Of all Iceland’s stunning sceneries, its many waterfalls stand out as some of its most majestic natural phenomena. Shaped by its stunning glaciers that flow outwards in all direction, the mighty Vatnajokull glacier drains north feeding the mighty Dettifoss and the stunning Godafoss. The most visited double waterfall is at Gullfoss. Albeit part of the golden triangle its popularity arises more from its ferocity. Lastly, sleek Skogarfoss, as our 1st experience also rates very highly. There are many others, impressive in their location, altitude or mythology.
Gullfoss waterfall
The original guides to the waterfall way back in 1875 was Sigridur in Brattholt and her sisters who lived in the area. They created the 1sttrail through the very rough landscape to reach the waterfall. Little is known however of the origin of its name. One suggestion stems from the golden colour of the water at dusk and another from the ever-present rainbow. Perhaps the most tragic is that of a Scrooge-like character called Gygur. He is supposed to have thrown his gold into the river to prevent anyone else from benefitting!
The popularity of this waterfall no doubt stems from its sheer beauty and its proximity to both Geysir and Pingvellir national park. The Gullfoss gorge is thought to have been carved from flash flood waters eroding out the lava layers below. It is the only waterfall here with a double fall. The 1stfall has a beautiful cascading drop of just 11m, while the 2ndis far more sheer but is deeper at 31m.
In 1979 Gullfoss and the surrounding areas were designated a nature reserve to protect its ecosystem. Access to the site is managed well due to the large visitor numbers and for ecological protections. A system of stairwells and pathways take you as close as possible to the water. A sign at the waterfall suggest that Gullfoss in the near future will be harnessed to produce hydroelectricity.
Skogarfoss
Visible from route one just over an hour from Reykjavik is the Skogarfoss waterfall just below the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. This 62m fall is visible from the ring road and is also popular with visitors. The Eyjafjallajökull glacier came to prominence in 2010, when it erupted, disrupting international flights. There is a stairwell hewn into the hillside that takes you to a platform at the top of the waterfall. The fall is impressive from all angles.
Godafoss
The river Skjalfandafljot at 180km is Iceland’s 4thlongest river. It also originates from the Vatnajokull glacier and follows the line of a lava flow. The name is said to derive from the conversion of Porgeir, Chieftain of the Ljosavatn district. He was also the Speaker of the Althing, Iceland’s 1stparliament in the year 1000. Following his conversion to Christianity he threw the statues of his pagan gods into the waterfall. The fall although just 12m high produces two falls side by side. It is perfect in the changing evening light when there are only a handful of folk around.
Dettifoss
Dettifoss is one of the waterfalls in the Jokulsa river, a river that originates in the Vatnajokull ice cap. Incidentally, it is treasured as one of the natural wonders of Iceland. Albeit just 45m tall and approximately 100m wide it is by far the most voluminous of the waterfalls. Due to its large volume of water, measured at around 200m3, it has potential to generate hydroelectric power. Closeby is Sellfoss, a much smaller fall, and easily accessible from Dettifoss. Furthermore, downstream from Dettifoss is Hafragilsfoss, another beautiful fall around 25m tall.
The road to the west of the fall is sealed. In addition it has a car park and facilities. The roar of the water can be heard from the car park and becomes deafening the closer you get. There are many superb walking trails through the boulder strewn lava to both falls on this side of the river. There is an unmade road on the east of the falls which allows for even closer access to the fall. The lack of a 4WD sadly prevented us from accessing this side of the fall.
Nangle angle
If you have the time to choose, visit Dettifoss for the stunning location, fewer visitors and the opportunity to walk on less organised trails.
Nangle facts & tips
Some of the best hikes are around Dettifoss.
