Háifoss sits at the top of Þjórsárdalur, a valley on the edge of the Highlands in South Iceland. That's where you'll find the closest places to stay. From summer 2027, new lodges and cabins in the valley put you about 30 minutes' drive from Háifoss and Granni, with Gjáin and the road into the Highlands close by. Bookings are open now. You can also camp in the valley in summer, stay elsewhere in South Iceland, or visit Háifoss on a day trip from Reykjavík. From 2028, the valley adds a hotel, geothermal baths, and a restaurant to the mix.
Why stay close to Háifoss waterfall?
Most people see Háifoss and its neighbor Granni in a rush between other stops. Stay nearby and you see them on your own schedule: the canyon in the quiet of early morning, Gjáin in the soft evening light, and an easy start if you're heading into the Highlands the next day.
For most travelers, that highland venture means Landmannalaugar, about two hours' drive east. It's known for its streaked rhyolite mountains in shades of red, yellow, and green, a natural hot spring you can bathe in, and the start of the Laugavegur hiking trail.
Lodges and cabins near Háifoss (opening summer 2027)
People have made their home in Þjórsárdalur for over a thousand years. The farmers at Stöng built theirs from turf and stone, even before Hekla's eruption in 1104 covered the valley in ash. The valley's new lodges and cabins, opening in summer 2027 about 30 minutes' drive from Háifoss, are a good deal more comfortable.
Choose between private lodges for couples and families, or cabins for groups. All are fully equipped with a full kitchen.
The lodges come in two sizes. The lodge has one bedroom and suits two adults, with room for up to two more, whether children or friends. The family lodge has two bedrooms and room for four adults plus one or two children. Both have a lounge, floor heating, and views across the valley.
The cabins are backpacker-style accommodation for groups. Each sleeps up to ten in bunk beds, with sleeping-bag accommodation and a full kitchen. Simple, sociable, and practical.
Bookings are open now for stays from summer 2027.
Lodges and cabins in Þjórsárdalur
Private lodges for couples and families, and cabins for groups, about 30 minutes' drive from Háifoss. Opening summer 2027.
Camping near Háifoss
If you'd rather bring a tent or camper, there's a campsite at Sandártunga in Þjórsárdalur, about 30 minutes from Háifoss. It's open in summer only. The campsite is split into several grassy clearings among the trees, which give shelter and some privacy.
Facilities are simple: toilets and cold water, but no electricity. Families are welcome, there's a small playground for children, and pets on a leash are allowed. Walking and cycling trails start close by.
A new campsite by the lodges
Later on, a second campsite will open next to the lodges and cabins. It will have electricity, a service house, and everything you need for a comfortable base between adventures. We'll share all the details on thjorsardalur.is as they're confirmed.
Coming in 2028: more ways to stay and spend your day
In 2028, the valley opens more fully. The Mountain Retreat is an extraordinary hotel set into the mountainside, with views down into Þjórsárdalur and out over the landscape beyond. Alongside it come the Mountain Baths (Fjallaböðin), geothermal pools set within the rock, and the Welcome House, with a restaurant and an exhibition on the valley's landscape and history.
Whether you stay in the valley or drive in from elsewhere, they make an easy addition to a day at Háifoss.
Where to stay near Háifoss in South Iceland
Háifoss is in the upcountry of South Iceland, so there's plenty of choice within reach. Flúðir, known for its greenhouses and hot springs, is about an hour from Háifoss. Selfoss and Hella, both on the Ring Road, are under an hour and a half away, and both offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Where to stay near Iceland's Highlands
Heading further into the Highlands? Hrauneyjar, further along Route 26, has accommodation close to where the roads to Landmannalaugar and Sprengisandur split. Landmannalaugar is the colorful mountain area described above. Sprengisandur is the long highland road that crosses the interior between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers to North Iceland.
Both are reached on F-roads, which are open in summer only and require a 4x4 vehicle equipped for highland driving. Not every rental car is allowed on F-roads, so check your rental agreement before you set off.
Can you visit Háifoss as a day trip from Reykjavík?
Yes. Þjórsárdalur is about 110 km from Reykjavík, around an hour and a half by car. Háifoss is about two hours' drive. That leaves plenty of time to see Háifoss, Gjáin, and Hjálparfoss and be back in the city by evening. If you start early, it also pairs well with the Golden Circle for an easy day trip.
Which base suits your trip?
Stay in the valley if you want Háifoss and Gjáin at their quietest, more time on the trails, or an easy start into the Highlands. Base yourself elsewhere in South Iceland if Háifoss is one stop on a longer road trip. Stay in Reykjavík if you're planning a single day out, perhaps combined with the Golden Circle. Whichever you choose, the valley is yours to explore.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I stay near Háifoss?
The closest options are in Þjórsárdalur: lodges and cabins opening in summer 2027, about 30 minutes' drive from the waterfall, and the Sandártunga campsite, open in summer. A little further away, nearby towns such as Flúðir, Selfoss, and Hella have plenty of hotels and guesthouses, and you can even stay in Reykjavík and visit Háifoss on a day trip.
Can you camp near Háifoss?
Yes. The Sandártunga campsite in Þjórsárdalur is about 30 minutes from Háifoss and is open in summer.
When can I book the lodges and cabins in Þjórsárdalur?
Bookings are open now for stays from summer 2027.
Where can I stay near Landmannalaugar?
Þjórsárdalur is on the main route into the Highlands, via Route 32 and Route 26, which makes the valley a good base for a day trip to Landmannalaugar. Hrauneyjar, further along Route 26, is closer still.
