The Valagil Hiking Trail
The Westfjords region in Iceland is one of the most rugged and untouched areas in the country. Despite its remote nature, it boasts plenty of hiking trails, with the Valagil hike being one of the most popular.
This trail leads to the stunning Valagilsfoss waterfall, located at the end of the scenic Álftafjörður fjord, a branch of the well-known Ísafjarðardjúp fjord, near the small village of Súðavík.
How to get to Valagil
Valagil is located in the northern part of the Westfjords, just 8 km (about 5 miles) south of Súðavík and its beautiful church, and only 30 km (about 19 miles) from Ísafjörður, the capital of the fjords.
You’ll need to take Road 61 which crosses the northern fjords from west to east. The road is in great condition and you won't need a 4x4 vehicle to drive there!
Just before reaching the Álftafjörður fjord, you’ll spot a small parking area with a sign for Valagil—this is the starting point for the hike.
The Hike to the Waterfall
The Valagil canyon with a waterfall in the background (keep in mind this is not the Valagil waterfall!)
The origin of the waterfall's name is not officially known. Some believe it comes from the falcons that nest here, as "valur" means falcon in Icelandic, and "gil" means gorge or ravine. Others ascribe the name to a local legend with a gruesome narrative, as is often the case in Iceland: a woman named "Vala" is said to have fallen into the gorge and died there.
From the parking area, a well-marked path heads southwest towards a canyon with a waterfall in the background. You may be tempted to think this is the Valagil waterfall, but it’s not! The actual Valagil waterfall only appears at the very end of the hike.
An easy path to the Valagil waterfall.
The trail to Valagil waterfall is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. It winds through a lush green meadow, with rockier terrain near the end.
Along the way, you'll cross a few small streams before reaching a canyon on your right. After a 2 km walk (about 50 minutes), the famous Valagil waterfall will appear. Arctic terns and other birds are abundant here, adding to the tranquility of the area, which doesn’t see heavy foot traffic.
The Valagil Waterfall in all its glory
Valagilsfoss waterfall is tucked away in the canyon and you’ll find multiple spots for photographing it from both upstream and downstream of the stream. The waterfall cascades over several tiers into a dramatic gorge, the striking blue water contrasting beautifully against the green moss and plant life.
For an even better view, there’s a platform that lets you cross to the opposite side of the canyon with additional vantage points.
The return hike follows the same path, and the entire round-trip is less than two hours (4 km) in total.
If you're looking for more adventure, you can extend your hike a bit further south toward the other waterfall visible from the parking area. This adds 4 km to the hike and includes some elevation gain, bringing the total round-trip to 8 km.
Where to Stay Near Valagil
The view over the fjord from the waterfall
While the trail isn’t typically crowded, staying nearby to enjoy the hike during the late evening under the midnight sun in summer can be a truly magical experience.
Accommodation options close to Valagil are limited. The nearest village is Súðavík, where you’ll find the well-known:
A bit further away, in Ísafjörður:
