Fossabrekkur small waterfalls

Fossabrrekkkur by the source of the river Rangá

In some unexpected places in Iceland, you can find a small spot that sticks out, even a small oasis. One of these locations is Fossabrekkur, near the turn to Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri and Dómadalsleið Highland road, where two small rivers meet by the source of the river Rangá. It is located at the root of the volcano Hekla not far from the waterfalls Tröllkonuhlaup. The area is a vast spread of sand and volcanic ash with some creeks and rivers. In the middle of nowhere, as it seems, you will find this refreshing oasis, Fossabrekkur. What makes it interesting is the beauty of this small spot. At a small slope by the river, a collection of vegetation has found roots around a few small waterfalls leaking down the slope. Like many waterfalls in a horizontal position, not like Klifbrekkufossar in the East and Dynjandi at the Westfjords, where the many waterfalls are in a vertical position. And this is what makes it so interesting, the vegetation and the clear water. On a good day, the blue sky only enhances the beauty and calmness of this spectacular place.

Fossabrekkur in South Region on the map of Iceland

It is a good idea to stop at Fossabrekkur in the summer

Fossabrekkur small vaterfalls

Although someone put a sign on the road pointing to this interesting place doesn’t mean that it is always interesting. We can only recommend that you visit this place from the beginning of June until the end of August. It is not a place you want to visit during winter, even though some of the nearby places, like Þjófafoss, can be interesting during winter. This is also a great place to stop for a picnic if you are driving to Landmannalaugar or starting your journey through the North Fjallabak road.

How to drive to Fossabrekkur

Fossabrekkur is a kind of oasis in the middle of a ash desert

The road is more or less the same from Reykjavík as driving to the start of Landmannaleið or Nyrðri Fjallabak. When you drive from Reykjavík, you look out for the road Landvegur Nr. 26 after you pass the bridge on the mighty river Þjórsá on the Ring Road Nr. 1. You need to drive approximately 50 kilometers north and by the mountain Búrfell, you will find the sign to Fossabrekkur. When you have made your stop, it is recommended to go on F225 and continue on Landmannaleið, and along the way, you can stop at some fascinating places like Rauðifoss, Ljótipollur, and of course, Landmannalaugar. But remember that for this road, we recommend a good 4X4 vehicle.

If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.