Waterfalls: Gullfoss, Detifoss, Glymur
Visiting Iceland would be tough if you were to see all of its waterfalls, as, according to the creators of the World Waterfall Database, there are as many as 918 waterfalls on the island, among them 28 exceeding 50m, and 11 of them which are higher than 100m. While in Iceland, it is definitely worth going to see at least a few of them.
The highest
Morsárfoss waterfall (239m) is considered to be the highest, but access to it is difficult due to the glacier that surrounds it. However, the second highest waterfall is Glymur (198m) and the way to it is relatively easy. Glymur is only an hour’s drive from the capital, where most tourists start their journey. A trip to Glymur does in fact require a two-hour walk, but the view of the vertical green rocks straight out of the “Avatar” compensates for the hardships of a three-hour trek and crossing (preferably barefoot, or in flip-flops) of the icy mountain river.
The most impressive
Detifoss is the most impressive waterfall in Iceland and also in the whole of Europe. It is the sight of it that we see in the first scenes of Ridley Scott’s film titled Prometheus. Standing close to the 100-metre-wide waterfall its curtain of grey-brown water is so massive that we can feel a kind of unease.
Most popular
Gullfoss Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. During the summer season, about 140 cubic metres of water per second flows through it! At the beginning of the 20th century, the Icelandic authorities decided to establish a hydroelectric power station there, but protests from local residents and their concern for the environment caused these plans to be abandoned, and thanks to their effort Gullfoss remains accessible to everyone in its natural form at any time of the day or night. One of the advantages of this waterfall is that it is located in the vicinity of the famous geysers, which you will read about in the next point.
The most beautiful
Many visitors to Iceland, at the end of their trip, conclude that the most gorgeous of all is the Skógafoss waterfall. The photo below speaks for itself.
Geysir
Less than 1.5 hours from Reykjavik lies the famous spring in the geothermal valley of Haukadalur. There we can be witness to a vertical jet of water being shot into the air regularly, every few minutes. The oldest sources on this natural wonder date back to 1294, when earthquakes permanently altered the local landscape, creating a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
You don’t have to fly to Patagonia to set foot on a glacier. If you’re travelling along the Icelandic main road, you only need to detour a few kilometres from the road to get an up-close look at the blue-white mass of ice. Sólheimajökull is a narrow section of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the easy access to it makes it a must-see on the route from the capital to the black beach at Viku, mentioned in the section below.
Vik and Mydral
The black beach of Reynisfjara, located near Vik and Mydral, is recognised in many rankings as one of the most spectacular in the world. The pitch-black sand, tall basalt rock formations, Puffins flying above your head and waves reaching several metres make it a place where you can feel for a moment like visiting on a different planet. As most of Iceland’s top attractions, you will find it located just off national road number 1. Right next to the famous beach, you are faced with 60-metre high narrow rocks protruding from the water. It is an extraordinary and photogenic spot. When driving there from Reykjavík, the Dyrhólaey viewpoint is a must. This is where, in the summer season, travellers often get to see Puffins at close distance.
Vestmannaeyjar
It is worth buying a ferry ticket to the Vestmannaeyjar islands a few days in advance, as during the summer season it is a very popular destination, not only among tourists. The phenomenal archipelago is located only 9 kilometres off Iceland’s southern coast. The road to the small harbour from where the ferry departs is only a 1.5-hour drive from the capital. In addition to the geological formations and picturesque location, Vestmannaeyjar is home to the largest concentration of puffins on earth. The islands themselves are small, with just over 4,000 people living there on a daily basis. They can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle.
Thingvellir National Park
Geology and photography enthusiasts, heading from the capital towards the geysers and Gullfoss, usually make a stop at Thingvellir. This is a UNESCO-listed national park and also the place where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930.
Jökulsárlón Ice Bay
Jökulsárlón is a true natural wonder. Five hours’ drive from the capital is the famous bay with the Diamond Beach, making it a spot at the shore from where we can admire icebergs that, according to researchers, have not melted for more than 1,000 years. The bay itself has quadrupled in size since the 1970s, and the ice fjord itself was formed by the erosion and melting of the Vatnajökull glacier. Throughout the year, tourists can watch seals from the shore, and if you can’t get enough, you can rent a canoe or sail a boat among the icebergs on site. This is a very unique place and an absolute “must see” for any trip to Iceland.
The West Fjords
Having 2-3 days to spare, it is well worth exploring Iceland’s West Fjords. Although this is not a terribly popular destination for tourists, the route along the fjords alone provides spectacular views. Once you get there, there are plenty of sights to see, such as the Dynjandi waterfall, or you might take the opportunity to do some trekking in seclusion. This is quite a treat for those who would like to have a break far away from people and closer to nature. The West Fjords can only be visited in the period from May to October.
Skaftafell National Park
The majestic Skaftafell is the true quintessence of Iceland. Although 80 per cent of the park is made up of the Vatnajökull glacier, a trip there will delight you with its diverse geological formations, of which the real gem is the picturesque Svartifoss waterfall.
Reykjavik
The starting point for shorter trips to Iceland is usually the country’s capital. It is a city of less than 130,000 inhabitants, which at first glance differs slightly from other European capitals – it is much quieter, and the pleasant, small-town atmosphere will be a great escape and a good start, or end, to your Icelandic adventure. While you’re in Reykjavik, be sure to check out the local harbour for a whale watching cruise. And if you get hungry, restaurants with Icelandic cuisine (and much more) await in the city centre. Considering how many attractions there are outside the capital, it is hardly ever worth spending more than 1 or 2 days in Reykjavik.
