Hænubrekkufoss in three drops

Hænubrekkufoss is not a small roadside cascade. It is a tall, tiered fall set into the stepped slopes above Berufjörður.

The waterfall forms where Berufjarðará drops through three main steps on its way toward Berufjörður. A field survey by the World Waterfall Database estimates the full sequence at 53 meters, with the largest single drop close to 30 meters. Another waterfall catalog gives a broader range of 30 to 50 meters, so roughly 50 meters is the honest figure rather than a precise official measurement.

Its character comes from the full sequence: upper steps, a stronger lower plunge, dark rock, and the green shelves around the river. In this part of East Iceland, snow held in the surrounding mountains can strengthen the flow during the melt season.

Waterfall record

The roadside view of Hænubrekkufoss

You can see the waterfall from Route 939. Getting closer is a different decision because there is no formal visitor path.

Roadside views show the falls against the head of the valley. Small pull-off areas have been described near the broad road curve, but there is no developed viewpoint, visitor center, or marked trail. Stop only where the vehicle is fully clear of traffic and never assume an informal patch of ground is suitable parking.

Some travel sources describe a walk down toward the pool. That means crossing unmarked, mossy ground, not following a maintained attraction path. Wet vegetation, loose footing, spray, and snow or ice can make the closer look a poor trade. The roadside view is a complete visit when the ground is uncertain.

Use Öxi conditions as the filter

Hænubrekkufoss is a short stop on Route 939, not a reason by itself to choose the mountain road.

Berufjörður is the fjord setting below Hænubrekkufoss and the Öxi road.
Búlandstindur reflected in Berufjörður below the Öxi road.

Berufjörður is the fjord setting below Hænubrekkufoss and the Öxi road.

If Öxi already fits the drive, allow around 15 to 30 minutes for a safe pull-off and roadside look. Folaldafoss is the clearer nearby waterfall comparison on the same road. If Route 939 does not suit the conditions or the driver, stay with the wider Djúpivogur and Berufjörður plan instead of forcing this one stop.

Check before Route 939