Plizio Visual Lab
Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant is located in the southern highlands of Iceland on the Tungnaá River and was commissioned in 1981. With an installed capacity of 210 megawatts, it stands as one of the largest hydropower stations in the country and is a vital link in the energy cascade of the Þjórsá-Tungnaá river system. The facility utilizes a significant hydraulic head of 88 meters, with water delivered to the turbines through three massive steel penstocks. The construction of the plant was a strategic response to the rapidly increasing demand for electricity from Iceland's expanding industrial sector during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Hrauneyjalón reservoir not only serves power production purposes but also acts as a prominent feature within the region's stark volcanic landscape. The station is noted for its high reliability and operational efficiency, and is now largely controlled remotely from the central operations center in Reykjavík. Hrauneyjafoss also functions as a key gateway for travelers venturing into the central highlands and the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Landmannalaugar (25 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | -3 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 1 | -3 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 223 | 205 | 196 | 154 | 111 | 108 | 130 | 139 | 209 | 190 | 193 | 224 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant is one of the most powerful in Iceland, utilizing the drop of the Tungnaá river for electricity generation. It plays a key role in powering the aluminium processing industry.
Visiting
The plant itself is typically not open to the public, being located in a remote region. However, from surrounding highland roads the dam and water outlets are visible.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the highland road F208, which passes near the plant and has a broad view of the facility. The shore of the Sultartangalón reservoir also provides a nice perspective.
Local products
There are no direct sales points near the plant, but in nearby towns like Kirkjubæjarklaustur, local textiles and handicrafts can be purchased. The region is also known for its wild berries, harvested in summer.
Active season
Hydropower plants operate year-round, but meltwater flows are strongest in spring and summer, boosting output. The highland roads are only passable from June to September, making this the best time to visit.
Nearby
Combine the visit with a drive through the Icelandic highlands to nearby Sprengisandur or the Þjórsá waterfalls. A detour to the hamlet of Árnes with its historic stone bridges is also worthwhile.
Geography
Facts
- The power plant was commissioned in the year 1981.
- The total installed capacity of the plant is 210 megawatts.
- It operates with a hydraulic head of 88 meters.
- Three large Francis turbines are housed within the station.
- The reservoir created for the plant is called Hrauneyjalón.
- Hrauneyjafoss is the second-largest hydropower plant in the Þjórsá system.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How large is the Hrauneyjafoss power plant?
It is one of Iceland's largest hydropower plants, a key part of the Landsvirkjun grid.
Why is it named Hrauneyjafoss?
It is named after the former waterfalls that existed there before the plant was built.
Are there services for travelers nearby?
The Hrauneyjar Highland Center provides accommodation and food for highland visitors.
How does the power plant affect the landscape?
It includes large reservoirs and channels that shape the image of this volcanic region.
When should this area be avoided?
In winter and spring, when snow and thaw can make roads impassable.
Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant: where is it located?
Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant is located in Iceland.
Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant is located in the southern highlands of Iceland on the Tungnaá River and was commissioned in 1981.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Kópavogur
Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Sigalda Power Station
The Sigalda Power Station is located in the Icelandic highlands on the Tungnaá river.
Sultartangi Hydropower Plant
The Sultartangi Hydropower Plant is part of the cascade system on the Þjórsá river.
Vatnsfell Power Station
The Vatnsfell Power Station optimizes water usage in the highlands by using the Thorisvatn reservoir.
Steinsholt
Steinsholt is an archaeological site where the remains of a medieval assembly place and a farm from the Settlement Period were discovered.
Stöng
Stöng was a Viking Age farm buried under ash in 1104 by an eruption of the volcano Hekla.
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is a valley in the Icelandic Highlands known for its colorful rhyolite mountains.
Búrfell Hydropower Plant
The Búrfell Hydropower Plant was the largest facility in the country when it opened.
Torfajökull Massif
A large volcanic area in the southern highlands, famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and intense geothermal activity.