Litlanesfoss Waterfall: A Beautiful Stop in East Iceland

Litlanesfoss is a special waterfall in East Iceland, close to the town of Egilsstaðir. It’s not as famous as other waterfalls like Gullfoss or Skógafoss, but many visitors say it’s one of the most interesting and beautiful places they saw in Iceland. If you enjoy nature, quiet places, hiking, and photography, this is a perfect stop for your trip.

Why is Litlanesfoss Special?

Litlanesfoss is famous because of the rock formations around it. The waterfall flows between tall rock columns called basalt columns. These columns look like long, narrow stone pipes standing next to each other. They were made by lava from a volcano that cooled down slowly, forming this strange and beautiful shape.

The waterfall itself is around 30 meters high (almost 100 feet). The water falls into a small canyon with cliffs on both sides. The sound of the water and the shape of the rocks make the area feel peaceful and powerful at the same time. It’s a great place to relax, take pictures, or just enjoy the view.

How to Get To Litlanesfoss Waterfall

To reach Litlanesfoss, begin your journey in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, where you’ll find fuel, food, and accommodations. From there, drive about 30 minutes to the Hengifoss parking area, where a well-marked trail leads you into the scenic valley. The hike to Litlanesfoss is approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) and takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace. The trail is steadily uphill, offering a light workout, but it’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with benches placed along the way for rest and views.

Once you’ve admired Litlanesfoss and its unique basalt columns, you can continue another 1.5 kilometers on the same trail to reach Hengifoss, a stunning 128-meter (420-foot) waterfall and one of the tallest in Iceland—making this short hike a rewarding two-for-one experience.

Best Time to Visit Litlanesfoss

The best time to visit Litlanesfoss is from May to September, the summer season, when warmer weather, long daylight hours, and snow-free trails make hiking more enjoyable.

During these summer and early autumn months, the landscape comes alive with green grass, blooming wildflowers, and the chance to spot nesting birds along the path. While winter visits (October to April) offer a magical, snowy atmosphere, the trail can be icy and difficult to walk, especially without proper gear.

If you’re planning a winter trip, it’s recommended to have experience hiking in cold conditions or to go with a local guide for safety.

Things to See Nearby Litlanesfoss

After visiting Litlanesfoss, there’s plenty more to see in East Iceland, with natural beauty, culture, and relaxing spots all within reach. East Iceland has many interesting places near Litlanesfoss. You can spend a full day or more exploring the area.

Just a short drive away is Lake Lagarfljót, a peaceful, long lake surrounded by calm nature. It’s known in Icelandic folklore for the legend of a sea monster, often compared to Scotland’s Loch Ness. You can walk along the shoreline, go fishing, kayak, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

On the eastern side of the lake, you’ll find Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest, a rare sight in a mostly treeless country. It’s a great place for a picnic or hike, with marked trails, campgrounds, and signs about local wildlife and plants. In summer, it comes alive with berries, birds, and mushrooms, making it feel like a green oasis.

The nearby town of Egilsstaðir is the hub of East Iceland, offering all the essentials—restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and places to stay, from hotels to guesthouses. It’s also home to the East Iceland Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the history and traditions of the region. The town has a small airport with flights connecting to Reykjavík, making it a convenient base for your trip.

Just a few minutes from town is the relaxing Vök Baths, a geothermal spa built on Lake Urriðavatn. Some of the warm pools actually float on the lake, letting you soak while surrounded by water and views of nature. The complex includes showers, changing rooms, and a cozy café for drinks and light meals. You can also read the Vok Baths complete guide.

For a mix of history and literature, visit Skriduklaustur, a cultural site near Litlanesfoss. This was once a monastery in the Middle Ages, and today you can explore its stone ruins. It’s also the former home of author Gunnar Gunnarsson, now a museum and café that serves homemade Icelandic dishes—a great lunch spot after your hike.

If you have more time, consider a trip to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a colorful seaside village about 90 minutes from Egilsstaðir. It’s one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins during summer—visitors can get very close to the birds. The area also offers incredible hiking, surrounded by dramatic mountains and ocean views. Local stories of elves and hidden people add a magical charm to the village.

Only 30 minutes from Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður is a picturesque town set in a narrow fjord, known for its artsy vibe and rainbow-colored street leading to a charming blue church. The drive there is beautiful, with waterfalls and high mountain passes, and the town is also a ferry port connecting Iceland to mainland Europe.

For those continuing south on the Ring Road, the town of Höfn makes a great next stop, about 3 to 4 hours from Litlanesfoss. It’s famous for its Icelandic lobster (humar), served fresh in many local restaurants. Höfn also offers incredible views of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and is a perfect gateway to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoons and natural wonders of South Iceland.

Why Visit Litlanesfoss?

Litlanesfoss is a peaceful and beautiful place, perfect for travelers who want to see something unique and less crowded. You get to see nature, hike a short trail, and explore the area around it, which is full of history, legends, and natural hot springs.

Travel Tip: Bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothes, and water for the hike. The weather can change fast in Iceland, so it’s good to be prepared—even in summer!