Helgufoss Waterfall

Basic Information

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, and surrounding areas consists of several waterfalls that are powerful, charismatic, and mystical. Helgufoss is one of the country’s most picturesque and serene waterfalls located very close to the capital city of Reykjavik. Cascading down a mossy cliff, taking in its wake a scene that will leave you awe-struck, Helgufoss falls into the shallow river below. A part of the exotic Mosfellsdalur valley, this waterfall is guarded on two sides by walls of old lava rock. A delight for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers, Helgufoss falls is a place that you cannot miss out on when you visit Iceland.

Helgufoss waterfall is not very well known among travelers that visit Iceland. Locals in the area have known about this waterfall for years and love to go for hikes around Mosfellsdalur. On good weather summer days, locals tend to bring their bathing suits to the waterfall and go for a swim in the freezing water.

Explore around Helgufoss falls

Helgufoss falls is an excellent spot for a picnic, considering its distance, which is about half an hour from Reykjavík. You can pay a visit to Mosfellsdalur valley which is a place of rural bliss where you can spot rolling fields with Icelandic horses, sheep, and far-flung barns and churches. This can be a wonderful site for wildlife photographers who will surely take back with them some sleek shots from this tour. Mosfellsdalur was also home to Iceland’s only Nobel Laureate, Halldor Laxness, who won the prize for literature for his compelling novels. After the author’s demise, his house in the valley was converted into a museum on his life, works, and Icelandic culture at his time of writing. So if the history, culture, and literature of Iceland intrigue you, you can visit here.

Mosfellsdalur is a part of the Golden Circle Route so you can easily include a visit to this beautiful waterfall in your day tour of the Golden Circle. Mosfellsdalur is usually part of your first or last moments of exploring the Golden Circle since it is so close to Reykjavik. The Golden Circle is a 300- kilometer route, combining three famous natural sites- the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. Due to the popularity of the Golden Circle, there are various pre-planned tours available for the region which include all the three sites. Many of these tours have additional activities, such as snorkeling or snowmobiling, or are conducted in a unique style, such as by helicopter, or under the midnight sun. Also, you can have hired professionals who know the places inside out and keep giving you insights and anecdotes of a particular area. Gullfoss, considered as the golden waterfall, is a magnificent place. Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot water spring, situated in the vast Haukadalur valley. The surrounding area has many restaurants where you can sit and eat.

You can also find a few hidden spots in Mosfellsdalur valley that will make your Golden Circel trip more exiting. Check out Þórufoss waterfall or Tröllafoss waterfall and find yourself all alone (most likely) exploring a unique waterfall in the Golden Circle.

When to visit Helgufoss falls

Summers are considered a great season to visit Reykjavik where Helgufoss is situated. Usually, weather conditions are stable in summers. Also, driving seems safer when days are long and chilly. Ensure that you avoid taking children to steep areas, where slippery portions are there. Packing a camera is essential because you do not want to miss out on the chance of clicking some amazing pictures. Sturdy shoes that have an excellent grip can be quite helpful for hiking trails. A two-wheel-drive is a good option for renting.

Where to stay

You can find multiple places to stay in Reykjavik, the capital of the country. There are guest houses and hotels in the vicinity, equipped with all modern facilities. You can also find campgrounds a few guesthouses in Mosfellsdalur. The rooms are also available on a sharing basis in many guest houses.