Rauðufossar Waterfall
About Rauðufossar Waterfall
Rauðufossar is a waterfall in the Fjallabak highlands of South Iceland, west of Landmannalaugar and north of Hekla, reached by a short hike from the F225 (Landmannaleið). Its name means "red falls," after the rust-red rock the water slides over, a color that comes from iron in the rhyolite.
The falls spill down a steep cliff of reddish rock in a remote valley well away from the road. The stream that feeds them rises a little further upstream at Rauðauga, a spring-fed pool whose name means "red eye," and many hikers carry on past the waterfall to see it.
A short side track leaves the F225 and ends at a small parking area, and from there a path runs about 2 km across a flat gravel plain to the foot of the falls. The walk out takes 30–45 minutes each way, so plan on 1.5–2 hours for the waterfall alone, or longer if you continue up to Rauðauga.
Getting to Rauðufossar takes a 4x4, since the F225 is a highland road that opens only in summer, usually from around late June. It's about 3.5 hours from Reykjavík and roughly 45 minutes from Landmannalaugar, so the falls pair well with a Landmannalaugar day. The path can be muddy after rain, so wear waterproof boots.
Good to know
Where is Rauðufossar?
Rauðufossar is in the Fjallabak highlands of South Iceland, north of Hekla and west of Landmannalaugar. The trailhead is on a short side track off the F225 highland road.
How long is the hike to Rauðufossar?
The path from the parking area to the waterfall is about 2 km each way over mostly flat ground. Most people take 30–45 minutes to walk out and spend 1.5–2 hours in total.
Why is Rauðufossar red?
The water falls over rhyolite rock stained red by iron minerals. The name Rauðufossar means "red falls."
What is Rauðauga?
Rauðauga, or "red eye," is the spring-fed pool where the river below Rauðufossar begins. Hikers can continue upstream past the waterfall to reach it.
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Rauðufossar?
Yes. The waterfall is reached from the F225, a highland road where 4x4 vehicles are required, and the road is open only in summer.
When is the best time to visit Rauðufossar?
Visit between July and early September, when the F225 is usually open and the path is mostly free of snow. Check the road conditions map before driving into the highlands.
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