Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss seemed like it was a bit out of the way to reach, but once we saw its gushing characteristic amongst ancient lavafields and basalt columns, we felt it was worth the trouble. The basalt columns and the powdery color attest to the glacial origins of the watercourse as well as the familiar interplay of fire and ice. They all add to the drama of the scene.

This waterfall apparently belongs to the river Skjálfandafljót (like Goðafoss and Geitafoss) on the northern end of the Sprengisandur 4wd road.

It seemed like most of the effort was just driving here, but the walk amongst the desolate moonscape of the Icelandic Interior was only about 10-15 minutes each way.

During our visit, it seemed like we were joined by a club of SUV-driving visitors. But aside from this group (who showed up just as we were leaving; almost blocking us in at the car park), we were the only people here. So I'm sure a peaceful waterfalling experience can be had if you were looking for it.

Directions: We left from Akureyri and headed east on the Ring Road for about 50km. Then, we turned right onto route 842 (if you see Goðafoss, you went too far).

We followed the unsealed Route 842 for about 37km. At that point, the road turned left right into a gate where we had to get out of the car to open and close it. Once beyond the gate, we were officially on the Sprengisandur Road (F26), which we took for almost the next 4km to the turnoff and car park for Aldeyjarfoss.

In the last 4km, the road was a little bit rougher, but we saw no reason why a 2wd vehicle couldn't make it (so long as care is taken). Fortunately, we didn't have to encounter any of those scary unbridged river crossings that the signs warned about.

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Closing the gate after passing through it to get onto the F26

Walking in the desolate moonscape near Sprengisandur on the way to the falls

Julie checking out Aldeyjarfoss

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TRIP REPORTS

• June 28, 2007

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