Iceland’s beauty is also its curse, attracting a rampant number of tourists a year. It can sometimes be hard to enjoy the nature that this country has to offer with so many people around! So when you stumble on a hidden gem, it makes the experience all the more special. Kvernufoss Waterfall is still secreted away, even though it is just a stones throw from the wildly popular Skogafoss Waterfall in Southern Iceland. I visited in the middle of a sunshiny September day and had the place blissfully all to myself. So if you’d like to lose the crowds and discover a gorgeous waterfall, make your way to the end of the road past the Skogar Museum where you will find no signage, but a gravel lot beside a warehouse.
The area doesn’t look like much, but that’s great because we don’t want everyone to find out about this place. Follow the fence towards the mountains and find a collection of rusted farm equipment, along with a perfect little ladder to hop on over.
We passed just a handful people heading back from the falls who were glowing with happiness. The walk is no longer than 20 minutes and easy, just .4 of a mile with few spots that are slippery and little elevation. Just head along the faint dirt path staying towards the left until you reach the Kverna River where you head upstream.
In no time the waterfall appeared peeking out of the Kvernugil Gorge, piquing my excitement.
When it fully revealed itself I couldn’t believe my eyes! This 98 foot beauty had a dazzling rainbow and a trail of mist.
Perhaps the most incredible element of all is the fact that you can walk behind the falls, but don’t forget to wear a rain jacket or you’ll get soaked!
Hearing the power of this waterfall in otherwise silence is a meditative event.
Trace the outline of the gorge and imagine the erosion process over thousands of years.
Less than a mile round trip to see this wonder, a favorite little memory in a country filled with amazing sights.
Nearby:
Haven’t experienced the F Roads, that is at the top of the list for a second visit!!
One key to avoiding the crowds that I learned on our recent Iceland excursion would be to overcome fear of more rugged means of alternative travel.