Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss is a waterfall 85 kilometers south of Husavik along road F26 (Sprengisandsleið or Sprengisandur), a road that leads through the Highlands and ends on road 1 in the southwest, not far from Hvolsvöllur. From Goðafoss follow the road along the west bank of Skjalfandafljót River past the farm called Mýri where the road makes a sharp left hand turn. Let yourself through a gate but make sure you close it behind you to prevent animals from wandering off.

The river Skjálfandafljót drops down over 20 meters. Though only 20 metres in height, Aldeyjarfoss waterfall has symmetrical features and geologically interesting surrounds. Tumbling through a narrow passage into a wide basin, the concertinaed black basalt columns provide a stark contrast against the thrashing white foam, making it oft considered one of Iceland’s photographic gems. The basalt belongs to a lava field called Frambruni or Suðurárhraun,hraun being the Icelandic designation for lava.

The source of the river Skjálfandafljót can be found at the Vatnajökull glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Europe. In summertime, when temperatures rises, the river Skjálfandafljót can become quit voluminous.

By following the river from Vatnajökull to Skjalfandi (Bay) you will find several interesting and famous waterfalls like: Goðafoss, Æðarfossar, Hrafnabjargafoss, Barnafoss and Ullarfoss. 100 meter upstream from Aldeyarfoss you will find another small waterfall Ingvararfossar.

Goðafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and undoubtedly the most famous one in Þingeyjarsveit county. Goðafoss waterfall is easily spotted from the Ring road and there‘s ample parking available on both sides of it. At Fosshóll on the eastern side there‘s a tourist information office, fuel station, grocery store, restaurant, handcraft market and a guesthouse. The river majestically cascades 17 meters from a horse shoe shaped rim into a ravine of volcanic origin. The waterfall is accessible from both sides of the river which presents a great opportunity for photographers to capture its essence any time of the day. An ancient legend explains the name of the waterfall.

Hrafnabjargafoss waterfall is one of the hidden secrets of Þingeyjarsveit County and is found a few kilometres further south in the same river. From Aldeyjarfoss continue to drive along the same road you came in on (842). This road changes into a tertiary road, F-26, a so-called Fjallvegur or mountain road which is only accessible in summer. Continue until you get to a fence that leads down the hill to Íshólsvatn lake on your right hand side. Drive or hike in the opposite direction of the lake, alongside the fence until you‘ll reach the river where you‘ll find Hrafnabjargafoss waterfall.

Barnafoss waterfall is in a 100 meter deep ravine. From Goðafoss drive along the Ring road in the direction of Akureyri. Turn north along route 85 for 2-3 km and look for sign on the right hand side saying Fremstafell which is the name of an abandoned farm. From there follow a track for 3-4 km which in summer is suitable for larger sedans, and 4×4 vehicles.

Photo 1 by Eirasi, flickr.com
Photo2 by Luc Morandi, flickr.com