Reykjafoss access closure

Confirm reopening before planning a visit to Reykjafoss. On June 29, 2026, the landowner announced that access to the waterfall and Fosslaug on his land was closed.

Vísir reported the closure after interviewing landowner Dagur Torfason. Heimildin reproduced his statement that general access on his side was closed for the time being. No reopening date was given. This does not establish a permanent closure, but it means an older recommendation to walk in is insufficient.

The restriction names Fosslaug Hot Spring as well as the waterfall. Do not use one as a way around the other’s access restrictions, and do not enter across a fence or closed gate.

Landowner access announcement

The waterfall near Varmahlíð

Reykjafoss is a tiered cascade in open Skagafjörður countryside. Visit Skagafjörður places it about 7 km from Varmahlíð, making the village the nearest useful point for local visitor information.

The retained photographs show separate rocky ledges, chutes and pools rather than a single curtain of water. The wider landscape is farmland and riverbank, with Fosslaug beside the river near the falls. These images explain the place; they do not show whether an approach is authorized.

Reykjafoss drops over several ledges through open Skagafjörður farmland.
Reykjafoss waterfall breaking into several rocky cascades in green Skagafjordur countryside.

Reykjafoss drops over several ledges through open Skagafjörður farmland.

Older descriptions focus on a short rural walk. A short distance does not make a closed approach usable. The map pin identifies the waterfall’s location, not verified visitor parking or a permitted trailhead.

Paths, viewpoints and the neighboring spring

Do not rely on old parking instructions or a suggested viewing point while access remains unconfirmed. A parking charge, map listing or photograph of visitors is not a reopening announcement.

If local visitor information confirms that access has resumed, ask which approach is authorized and follow the signs there. No alternative route across adjoining land is verified here. Avoid making a detour simply to see whether a gate can be bypassed.

An earlier visitor photograph shows snowy riverbanks. It does not establish access after the landowner’s closure announcement.
Visitor looking over snowy Reykjafoss and the surrounding Skagafjordur river landscape.

An earlier visitor photograph shows snowy riverbanks. It does not establish access after the landowner’s closure announcement.

The Fosslaug guide explains the bathing implications. The spring is small and outdoors beside the river, so even a future access change would not by itself establish bathing safety or accessible facilities.

Fosslaug shares the same access restriction; the pool photograph is not confirmation that bathing is available.
Fosslaug hot spring beside the river near Reykjafoss in North Iceland.

Fosslaug shares the same access restriction; the pool photograph is not confirmation that bathing is available.

Other stops around Skagafjörður

Use Varmahlíð to rethink the day and ask about access. Its local services and municipal pool offer options that do not depend on reaching the waterfall.

For nearby cultural context, look at Glaumbær. If your route already follows the coast, Hofsós is another separate destination to consider. Check each place’s visitor details and travel time before substituting it.

Kolugljúfur Canyon lies farther west, while Goðafoss and Akureyri belong to a longer journey east. They are alternatives for different route segments, not adjacent replacements for Reykjafoss. Use the North Iceland guide to compare those broader route choices.

Local visitor information

Driving conditions