How long is Bárðardalur valley?

Bárðardalur stretches approximately 45 km from north to south, making it one of Iceland's longest continuously inhabited valleys. It runs south from the area near Húsavík toward the highlands.

Is Goðafoss waterfall in Bárðardalur?

Yes, Goðafoss ('Waterfall of the Gods') sits at the northern end of Bárðardalur where the Skjálfandafljót river drops 12 meters. It's one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, named after the Christianization of Iceland in 1000 AD.

How do I reach Aldeyjarfoss from Bárðardalur?

Aldeyjarfoss is located at the southern end of Bárðardalur, accessible via a highland track (F26/Sprengisandur road). A 4x4 vehicle is required. The waterfall features stunning basalt column formations and is about 40 km south of Goðafoss.

What is the Sprengisandur route?

The Sprengisandur highland route (F26) crosses Iceland's interior from Bárðardalur in the north to south Iceland. It's one of the most remote highland roads, requiring a capable 4x4 vehicle and only open in summer (typically July–September).

When is the best time to visit Bárðardalur?

June to September is ideal for visiting Bárðardalur. Goðafoss is accessible year-round, but Aldeyjarfoss and the Sprengisandur route are only reachable in summer when the highland roads open, typically from late June or July.

Bardardalur (Bárðardalur): Northeast Iceland Valley Guide

Bárðardalur

Updated February 5, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

One of Iceland's longest inhabited valleys (45 km), running south from near Húsavík. The powerful Skjálfandafljót river flows through it, featuring Goðafoss at the northern end and Aldeyjarfoss at the southern. Gateway to the Sprengisandur highland route.

Region

Northeast Iceland

Best time: June to September

Bárðardalur is a valley of two iconic waterfalls and one legendary highland route. The Skjálfandafljót river — one of Iceland's most powerful glacial rivers — carves through the valley, creating Goðafoss near its northern mouth and Aldeyjarfoss at the remote southern end among dramatic basalt columns. The valley has been continuously farmed for centuries and serves as the main gateway to the Sprengisandur interior route.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-05

Goðafoss is accessible year-round via Route 1. Aldeyjarfoss and the Sprengisandur route require a 4x4 and are only open in summer. Always check road.is for highland road status.

Sources to check

Valley Length

45 km

One of Iceland's longest continuously inhabited valleys

Goðafoss

Northern End

Famous 'Waterfall of the Gods' on the Skjálfandafljót

Aldeyjarfoss

Southern End

Stunning waterfall surrounded by basalt columns

Best Season

Jun–Sep

Highland roads open in summer; Goðafoss year-round

Salmon River

Skjálfandafljót

One of Iceland's premier Atlantic salmon rivers runs through the valley

Farming

Agricultural

Fertile valley floor supports traditional Icelandic sheep and cattle farming

Key Highlights

Goðafoss Waterfall

One of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, 12 meters high and 30 meters wide

Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall

Remote waterfall framed by extraordinary basalt column formations

Skjálfandafljót River

One of Iceland's most powerful glacial rivers flowing through the valley

Sprengisandur Gateway

Starting point for the highland route crossing Iceland's barren interior

Historic Farmsteads

Centuries of continuous farming along the fertile valley floor

Húsavík Proximity

Near Iceland's whale watching capital at the valley's northern end

How to Get There

Access via Route 842 or Route 844 branching south from Route 1 near Fosshóll
Goðafoss waterfall sits at the valley's northern entrance, visible from the Ring Road
About 50 km south of Akureyri via Route 1 to the junction, then inland on valley roads
Aldeyjarfoss requires driving Route 842, a gravel road passable by standard car in summer
The southern end connects to highland F-roads (F26 Sprengisandur) requiring 4x4 vehicles

Best Time to Visit

June-August: All valley roads open, Goðafoss and Aldeyjarfoss at their most accessible
Late June: Snowmelt feeds maximum waterfall flow at both Goðafoss and Aldeyjarfoss
September: Fewer visitors, dramatic autumn skies, northern lights over the waterfalls
October-March: Route 842 to Aldeyjarfoss may be impassable; Goðafoss accessible year-round
May: Spring green-up in the valley's birch woodland, river fishing season begins

Planning help

Bardardalur FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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