Black Falls

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ICELAND

SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK

July 2017 • Canon 60D camera


Foss á Síðu

On the way towards Skaftafell National Park, we passed by Foss á Síðu. This waterfall is at a farm on the Ring Road in the South. Not the biggest waterfall in Iceland, but it stands out against the noticeable cliff face and green moss as you drive by. Must be nice to have a waterfall like this in your backyard.


Hvannadalshnúkur

64° 0′ 57′ N, 16° 40′ 29′ W

This pyramid shaped peak is located in the north–western rim of the Oraefajokull Volcano. Situated in Vatnajokull National Park, it is the tallest mountain in Iceland. You can hike up the mountain but it is recommended to go with a guide as the weather is very unpredictable.






Svartifoss

64° 1′ 22.8′ N, 16° 58′ 30′ W

One of the most beautiful and unique waterfalls in Iceland is Svartifoss. It is located in Skaftafell National Park, on the South coast of Iceland. There is is a short hike, around and hour, to get to see the waterfall from the car park. A gentle gradient uphill, it was nice to walk the trail, passing Hundafoss waterfall along the way.


Svartifoss means Black Waterfall. The name is in reference to the black basalt columns that surround the waterfall like an amphitheater. Guðjón Samúelsson, the architect who designed Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik, took great inspiration from Svartifoss. The basalt columns served as the inspiration for the stacked columns on the exterior of the church tower.


Final thoughts

Svartifoss is a beautiful waterfall to visit in Iceland. It should be high on your list of things to do. There is also the added bonus of the short hike to the waterfall which gives you a chance to admire the natural surrounding.

It also builds in the anticipation to see the waterfall, which you will not be disappointed with. The hike is fairly straight forward, with no real difficulties. As always, bring layers with you as the weather can change in an instance, with rain and sunshine all at once.





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