Why You Need to Visit Iceland's Gljúfrafoss Waterfall

Magic Iceland
Magic Iceland | © Jayphen / Flickr
Camille Buckley

Natural features that get a lot of worthy attention in Iceland are the waterfalls that dot the remote island country. In such a rugged landscape, there are ample opportunities for a river to find its way to sea by rambling over steep cliffs, resulting in thousands of waterfalls. Iceland has an abundance of water in all forms from swimming pools, hot pools, lakes, geysers, glaciers, rivers, and the North Atlantic ocean. Many of the major waterfalls can be seen from the main ring road, which circulates around Iceland, including the hidden gem, Gljúfrafoss, or, as it is sometimes known, Gljúfrabúi.

Gljufrafoss

It is one of Iceland’s smaller waterfalls, although its size takes nothing away from its allure. It is actually located just behind the more notorious waterfall of Seljalandsfoss, which one can see from the Ring Road in the South. This makes Gljúfrafoss a bit of a hidden treasure as Seljalandsfoss definitely gets a lot more attention. The name translates into English as “one who lives in the canyon” – a fitting moniker for these falls as they are partially obscured by the surrounding cliffs.

To reach the falls, adventurers must follow a trail that enters a narrow canyon where the water gathers into a small pool. This is actually one of the few waterfalls where you can stand right beneath it and feel the mist on your face and the thundering sound. When visiting, it is a good idea to wear rain gear and definitely some waterproof boots, as you have to step from rock to rock up the stream to get to the waterfall.

Glufrafoss

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