Ketubjorg

Ketubjörg is a an exceptional waterfall in the north of Iceland, about 50 kilometers north of Sauðárkrókur on the Skagi Peninsula.. Actually the name of the waterfall Ketubjörg is the same as the cliff where the water is falling into the Atlantic ocean and is famous for the millions of birds nesting at the cliff and swarming in the skies above.

Ketubjörg Waterfall is located close to the mouth of Skagafjörður Fjord (Skagafjordur) on the western side of the fjord along road 745. From road 745, there is a signed path to the cliffs which takes about 15 minutes.

Ketubjörg Waterfall, around 120 metres high, is truly impressive where it falls off the spectacular Ketubjörg Cliff straight down onto the shore below. The cliff itself was probably formed during the last ice age but moulded by the powerful waves of the sea throughout the centuries, leaving the steep cliff, skerries and carved rocks with holes in them. Ketubjörg Cliff is also decorated with beautiful columnar basalt formations that add to the majestic beauty of the cliff.

There is a legend telling that it was difficult to travel along the road above the cliffs due to the activity of Giants in the cliffs. Priests that had to travel along the road used holy bells that they started ringing once they reached “Priesthill” and kept ringing until they passed the cliffs. Finally one priest managed using magic to control the activity in the cliffs and silence the Giants.

The road through the Skagi Peninsula threads the coastline from Skagaströnd Town (Skagastrond) in the west to Sauðárkrókur Town (Saudarkrokur) to the east. Along the way are many interesting things to see, like Kálfshamarsvík Cove, with its prominent lighthouse.