Hraunfossar is a uniquely beautiful series of waterfalls located on the Hallmundarhraun lava field. This lava field was created when a volcano under the Langjokull glacier erupted shortly after the settlement of Iceland. Hraunfossar is formed as several small streams flow from the lava field into the Hvitá river. The name Hraunfossar appropriately means “Lava Falls,” it is also known as “Girdingar cascade.”
Gjárfoss is one of only a few waterfalls located in the Gjáin valley. Gjáin is known for its basalt columns and lush greenery. Gjárfoss is around 49 ft (15 m) in height. While such a small waterfall may seem unimpressive, the area around Gjárfoss has been described as paradise. What makes Gjárfoss unique is the nearly perfect pool it forms at its base. While a difficult waterfall to access, the Gjárfoss offers a prime swimming hole for its visitors.
The question is often asked, “When is the best time to visit Iceland?” Iceland can get very cold, dark, and have heavy weather. That’s why
Klifbrekkufossar is a series of several cascading falls in the Mjóifjörður fjord. Klifbrekkufossar is one of Iceland’s tallest major waterfalls at 300 ft (91 m) but doesn’t often receive that recognition due to the segmented drops. The name means Klifbrekkufossar, “Climbing Slope Falls,” as the waterfall is shaped like a set of stairs climbing up the cliffside. Fossar is the plural word for waterfalls, but Klifbrekkufossar is considered a single waterfall.
Bjarnarfoss is a 262 ft (80 m) waterfall located in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula of the Western Region. Bjarnarfoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland but receives little attention. What makes Bjarnarfoss a worthy waterfall to visit is its beautiful misty drop as it crashes onto the ground below. At the bottom of the waterfall is where the volcanic basalt columns line the cliffside. The columns look like man-made castle walls. This area, known as the Búðahraun lava fields, was formed by the now extinct Mælifell volcano. This is not to be confused with Maelifell in the Southern Region. The Western Region’s Mælifell is viewable from the waterfall and no longer active. The area and beautiful Bjarnarfoss are listed on the Nature Conservation Register.
Tucked away in the Múlagljúfur canyon, you can find two waterfalls, Múlafoss and Hangandifoss. Múlafoss is the smaller of the two and more challenging to access, but it still adds plenty of beauty to the canyon. Múlafoss is 331 ft with multiple drops, and most drops remain hidden, but the single 176 ft drop is visible.