Gljúfursárfoss

Gljúfursárfoss is a waterfall in Vopnafjörður that plunges down rocky cliffs and cuts through a deep canyon before reaching the fjord below. The flow creates different views depending on the season and water level, with the surrounding rock walls displaying layers of dark and lighter stone.

This river valley was once dreaded by travelers who had to cross the Gljúfursá river, as water levels could become dangerously high. A bridge was constructed in 1900 to make the crossing safer and more reliable for local movement.

Local history records multiple casualties at river crossings, leading to the construction of a bridge over Gljúfursá in the year 1900.

A marked path leads from the parking area to several viewpoints along the river where you can observe the waterfall and canyon from different angles. The ground is often wet and slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is essential for safety.

The water cascading here flows over mineral-rich rock layers that give the canyon walls their distinctive coloring, with bands of red, yellow, and dark stone visible throughout. These colored strata were created by volcanic processes and make this gorge stand out from other river valleys in the area.