Posted by There is something about waterfalls that captivates us. Maybe it is the raw dynamic energy. Or maybe it is their natural beauty. Or maybe because it seizes our attention and relaxes our stressed minds. Whatever it is, I am fascinated with them.
During our Iceland trip, one activity we did was chasing waterfalls. Iceland is estimated to have over 10,000 waterfalls (known as foss in Icelandic). We probably saw more than 100 along the way as we drove around the southern part of the island. Many of them are small. But some are spectacular that are popular for tourists.
Here are 7 waterfalls that we purposely made a stop to view, and I rank them from the least to my personal favorite. Of course it is a matter of a personal opinion.
#7. Svartifoss
Svartifoss, or “Black Falls” in Icelandic, is a waterfall located within the dramatic landscapes of Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajokull National Park. It is famous for its unique basalt column formations, which inspired the design of Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik.
The only reason it was my least favorite was the hike to the waterfalls is 1.5 km and was a little difficult as it was steep and uphill. Yet, the hike was still beautiful, winding through birch forests, mossy lava fields, and you would see 3 smaller waterfalls along the way.
#6. Oxararfoss
This waterfalls is located in Thingvellir National Park. Unlike most Icelandic waterfalls, which naturally flow from glaciers and mountain rivers, Öxarárfoss is considered a man-made waterfalls, and that’s why I ranked it low.
In the 10th century, early Icelandic settlers intentionally redirected the course of the Öxará River so that it would flow over the cliffs of the Almannagjá gorge. Öxarárfoss sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart.
This means visitors can see a landscape that is literally being reshaped by the movement of Earth’s crust.
#5. Skogafoss
A waterfall on the Skoga River, Skogafoss plunges over a cliff that used to mark the coastline at one time. The coastline has since receded and the river continues its flow across the lowlands until it reaches the ocean. Skogafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, with a single drop of 60 meters (about 197 feet) and a width of 25 meters (about 82 feet).
The amount of spray the waterfall produces is so much that on a sunny day you can pretty much expect to see one or more rainbows (and we capture it on the photo above!) across the waterfall, making the perfect picture.
While admiring Skogafoss from below is reason enough to visit, visitors up for the challenge can climb the 527 steps on the side of the waterfall to a viewing platform that offers a stunning view of Skogafoss from above.
Below is a video I took from the viewing platform. It was breath-taking, both the view and the climb.
#4. Mogafoss
Mogafoss may not be as impressive (video below) compared to other falls. However, the canyon, Fjaðrárgljúfur (good-luck pronouncing that name) Canyon, where the falls is located is something else.
This ancient canyon is known for its steep, moss-covered walls and a serpentine-like shape, with the Fjaðrá River weaving through it like a snake. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hiking path and several viewing platforms overlooking Mögáfoss Waterfall. Its fairytale-like appearance features twisting gorges, rough boulders, and patches of soft moss, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.
If you feel like you are inside a fantasy world, like the world-famous Game of Thrones, it is because many scenes from that series were filmed in Fjaðrárgljúfur.
#3. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss has been one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks since travelers started visiting the country. It is a 60-meter (197-foot) tall waterfall fed by the Seljalandsá River, which flows down from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier above.
This falls is unique because it has a noteworthy pathway to get you really close and personal and let you walk into a cave behind its cascading water. But just be ready to get wet!
#2. Gulfoss
Gullfoss Waterfall, also known as the “Golden Falls,” is perhaps Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. It is fed by the powerful Hvita River, which originates from the Langjokull Glacier. Its name comes from the fine glacial sediment in the river, which can make the water appear golden when the sunlight catches it. The water flows through Iceland’s rugged landscape before plunging over the two-tiered cascade.
Gullfoss is made up of two distinct stages: the first drop is 11 meters (36 feet), followed by a second, larger plunge of 21 meters (69 feet). Together, these stages create an incredible display of nature’s power.
In fact, this falls is said to be Iceland’s most powerful natural landmark, and ranked among the best waterfalls in the country. Here’s a video of the second tier of the falls and how powerful it is.
#1. Gljufrabui
Gljúfrabúi, also affectionately known as the “Canyon Dweller,” is a spectacular 40-meter tall waterfall concealed behind a massive cliff. Venturing into the canyon where Gljúfrabúi cascades requires wading through a shallow stream, but the sight that awaits is truly worth it. The waterfall creates a magical environment, especially on sunny days when rainbows dance through the mist.
The reason it was my favorite is because of the experience getting to the falls. As the falls is hidden, we had to enter a tight, narrow canyon and waded through icy waters. The queue was also long as the viewing space was small. Visitors wait for their turn to climb in to the rock below the falls to have their photo taken, or just to stand there in awe of the mystical falls.
However, when it was your turn to stand there even how short it was, it feels that was just you and the waterfalls, giving an ephemeral and yet ethereal feeling while being soaked by its beauty and its powerful water spray.
So there you have it folks, I hope this gives you a glimpse of the beautiful waterfalls we visited.
From under the icy mist of Icelandic waterfalls,
Pinoytransplant
(*photo and video credit: mostly by my wife)