Aerial view of Hengifoss waterfall, Iceland, showing a tall cascade dropping into a gorge with distinct red and black volcanic rock layers.

    HENGIFOSS, ICELAND (65.074, -14.881) — The 128-meter Hengifoss waterfall plunges into a deep canyon, revealing striking horizontal layers of red clay sandwiched between ancient black basalt strata.

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    Hengifoss

    Water Feature

    Hengifoss is a tall waterfall located in East Iceland near Lake Lagarfljót. The water descends in a narrow vertical drop framed by layered basalt and red clay sediment bands. Its height and geological contrast create a composition structured by vertical scale and horizontal colour separation.

    65.08070, -14.88900

    See what's nearby on the map

    Gallery

    Aerial view of Hengifoss waterfall in Iceland, showing the cascade dropping into a canyon with distinct red and black rock stripes under a clear sky.

    HENGIFOSS, ICELAND (65.074, -14.881) — Aerial view of the 128-meter waterfall pl…

    Aerial view of Hengifoss waterfall, Iceland, showing a tall cascade dropping into a gorge with distinct red and black volcanic rock layers.

    HENGIFOSS, ICELAND (65.074, -14.881) — The 128-meter Hengifoss waterfall plunges…

    Aerial view of Hengifoss waterfall in Iceland, showing the cascade dropping into a canyon with distinct red and black rock stripes under a clear sky.

    HENGIFOSS, ICELAND (65.074, -14.881) — The 128-meter waterfall plunges past anci…

    Aerial view of Hengifoss waterfall in Iceland, showing the tall cascade dropping into a canyon with distinct red and black volcanic rock layers.

    HENGIFOSS, ICELAND (65.074, -14.881) — The 128-meter Hengifoss waterfall plunges…

    Aerial view of Hengifoss waterfall in Iceland, showing the cascade dropping into a canyon with distinct red and black rock stripes under a clear sky.

    HENGIFOSS, ICELAND (65.074, -14.881) — The 128-meter Hengifoss waterfall plunges…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Moderate Hike

    90–180 min

    Elevation Gain

    300 m

    Best Light

    Golden Hour
    Overcast

    Light works best when diffused cloud cover reduces glare because even illumination preserves detail within the red sediment layers and vertical water column.

    Why This Light

    Low-Angle Relief
    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    In summer, exposed sediment bands intensify red and dark basalt contrast. In winter, snow partially covers the surrounding slopes while maintaining the waterfall's vertical dominance.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Seasonal Access Risk

    Trail access and footing conditions vary depending on weather.

    Certainty: unknown

    Photography Notes

    The waterfall reads strongest when framed frontally to emphasize the layered sediment bands. Slight lateral positioning increases depth by separating the vertical drop from the surrounding cliff wall. Avoid compressing the geological layers by shooting from excessive elevation.
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