Raw, dramatic, and wildly underrated — Háifoss is one of those Icelandic waterfalls that makes you stop mid-sentence and just stare. Plunging into a deep canyon in the Icelandic Highlands, it’s powerful, moody, and feels wonderfully off the beaten path.
And if it looks cinematic… well, that’s because it is. Háifoss was used as a filming location for Stranger Things Season 5, adding a whole new layer of intrigue to an already jaw-dropping place. Yes, this is the location where we see Eleven during Mike’s storytelling at the end of the final season.
We visited Háifoss on a clear day when the wind was howling and the canyon felt almost otherworldly — the kind of place that makes you feel very small in the best possible way. Getting here isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of planning, and that’s exactly why I wanted to put this guide together.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to visit Háifoss waterfall, including how to get there, what kind of car you’ll need, when to go, and what to expect once you arrive. Whether you’re a Stranger Things fan, an Iceland waterfall chaser, or just someone looking for epic views without the crowds — this is one spot you won’t want to skip.
What is Haifoss waterfall?
Háifoss is one of Iceland’s tallest and most dramatic waterfalls, plunging around 122 metres straight down into the rugged Þjórsárdalur valley in the Icelandic Highlands.
What makes Háifoss extra special is its setting. Instead of cascading gently over rocks, the water crashes into a deep, dark canyon carved out by volcanic activity. Right next to it, you’ll spot its smaller sibling Granni waterfall, making the viewpoint even more impressive and wildly photogenic.
Unlike Iceland’s more famous waterfalls like Gullfoss or Skógafoss, Háifoss still feels raw and untouched. There are no fences, no crowds funnelled into one spot — just a gravel road, a viewpoint, and the kind of scenery that feels straight out of a movie.
Stranger Things Season 5 Filming Location
Of course, another reason why you should visit Haifoss waterfall is the fact that its a Netflix’s Stranger Things season 5 filming location.
I’ve been a die hard Stranger Things fan ever since the first season came out so just like every other super fan out there I was sat in front of our tv today to watch the spectacular finale today.
And while opinions might be divided on how easy the big bad went down you can’t deny the fact that Mike’s storytelling at the end felt like the perfect conclusion. A last glimmer of hope that our favorite heroine might still be alive and found happiness in Iceland.
Cause yes, there was Eleven strolling through the Icelandic Highlands and I recognized the filming location as soon as I saw it: Haifoss waterfall in Iceland!
How to visit Haifoss waterfall
Because Háifoss sits at the edge of the Highlands, it’s only accessible in the summer months.
💡 TIP – It is best to add on Haifoss to your tour of the Golden Circle. It is possible to visit Haifoss on a day trip from Reykjavík, but it will be a long day with a lot of driving. From Reykjavík, it is 140 km one way and it will take roughly two hours to get here.
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Háifoss is located in Þjórsárdalur valley, on the edge of Iceland’s Highlands. The last stretch of the drive is on gravel road 332, which can be rough, uneven, and full of potholes — especially after rain.
- A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended
- A 4×4 is ideal, particularly if you’re visiting early or late in the season
- The road is usually open from late May/June until September, depending on conditions
💡TIP – The gravel road leading up to the parking lot is very bumpy and a rental car is never insured against damage underneath the car.
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
Haifoss waterfall walk
From the parking lot it’s only 5 minutes walking to reach one of the best viewpoints. The path is unpaved and uneven, but manageable with good shoes. There are no fences or barriers, so be extremely careful near the cliff edge — especially on windy days. If you simply want to enjoy the view of Háifoss, 15 to 30 minutes is all that you need.
You can also hike down into the canyon which I highly recommend. Continue down the gravel trail. The trail makes a turn back towards Háifoss once you reach the Fossá river. It will only add 1 hour to your total visiting time but you can actually get very close to Haifoss.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Háifoss is during the summer months, from June to September. This is when the access road is usually open and the conditions are safest for driving and walking around the viewpoint. Outside of this window, road 332 is often closed or simply too rough to attempt.
July and August are the easiest months to visit. The days are long, the road is at its best, and the waterfall is powerful thanks to snowmelt from the Highlands. If you want the most dramatic flow and don’t mind sharing the viewpoint with a few others, this is the sweet spot.
Haifoss opening times & prices
Háifoss doesn’t have official opening hours. As a natural waterfall attraction, you can visit anytime during daylight throughout the year — there’s no gate to open or close.
Winter access (Oct–May) is possible but the road to the waterfall becomes very rough and is often impassable without a suitable 4×4 and experience in winter driving.
There is no entrance fee to see the waterfall itself — nature doesn’t charge for the view!
There are no staffed gates, visitor centers, or official opening clocks — it’s Iceland wilderness, so you’re free to roam during safely lit hours.
If you have any questions about how to visit Iceland, let me know in the comment section below!
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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