jackets for your Iceland vacation.
We would recommend a good one like the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket or the Columbia Women’s Pouring Adventure II Jacket. Quality jackets can be a bit pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a trip to Iceland.
Waterproof overpants. It somehow seemed an unnecessary item to bring before reaching iceland, but it turned out to be one of those items we used daily. Bring a pair of those, you won’t regret it. Check out Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant and Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant.
Warm Socks: Packing merino wool socks for Iceland is crucial to keep your feet warm and dry in the diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. For summer, check out DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Liner Socks, they are great quality and quite thin. If you’re travelling in the coldest months, consider getting knee-high wool socks.
Warm clothing: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack thermal layers, including merino wool for its excellent insulation, insulated gloves (especially for winter), and a good quality winter hat.
Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain. For top-notch gear, you can’t go wrong with brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and La Sportiva. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Merrell and Altra have got you covered.
Please note: If you’re gearing up for glacier walks or ice caving, make sure to go for rigid boots that can fit crampons. Flexible boots offer greater comfort for hiking, but you might struggle if you need to use ice spikes.
Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland has clean, safe and free drinking water everywhere. Therefore, you don’t need a fancy filtration system like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz for Iceland.
Save money and cut down on waste by opting for a reusable water bottle. The ideal solution for Iceland is one that works well for both hot and cold beverages.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and sunscreen, as these can be expensive in Iceland.
Headlamp/Flashlight: In Iceland’s long winter nights or for exploring caves, for chasing auroras or for walking around your campsite, a reliable light source is crucial. We have this one and simply love it, it’s incredibly cheap, bright plus the battery lasts so long.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during outdoor adventures, especially if you’re planning to camp in Iceland. We recently picked up a fast-charging power bank from INIU that works like a charm. Just be sure to grab one with enough capacity for all your devices.
Additional Items
Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for relaxing in geothermal pools and hot springs.
Backpack: A sturdy, weather-resistant backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during outdoor excursions. If you plan on doing lots of hiking, we recommend a dedicated backpack. You have countless options on the market, but one like Men’s Osprey Talon 22L or Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L would be perfect.
Camera and Binoculars: Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, so bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.
Local Currency: Have some Icelandic Krona (ISK) on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. We never used cash in Iceland, so it’s not something you must bring around, but in a couple of situations it would have been handful.
Food and Drinks: Due to Iceland’s relatively high prices, especially for alcohol, and limited food options in some areas, consider carrying some essential snacks and beverages.
Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking, consider bringing trekking poles, a compact first-aid kit, and gaiters.
Wet Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when camping or on long road trips. These can easily be bought once you land in Iceland, or packed in your backpack before leaving. Check these flushable ones if you’re looking for some.
Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for various outdoor tasks, especially when camping or preparing food. Here is a cheap one.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives, flights or while camping. The provided ones aren’t always the best. Here is a good one.