Drífandi is a distinctive waterfall beneath the western Eyjafjöll mountains in South Iceland, close to Seljalandsfoss and the Ring Road. The waterfall drops from the high cliffs of Eyjafjöll, although its flow can vary and at times it can be surprisingly difficult to spot.
What makes Drífandi particularly unusual is the interaction between the waterfall and the strong winds that frequently occur beneath Eyjafjöll. In windy conditions, the falling water can be blown away from the cliff before it reaches the ground, creating the drifting effect for which the waterfall is known.
In winter the waterfall takes on a very different appearance as water freezes against the cliffs and large formations of ice can develop. This makes Drífandi interesting in different seasons, although extra care is required when ice and slippery conditions are present.
The geology surrounding Drífandi is also noteworthy. Layers of lava and palagonite tuff can be seen in the cliffs. The rock face is an ancient sea cliff, formed when sea level was considerably higher near the end of the last glacial period and waves eroded the western Eyjafjöll mountains.
Drífandi is located close to Route 1 and can easily be included in a journey along Iceland's South Coast. A small parking area on the south side of the Ring Road, shortly after the turn towards Seljalandsfoss, provides a good place from which to view the waterfall.